Enfield, Krag, K98, or ??? What to buy next?

[wyrmzr]

I'm loving some of these old military rifles, and am starting to do some research on what is available out there. I've got a Mosin 91/30 (just one so far, but more are likely in my future).
However, I want to start expanding my collection, and am not sure where is the next best place to start. For the molds I already have, the Enfield would likely use the same bullet as my Mosin, as would the Krag (.314 diameter dropping 180 grains). I'm not sure about something like a K98, though, and I need to research the caliber some yet.
Anyone have any caveats, or even other suggestions for the C&R type rifles?

[Scharfschuetze]

I was just at the range today shooting an SMLE (circa 1942-Lithgow), a BYF 43 Kar 98 Mauser and a Swiss K31 circa 1942. I really couldn't tell you which one was more fun as they are all more fun than a barrel of monkey when fed good ammo.

I think that your choice would be best based on which rifle is in the best condition and has the best bore. That should be some insurance towards getting one that shoots well.

Oh yeah, a good Krag or Mosin can be equally as much fun and the long sight radius on the rifle versions is quite an aid for aging eyes. The Krag rifles have a windage adjustable sight (all the numerous versions of its rear sight) which can be very helpful getting the rifle zeroed. The other rifles on your list usually require some front sight drifting to zero for deflection.

A good shootable Krag will probably be the hardest on your list to find. A good Yugo Model 48 Mauser with excellent bore and hardware will probably be the easiest to find although Lee Enfields are still found in good numbers.

[pworley1]

There is no bad choice. Once started you will find that you will always need one more. I would also suggest a Finnish model 39 if you really want to see what a Mosin will do. Enjoy what ever you get.

[nagantguy]

Another nagant and with the money you save you can buy more molds, powder, primers lube dies ect. You can get a Finn. A Chinese 53 a hex receiver made by Remington. I guess I'm just parshal to the breed I do love my Mauser's as well.

[leadman]

I would take one of my 1903a3s as first, one of my 1891 Argentine Mausers, then a 93 Mauser, MN 91/30, Krag, 98 Mauser, then one of my Rolling Blocks.

[Petrol & Powder]

All good choices but I bet a good K98 would be the easiest to find. Good Krag's are hard to find and generally expensive.
My first center-fire rifle was an Enfield and it taught me a lot. Finding one now with a good barrel can be a challenge all of itself.
I had a 1903 Springfield (not an A3) that was a great rifle but I saw something else that I wanted more and traded it. Wish I had that one back.
There are some great old rifles out there and the market for un-molested old bolts actions seems to be heating up a bit. In a way I think that is a good thing. As the prices go up there will be more of these great old guns preserved in original condition. There's nothing wrong with sporterized rifles when it is done correctly but I like seeing some originals that aren't in museums.

[madsenshooter]

If you don't have a K31 yet, they're a good option. No doubt the most accurate milsurp I have.

[lefty o]

whatever trips your trigger. ive got half dozen mausers, 5 mosins(all different), 1917, P14, couple enfields, M1 carbine, M1 garand, etc......... if you only have mosins, i might recommend a swedish mauser to you. in good shape they are very well made, and many consider them the most accurate bolt action milsurp rifle made.

[Char-Gar]

If I were you, and I am not, and had a yen for mil-surps, I would build a collection of US Military rifles. Yes, they are expensive and the price just keeps going up. They will never cost less than they do now, and will only grow in value if cared for. There is a much stronger demand for US military rifles than those of other countries. You will also have a piece of American history.

The 1903A3 would be a place to start, followed by the Model 1917, 1903, Krag and Garand in no particular order. They are all 30 caliber and two or three molds will do for them all.

That is what I would do, were I you, which as we know, I am not.

[bob208]

well you are grtting in to it about 15 years too late.

but don't set your mind on any one model. just keep an eye out for anything that pops up. buy books and read then you will know what you are looking at. public auctions are a good place to find some now. because the old guys that bought them years ago are dieing off now.

[Char-Gar]

well you are grtting in to it about 15 years too late.

but don't set your mind on any one model. just keep an eye out for anything that pops up. buy books and read then you will know what you are looking at. public auctions are a good place to find some now. because the old guys that bought them years ago are dieing off now.

Price is all relevant. In the period 1961 to 1963 I bought a number of mil-surps rifles which were.

03A3 - $20.00 from the DCM
US 1917 - $25.00
SMLE - $20.00
1903 Springfield - $35.00
Krag rifle - $25.00

At the same time I bought a new Winchester 70 for $102.00.

You can compare this with todays numbers for a Winchester 70 and the same mil-surps to get an idea of how the prices have risen on each. I don't think it is ever to late to buy a quality firearm.

In 2003, I paid $550.00 for a primo Garand and was glad to get it for that price. In 2012 I bought a good Remington 1917 for $500.00 and was also glad to get it for that price. Sold today I could get a $200.00 profit on the 1917 and a $500.00 profit on the Garand. Pay what your must today, because next year they will be worth more.

I have been buying and selling guns for over 50 years and have never sold or traded off a gun for less than I had in it. I always got more, sometimes a little and sometimes a lot.

When this old guy dies, there will be allot of high quality vintage firearms for sale, but they will not be cheap so don't wait around like a bunch of buzzards. :-)

[30calflash]

If you're half warm for a Garand, get it now! ODCMP has them but the supply is dwindling. Before it gets to be an "I wish I got.." moment.

All of those mentioned are good, add a Swede mauser if you're thinking of various quality milsurps in something besides 30 cal.

[John Allen]

Check out the 1917 Enfields. They are great guns and still not crazy priced.

[wyrmzr]

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=442081597
Is that a steal, or is there something seriously wrong here that I just don't see? (as of my posting this, it was still at $100 with no bids)

[Char-Gar]

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=442081597
Is that a steal, or is there something seriously wrong here that I just don't see? (as of my posting this, it was still at $100 with no bids)

Well for starters, it has been reblued and stock refinished. Swivels added as well as front sight band and sight. But what is keeping people away are those holes in the side of the receiver, one all of the way though. They were not put there by Springfield.

Without the holes and with a good barrel it would be $300.00. With the holes much less. Somebody will buy it and part it out on Ebay. The front band looks to be a carbine band and would bring more than the $100.00 itself.

[wyrmzr]

Yeah, those holes are what really caught my eye, but I wasn't sure if that was maybe something that was supposed to be there, or someone rigging something up (or attempting to). I watched it, and the auction simply expired. Not exactly a loss.

[W.R.Buchanan]

Buy now ,,, Avoid "Future Regret."

Randy

[Artful]

Buy now ,,, Avoid "Future Regret."

Randy

How true - your getting good advise - can't really go wrong collecting Mil-surp's from major world powers -
First I would check what's available locally - lots of guns get traded in especially after hunting season is over...

Best Bargin's probably thru CMP - this means most for your money - not the cheapest...
http://www.odcmp.com/sales.htm

Vendors to watch - that I have found bargins at
http://www.jgsales.com/
http://www.aimsurplus.com/
http://www.impactguns.com/surplus-firearms.aspx

The other thing that I look at is the Bubba's special's - I'm a shooter not a collector
so if/when I find a gun that's mechanically good but not period/issue correct and the price is accordingly reduced
it can be a great bargin. One other thing is to think about ammo availability - cheap surplus ammo tends to come and go
at one point you could buy 8x57mm mauser for $0.05 per round now a days the you have to pay $5, $10, $15 or even $20 a box of 20 cartridges for military surplus ammo. And some is very hard to get -

[Love Life]

Look in pawn shops. Great places to find Milsurp rifles on the cheap.

[orbitalair]

Was in my LGS just this morning. He had 2 Krags, both 1898s. One sporterized, one uncut. The uncut Krag had a cracked stock, repaired with big screw, $1200. The sporterized one, $1000. Not sure if these guys want to barter, or just keep guns for a long time until someone actually buys them????

[John Boy]

If you don't have a K31 yet, they're a good option. No doubt the most accurate milsurp I have. Ditto!
I shoot out to 1000 yds with mine using the old Ideal 311413, the 'Squabb'
Last after 9 rounds, finally hit a skinny Coyote silhouette with that broad front sight. Have a KN scope mount & long eye relief 12X scope on my to do list