I will admit that my passion for firearms got started with Battlefield 1. My first gun ever was a Mauser 1914. German empire stamps. I still admire it when I pull it out. This surge of interest should be looked at more as a positive. The game helped bring attention to our shambling WW1 memorials in DC.
The US surplus firearms price hike is the worst of all for me because I literally can't justify blowing $1200-1500 to add to my surplus collection. Kills me man to see M1 Garands mocking me with their prices. German surplus is ridiculous as well.
That's actually a really good point. Time flies and before you know it the stuff that is just "old" becomes antique and collectable. Always a good idea to get in on it early. Same with cars. A few years ago you could get a Porsche 928 or 944 for under $10,000, a car from the 1980s in 2005 is just an old car, but by 2030 or 2040 it's going to be a highly valuable classic. (Just looked it up, 928 are now selling for $60,000-75,000 It was only just back in 2007 I almost bought one in great condition for 8k.)
In defense of video games: a lot of my gun fascination was driven by games. I own my para SKS thanks to Battlefield Vietnam. As the years went by the games faded away, but I love my rifles more than ever!
I have to admit that when a 'kid' tells me about some gun in a video game I kinda tune out... Never played one in my life but some seem pretty realistic when he showed it to me
Man. My last surplus rifle purchase was a very nice condition, rechambered Steyr 1895 long rifle to go along with my carbine. I managed to get it for $300 in 2019 at, believe it or not, a gun show. I hung up my hat after that one because I knew I'd never score like that again. This video is making me wist to have been a little bit older so I could have had money to pay these 2012 prices all day long. Especially wish I could get my hands on a Krag to celebrate my Norwegian history!
You might get lucky on a Krag soon. Since the ammo is so damn expensive, the demand for them is tanking since people are having to choose between eating and buying Krags. Keep your eyes peeled (gunbroker has a bunch of sporterized carbines and rifles and there's no shame in playing with one of those for cheap and possibly restoring one to enjoy your heritage) 😀
I got a Steyr Model 1895 Carbine for only 200 dollars back in 2013. It's in good condition and works very well. Only issues are the ammo cost. I'll probably never sell it unless someone is willing to drop me over 5,000 dollars since the gun holds it's historical value very well.The 8x56R is literally a small handcannon with it's superior pullback bolt.
@@nicholasmaugeri759 The only flaw I can see about this rifle personally is the lack of ammo. I got 1 box of PPU 8x56R and it costed me 22 dollars back in 2014. Right now it's probably going over 30-35 for a box of 20 bullets.
The gun to me where the price went absolutely through the roof are the K98's and any of the copies, the Polish version, Czech version etc. I was amazed last year when I ran into a numbers matching late war K98 gun that was intact except for being a duffel cut gun. I was able to repair the stock and the gun now looks and shoots great and I got it for $400 and you're not getting that from me at all, let alone for that price if I were to sell it. To see the prices of those now is just amazing.
I got a Czech VZ 24 in decent condition; minor rust on the rear sight and specks of it on the action surfaces. A weird orange goo leaks out of the bolt body as well. I think it might have rust inside the bolt. The stock has number dings throughout the body. Anyway I got it for 400 dollars I got a Vz 98/22 in decent to good condition: stock in good shape as well as the metal. Upper hand guard has a crack in it. Got it for about the same. Both have excellent bores, the 98/22(Turkish export) had a pristine bore until I damaged it using corrosive ammunition for the first time. Overall, the bore is good just has a bit of pitting unfortunately. Groups are incredibly good with this Czech long boy I want to collect more mausers, but the prices I see have me drifting over to new stuff with warranty.
I like how you film and release your videos at the same time. Nothing peeves me more than watching a video in almost December but hearing boul say “it’s late august here and….” Like what? Guns are dope also.
While I absolutely understand Mike's frustration with video games and UA-camrs getting people into the hobby, it's a good thing in a way. Adding more people.into the firearms world helps to ensure all gun hobbies are strengthened by getting more people invested in protecting gun rights. Additionally, acting as if those who got into the surplus market after video games care less/don't appreciate the rifles, is a really purist and holier than thou attitude.
Thanks Mike for showing me proxibid in your livestream. Scored some deals on veterans day with the 8 auctions going on that day. Got a nice Belgian 89/36, army aircore folding machete, and an AZF SA m91 mosin. All for about $1000.
Honestly Ottoman stuff is really great and underappreciated in the west. A empire right out of medieval times, that doesn't even exist anymore. That is pretty damn cool to me. I only have a couple Ottoman bayonets, but hope to get a rifle one day.
Believe it or not, there was a gunstore in NW IL that was selling Turkish Mausers for $80; this is when I was in high school (c.2008) and they couldn't give them away.
@@MauserKar98k I believe it, I bought a mosin in 2007 for $80, mint condition with bayonet, marked 1944, however I was just 18, and a complete idiot, so I sold it to a friend for the same a year later. Really wish I had kept that rifle.
I think we all know what happened. Same thing that's been happening to every other market and hobby Scalpers got to it, bought up as much stock as possible and have been sitting on them until they feel they can turn a massive profit selling them off one by one. I saw and called out the exact same thing in the classic car market years before it came to the surplus firearms market. Now it's even trickled down to gaming consoles lmao. Seems we live in an advertisement economy where the initial sale is all that matters and scalpers take advantage of that by holding the stock ransom. Everyone just wants their cut
This is happening to the keyboard hobby as well. Old IBM boards such as Model Ms and Fs, with all their variants, have been steadily increasing in value over the years. An even earlier example being the Beamsprings went from a price of 70$ just 6 years ago to well over 2000$ for an average condition board.
As a Pennsylvanian, I can agree. Prices skyrocketed here, and the locals at the gun shows tend to price gouge. The "I know what I've got" crowd, is so fun to piss with. They typically have sporterized butchered rifles and try to get a premium for them.
It’s funny the Springfield 1903 was the inspiration for Winchesters model 54. The model 70 is a more refined version of the 54. The Springfield 1903 design was literally ripped off from Mauser. So basically all the fudds are hating on there favorite rifle and don’t even know it smh. I really can’t say anything bad about the model 54 or the model 70 especially the pre-war model 70s. You know the model 70s with the strippers clip guide and iron sights. The pre 64 Winchesters in my opinion are truly a beautiful rifle I would love to own one I can’t lie. Great and informative video as usual Mike thanks for doing you brother
We bought a No. 5 Jungle Carbine 1945, for seventy five bucks, around 1975-76 ish. Bought my 44 inland 30 carbine for 200 in 1986. I bought a Mosin in great condition in 1998 for under 125 bucks, included background checks.
Agreed on the M96 being the best Mauser. 6.5x55 is incredible. Luckily there’s a few companies still importing M96 rifles despite SAMCO drying up. And for fairly reasonable prices. Lots are from clubs that have micrometer sights, which in my opinion only enhances the rifle’s potential. Cheers!
I was lucky enough to pick up at 88/05 w/ Turkish markings at a local shop for $350 in Feb ‘21. I pulled my wallet out right when I saw the price. Worth every penny.
I started my WW2 rifle collection in 2012 with my K98 and finished in 2014 with my Carcano. I haven’t kept track of prices until this year when I wanted another k98. I am glad I started when I did.
Between 1985 and 1991 I bought several surplus rifles from the gun shops around Memphis, TN. One shop in Millington would often have "Trash Can Sales" where there's be as many as four trash cans filled with a particular style of rifle. Mosin Nagants, Mausers, Lee Enfields, SKS etc..... I bought at least one sometimes several. All complete and operational. Sometimes with all matching numbers. The price per rifle was $69.00 each. When I look at "SURPLUS RIFLE SALES" today I just shake my head and laugh at the prices being listed.
I remember back in the mid 2000s I looked over my dads shoulder as he was looking at Craigslist and saw an add for Gewehr 88s and hunyang 88s for like 1000 bucks for ten crates of guns. The listing called them junk 😂
If you can find one in a good condition around my area. They are going for top dollar. No deals to be had! If any variation is priced below 500...they are nothing but decorative pcs. In 2010. We had one dealer that had 30 carbine for $90, Enfield for $150, M1 for $250, and sks for $100. For the same prices, you can get superior firearms made today.
Not sure if this is pertinent But, it seems to me like contemporary surplus has remained stable in price for decades. Like, looking at old 50's surplus ads, a luger would have been about 300-400 in today's money. And my local gun store gets police surplus glocks for about that much from time to time. But again, I stress. Contemporary surplus.
Excellent video. 👍👍 I started collecting surplus in 2005 and did lots of buying for about 10 years and have amassed a pretty good collection for reasonable prices... If I were to start collecting today I most likely would not have many given how stupid all the prices have gotten... I don't make the kind of money I used to back then and I just don't feel the guns are worth today's prices... The only surplus firearms I have bought in the last few years were the carcano carbines because they were still only between $200 to $250 which I don't mind spending.
in my opinion one of the main reasons the US rifles and pistols are priced higher (other than just the patriotic aspect) is the availability of ammo for them. most of the US calibers are still in production whereas quite a bit of the others are not, being able to buy ammo at your LGS rather than needing to get a 50yo box shipped in from some warehouse in East-Asscrackistan is a value all it's own.
I'm 62 years old and probably became interested in mill surplus about 20 years ago. A lot of stuff has come and gone and several things I wish I never let go after the fact. I will not turn down a well done sporterized rifle...some times that might be the only way I can even own or find an example of a rifle.
S&P 500 opened 1277pts in 2012 and is now over 5,000 pts That means a $255 gun in 2012 if it kept pace with the S&P 500 the stock market bench mark should be worth $1,000 today Several on the list were better some were worse but good performances overall Now let’s see WWII firearms now n then Great Job 👏
I’ve always wanted a surplus firearm from every major country that was part of the world wars…. But dang I’m not willing to spend $1500 for a 1903 or m1garand 😞😭 Or $600 for a mosin
I remember buying 93 mausers in 7x7 for $20 and had my choice of a dozen or more. They sold the loose ammo by the pound. in the 90's I bought almost new Australian arsenal enfields for $125
I missed out on a m91 infantry rifle. It wasn’t in great shape and it wasn’t anything rare by date or arsenal but it looked like it might clean up and the price wasn’t crackpipe. I decided to wait since I just bought a couple other guns but within less than a week it was gone. I was still used to being able to circle that “ferrin’ crap” like a vulture for a couple months. Nope. Thanks a lot internet and WWI games… Also, I’ve been in the game for about 20 years too and I know kind of how the American military rifle market works but I always get a kick out of how easy things like m1903s (of any variant) are to find. Right this minute, I know of about two dozen in a 50 mile radius. All of them are at pretty much your 2022 market price. Not cheap, but if a guy wants one just belly up to the trough and take your pick. There’s low numbers, high numbers, Springfields, Rock Islands, Smith Corona, Remington, even a Mark I and a m1922. On the other hand, good luck trying to find a m1917 of any sort. Maybe a P14 once in a while, but an unbubbaed m1917 in that same 50 mile radius, not a one at any price. I lucked into a lazy Bubba that only the stock was cut down (and all the metal pieces except for the barrel band were left intact) and lucked into a full m1917 stock for peanuts so threw them together for about that 2012 market price.
I found a numbers matching argentine Mauser that was lightly sportered by sears in the 1920s, no import marks, full crest, but they chambered it in 30-06 and cut the stock down in the forend some but didn't touch the butt end. I was gonna redo it in 416 Rigby but cant bring myself to desecrate it.
I collect Winchesters from when they were made in America by Americans. Lever actions. I also have a couple of nice Enfields. Just collect whatever floats your boat and you can’t lose.
These days the lowest price US military surplus rifles I am seeing is the 1873 trapdoor Springfield, usually in the $500-700 range. I imagine its because black powder .45-70 rounds are expensive and it hasn't really been featured in any video games outside of the Red Dead Redemption series so it is kind of overlooked as far as US military rifles go.
Don’t know if someone mentioned it but Siamese mausers in some of the circles I’m in seem to be bought up quick and converted for 45-70gov. Cool conversions but kinda a waste of an already fine rifle.
I think the main driver for that conversion is the native chambering is very hard to source ammo for and 45-70Gov is the closest thing to rechamber for and its much more accessible in the states but I might be wrong on that
Great video Mike! I loved the pistol video and cant wait for Rifle part 2. I just picked up a Bulgarian 1903 contract m1895 steyr a few weeks ago it was $375 and serial number 5. It came with a bayonet not serialized to the Rifle and it won't lock in. Ive tried several other m95 bayonets with no luck. Has anyone else experienced this? Did the Bulgarian rifles have a different bayonet or does it need to be fitted. I won't remove any metal from the bayonet lug, as easy as it would be, but I'm tempted to remove some from the bayonet lug seat on the bayonet. Then again I feel wrong about doing that. It doesn't have to happen at all but it would be nice if it didnt fly off with minimal provocation. Much like my ex girlfriend.
I snagged a Czech Vz 24 for about 400 dollars. Has numerous dings on the stock. The metal is in good shape with minor rust on the rear sight. The bore is in excellent shape. I think the bolt needs to be cleaned up because an orange goo comes outta the bolt body whenever I manipulate the bolt. I oiled the bolt so I think the orange goop could be rust inside the bolt body? Or is it some kind of preservative gunk? I dunno. Wish my area had a genuine gunsmith to inspect it properly
It really is a bummer how the prices have changed. I have been shooting since I was 7 years old (I'm 54 now). Over the years that I was old enough to buy firearms, I always wanted to pick up a few surplus rifles but newer firearms always seemed to win out. Now that I am older, I wanted to revisit getting a few surplus rifles to add to the collection. To my surprise...several rifles I remember seeing sold at Big5 Sporting Goods for $99-$150 are now running in the $700 range. I get it to some degree...prices for everything are higher naturally over time and the surplus supply has gotten smaller. One of the rifles I am interested in is the Swiss K31. Given I can only find it online...by the time I buy the rifle, transfer/FFL fees and associated paperwork...that rifle will cost me about $1000. Gonna have to pass. Hindsight is 20/20...I wish I had bought several surplus rifles back when the prices were reasonable. Lesson learned.
Picked up a Krag with a cut down barrel and sported stock for $300 the other week. Receiver un bastardized. Thought it was a steal for the history cool factor.
I just bought an 1891 Argentine Mauser in "excellent condition" that is excellent in that it has matching numbers and looks beautiful. Upon taking it to the range, I had to shoot it as a single shot because the magazine would not feed 7.65mm into the chamber. I have removed the trigger guard/magazine assembly, which took me 3 hours due to dried cosmoline, but cannot remove machine screws to take it apart and try to fix the problem. I have been using KROIL and heat from a hair dryer on "high setting" to no avail. If I cannot take it apart after 7 days, I will attempt to reinstall it into the wood stock. I believe the lips of the magazine are bent inward making them too tight when holding the cartidges so they cannot be pushed up at the correct angle by the bolt to enter the breach. It cost me $600 with an included brass handled bayonet with a steel sheath that have matching numbers and are in very good condition. This is the 1st time I have ever received a surplus rifle that had a dysfunction part. I only have five 7.65mm cartirdges left because I have not been able to find any from PPU for about 5 years. Nor have I found any .303 British from PPU available for years. I have seen 2 of these rifles advertised on a prominant online selling site for the absurd prices of $1500 and $1900. K98s are listed in the $1,000-3,000 range and may be GI bring backs. In 1967 I bought a pristine 1891 Cavalry Carbine for $25 in the grease, a k98 for the same, and a Russian Mosen 1891 Rifle for $12.50. I believe my Surplus collecting days are over.
I'm in the same boat of being just about done with surplus. I have a "bucket list" of about 5-6 rifles I wish to acquire before I die, and that's it. They're absurdly expensive now which defeats the entire original purpose of surplus. It sucks, but one can still have fun and enjoy the pieces we already have.
I have a 98 made 1940 I think with the swastika crest. It is sporterized maybe in the 70's? for discount gun stores... quite common back then. They would ccut down the stock and turn down the bolt handle and cut a few inches off the barrel adding a new front sight. Mine has an aperture Williams (peep) on it The guy I bought it from said he paid something like $70 for it from some big box sporting goods store. It is actually a very good shooter.. I can see the thinking back then. They had stacks of these rifles in 8x57 that they were having trouble selling because there was very little ammo for em back then. But even this crude sporter would be a great hunting rifle for half what a normal hunting rifle would go for.
Sad state of affairs I started in the early nineties and it felt then like it would never end $75 sks and $50 mosins I traded a mag light for an arisaka geez now I’m sad
Ya know, it’s sad y’all kids now missed the days of the $25 Mosin out of the back of Shotgun News. Could ship most things COD, UPS Blue Label, right to the house. All the stuff we could get there or in the stack of surplus catalogs.
Just made a new stock set for a "buba"special LE No.4Mk1. Found "Alfa" roll mk just behind the crown. Super clean 3 line bore(reason I bought it) that really performs. only one out of 9 I own that has alpha on it. Anybody got some info? Sav-Stev maker
I think UA-cam is also part of the problem. We have never had such widespread access to information before. Hickock, nutin, demo, yours and others help make surplus popular
There are MUCH bigger fish than me who have "Made surplus popular" and destroyed the market. I just hit 100k subs this year and have a miniscule amount of influence compared to others.
IV8888 and MAC were my big ones 10 years ago (miss Barry dearly) Thanks for the educational videos but my goodness did it drive things thru the roof Talk about a catch 22. 😞
Just make sure to take them apart when you get them, do a thorough wipe down and oil all the metal, and then keep them in a cool dry place like a gun safe or a cabinet. Not much to it tbh.
When panic buying took hold there were a few different camps that formed. There was the camp that saw buying guns as a prepper thing, they went out and bought thousands of rounds of whatever they could find and were shocked that 22lr was hard to find. The next camp was the resale camp. They bought anything that "might be banned" and sat on it, creating artificial shortages. They'd buy a brick of 22 at the store and resell it for $60 at a gun show. Theyd be pompous asshats talking about how "hysteria caused all this" while sitting on a pile of pmags they still gave yet to open. The last camp was the "i remember when" camp. They are the old fuckers that brag about being able to get fn fals, garands, mausers, and Walther p38s for a song and a smile while they pass judgement on you for thinking $2000 is too much for an m1 and wonder why you vote down any measure to pay more for their social security checks.
Strange how damned *video games* would determine rifle prices... And, interesting how influential one bearded, long-haired guy can be on weapons from a particular country!
Now, this is all true but that doesn't mean there isn't deals to be found. I bought 2 91/30 Mosins last year for $150 each and both are in good condition.
@@MikeB128 Oh I know, I wasn't debating that. I didn't move to the states until 2016 so I missed all the good prices lol. I used to sit at my PC back in the UK and watch people unbox their $89 Mosins and be sad I couldn't get one lol.
Bought a mint Mosin back in 07 for $80 with bayonet. Sold it to a friend for the same a year later. Then I had a friend try to sell me a SMLE for $95 and I passed on it. I'm a complete idiot.
How many people can afford to collect old surps at 1000$ a pop? That has to be having people putting their money elsewhere as in practical arms versus an antique that you might not even find ammo for. So 20 years ago or more was the heyday, probably never to return.
I have an Israeli converted Mauser I bought for $1600 and I don't think I could let myself resell it at that high price. Don't get me wrong, nice gun, late war Mauser converted to 7.62 NATO, but definitely isn't worth $1,600
I will admit that my passion for firearms got started with Battlefield 1. My first gun ever was a Mauser 1914. German empire stamps. I still admire it when I pull it out. This surge of interest should be looked at more as a positive. The game helped bring attention to our shambling WW1 memorials in DC.
The US surplus firearms price hike is the worst of all for me because I literally can't justify blowing $1200-1500 to add to my surplus collection. Kills me man to see M1 Garands mocking me with their prices. German surplus is ridiculous as well.
I think now's the time to rethink how surplus is thought of.
It's not about world wars era equipment. It's about police surplus glocks and shotguns
That's actually a really good point. Time flies and before you know it the stuff that is just "old" becomes antique and collectable. Always a good idea to get in on it early. Same with cars. A few years ago you could get a Porsche 928 or 944 for under $10,000, a car from the 1980s in 2005 is just an old car, but by 2030 or 2040 it's going to be a highly valuable classic. (Just looked it up, 928 are now selling for $60,000-75,000 It was only just back in 2007 I almost bought one in great condition for 8k.)
I feel the same about mauser 98 rifles.
I want to add to my collection but the prices have me glued to new stuff
In defense of video games: a lot of my gun fascination was driven by games. I own my para SKS thanks to Battlefield Vietnam. As the years went by the games faded away, but I love my rifles more than ever!
I have to admit that when a 'kid' tells me about some gun in a video game I kinda tune out... Never played one in my life but some seem pretty realistic when he showed it to me
Mine was due to an old gunsmith with a bad milsurp habit, we're still friends and my wife doesn't let me go to his shop without "adult" supervision
If you can find it affordable the SKS type d or m that takes AK-47 mags is real fun too
Man. My last surplus rifle purchase was a very nice condition, rechambered Steyr 1895 long rifle to go along with my carbine. I managed to get it for $300 in 2019 at, believe it or not, a gun show. I hung up my hat after that one because I knew I'd never score like that again. This video is making me wist to have been a little bit older so I could have had money to pay these 2012 prices all day long. Especially wish I could get my hands on a Krag to celebrate my Norwegian history!
You might get lucky on a Krag soon. Since the ammo is so damn expensive, the demand for them is tanking since people are having to choose between eating and buying Krags.
Keep your eyes peeled (gunbroker has a bunch of sporterized carbines and rifles and there's no shame in playing with one of those for cheap and possibly restoring one to enjoy your heritage) 😀
@@VCBird6 Thanks for the advice, friend. Time will tell where the prices go but I'll be keeping an eye out!
I still have a bunch of old shotgun news magazine’s from the early 2,000’s and the prices make me cry.
I tossed them years ago because they made me sad every time I looked at them.
I got a Steyr Model 1895 Carbine for only 200 dollars back in 2013. It's in good condition and works very well. Only issues are the ammo cost. I'll probably never sell it unless someone is willing to drop me over 5,000 dollars since the gun holds it's historical value very well.The 8x56R is literally a small handcannon with it's superior pullback bolt.
I found a Styer carbine that was re chambered to the spitzer cartridge and was in amazing condition for only 250
@@nicholasmaugeri759 The only flaw I can see about this rifle personally is the lack of ammo. I got 1 box of PPU 8x56R and it costed me 22 dollars back in 2014. Right now it's probably going over 30-35 for a box of 20 bullets.
Fudd
@@sevenshooter2987 lmao no kidding. “Historical value” just like every other milsurp. By the time it reaches 5k “if ever” we will all long be dead
@@Petem7668 Yup. My Steyr is one of the last of it's kind.
The gun to me where the price went absolutely through the roof are the K98's and any of the copies, the Polish version, Czech version etc. I was amazed last year when I ran into a numbers matching late war K98 gun that was intact except for being a duffel cut gun. I was able to repair the stock and the gun now looks and shoots great and I got it for $400 and you're not getting that from me at all, let alone for that price if I were to sell it. To see the prices of those now is just amazing.
I got a Czech VZ 24 in decent condition; minor rust on the rear sight and specks of it on the action surfaces. A weird orange goo leaks out of the bolt body as well. I think it might have rust inside the bolt.
The stock has number dings throughout the body.
Anyway I got it for 400 dollars
I got a Vz 98/22 in decent to good condition: stock in good shape as well as the metal. Upper hand guard has a crack in it. Got it for about the same.
Both have excellent bores, the 98/22(Turkish export) had a pristine bore until I damaged it using corrosive ammunition for the first time.
Overall, the bore is good just has a bit of pitting unfortunately. Groups are incredibly good with this Czech long boy
I want to collect more mausers, but the prices I see have me drifting over to new stuff with warranty.
I like how you film and release your videos at the same time. Nothing peeves me more than watching a video in almost December but hearing boul say “it’s late august here and….” Like what? Guns are dope also.
You're going to hate me for Parts 2-4 then, as I'll be releasing them over the next couple weeks :(
@@MikeB128 I’m sure you’ll do it in a way more timely manner then some of these freaks on here though, big dog.
Yep. They'll be out within the next 2 1/2 weeks.
Great video. I bought a Rock Island M1903 early this year for $1200. Love the kick from the 30-06 cartridge.
Nice video I too took the prices for granted back then but at least I scored a few of them for the right price
While I absolutely understand Mike's frustration with video games and UA-camrs getting people into the hobby, it's a good thing in a way. Adding more people.into the firearms world helps to ensure all gun hobbies are strengthened by getting more people invested in protecting gun rights. Additionally, acting as if those who got into the surplus market after video games care less/don't appreciate the rifles, is a really purist and holier than thou attitude.
Thanks Mike for showing me proxibid in your livestream. Scored some deals on veterans day with the 8 auctions going on that day. Got a nice Belgian 89/36, army aircore folding machete, and an AZF SA m91 mosin. All for about $1000.
Good stuff. Once in a while you can get lucky.
My first mill surp rifle was the Mauser M1896- 6.5x55, back in the late 90's for $189.00 . In nice shape. Great Rifle.
I remember buying a few of them they were more like $150 and boy could they shoot
Great content. Can’t wait for future installments!
Cool video,its a shame i got into rifle collecting so late. Good news is i found a Ottoman 1893 Mauser localy for 400 bucks to start my collection!
PU Stinky
Honestly Ottoman stuff is really great and underappreciated in the west. A empire right out of medieval times, that doesn't even exist anymore. That is pretty damn cool to me. I only have a couple Ottoman bayonets, but hope to get a rifle one day.
Believe it or not, there was a gunstore in NW IL that was selling Turkish Mausers for $80; this is when I was in high school (c.2008) and they couldn't give them away.
@@MauserKar98k I believe it, I bought a mosin in 2007 for $80, mint condition with bayonet, marked 1944, however I was just 18, and a complete idiot, so I sold it to a friend for the same a year later. Really wish I had kept that rifle.
I think we all know what happened. Same thing that's been happening to every other market and hobby
Scalpers got to it, bought up as much stock as possible and have been sitting on them until they feel they can turn a massive profit selling them off one by one. I saw and called out the exact same thing in the classic car market years before it came to the surplus firearms market. Now it's even trickled down to gaming consoles lmao. Seems we live in an advertisement economy where the initial sale is all that matters and scalpers take advantage of that by holding the stock ransom. Everyone just wants their cut
That's definitely a large part of the problem. I've also witnessed it personally.
Capitalism and hyperindividualism
This is happening to the keyboard hobby as well. Old IBM boards such as Model Ms and Fs, with all their variants, have been steadily increasing in value over the years. An even earlier example being the Beamsprings went from a price of 70$ just 6 years ago to well over 2000$ for an average condition board.
I went to several shows in Pennsylvania and their prices then were ridiculous. This was before inflation as we know it today.
As a Pennsylvanian, I can agree. Prices skyrocketed here, and the locals at the gun shows tend to price gouge. The "I know what I've got" crowd, is so fun to piss with. They typically have sporterized butchered rifles and try to get a premium for them.
It’s funny the Springfield 1903 was the inspiration for Winchesters model 54. The model 70 is a more refined version of the 54. The Springfield 1903 design was literally ripped off from Mauser. So basically all the fudds are hating on there favorite rifle and don’t even know it smh. I really can’t say anything bad about the model 54 or the model 70 especially the pre-war model 70s. You know the model 70s with the strippers clip guide and iron sights. The pre 64 Winchesters in my opinion are truly a beautiful rifle I would love to own one I can’t lie. Great and informative video as usual Mike thanks for doing you brother
I wouldn't say the 1903 was "ripped off", more "heavily influenced".
We bought a No. 5 Jungle Carbine 1945, for seventy five bucks, around 1975-76 ish. Bought my 44 inland 30 carbine for 200 in 1986. I bought a Mosin in great condition in 1998 for under 125 bucks, included background checks.
Agreed on the M96 being the best Mauser. 6.5x55 is incredible. Luckily there’s a few companies still importing M96 rifles despite SAMCO drying up. And for fairly reasonable prices. Lots are from clubs that have micrometer sights, which in my opinion only enhances the rifle’s potential. Cheers!
I was lucky enough to pick up at 88/05 w/ Turkish markings at a local shop for $350 in Feb ‘21. I pulled my wallet out right when I saw the price. Worth every penny.
I started my WW2 rifle collection in 2012 with my K98 and finished in 2014 with my Carcano.
I haven’t kept track of prices until this year when I wanted another k98.
I am glad I started when I did.
Between 1985 and 1991 I bought several surplus rifles from the gun shops around Memphis, TN. One shop in Millington would often have "Trash Can Sales" where there's be as many as four trash cans filled with a particular style of rifle. Mosin Nagants, Mausers, Lee Enfields, SKS etc..... I bought at least one sometimes several. All complete and operational. Sometimes with all matching numbers. The price per rifle was $69.00 each. When I look at "SURPLUS RIFLE SALES" today I just shake my head and laugh at the prices being listed.
Cool collection. Thanks for the video.
Ya these prices are also hurting the reenactment cumminity which we use these rifles too
I remember back in the mid 2000s I looked over my dads shoulder as he was looking at Craigslist and saw an add for Gewehr 88s and hunyang 88s for like 1000 bucks for ten crates of guns. The listing called them junk 😂
If you can find one in a good condition around my area. They are going for top dollar. No deals to be had! If any variation is priced below 500...they are nothing but decorative pcs.
In 2010. We had one dealer that had 30 carbine for $90, Enfield for $150, M1 for $250, and sks for $100.
For the same prices, you can get superior firearms made today.
Not sure if this is pertinent
But, it seems to me like contemporary surplus has remained stable in price for decades.
Like, looking at old 50's surplus ads, a luger would have been about 300-400 in today's money. And my local gun store gets police surplus glocks for about that much from time to time.
But again, I stress. Contemporary surplus.
Great video Mike I learned a lot
That T-Block camo!
Short answer: Yes prices have changed for the worse
Long answer: Ohhhhh my godddd the prices are so shitttttttttt now uuugghhhhhhh
Nice review
Excellent video. 👍👍
I started collecting surplus in 2005 and did lots of buying for about 10 years and have amassed a pretty good collection for reasonable prices...
If I were to start collecting today I most likely would not have many given how stupid all the prices have gotten...
I don't make the kind of money I used to back then and I just don't feel the guns are worth today's prices...
The only surplus firearms I have bought in the last few years were the carcano carbines because they were still only between $200 to $250 which I don't mind spending.
I agree with the M1917 love. I finally was able to get her a playmate, the P14. Sometimes I swear I hear conversations coming from inside the safe!
in my opinion one of the main reasons the US rifles and pistols are priced higher (other than just the patriotic aspect) is the availability of ammo for them. most of the US calibers are still in production whereas quite a bit of the others are not, being able to buy ammo at your LGS rather than needing to get a 50yo box shipped in from some warehouse in East-Asscrackistan is a value all it's own.
GREAT VIDEO... enjoyed it a great deal.
Great video! You are pretty spot on
Many of these guns still exist in plentiful numbers. The biggest reason for the price increases is foolishness of people that will pay those prices.
Your m1889 is absolutely perfect
I've been thinking about picking up one of the Carcano calvary models, and after watching this video I think I might "pull the trigger" on one. 😏
Update: just purchased one today from Classic Firearms. Anxiously awaiting its arrival!
A couple years ago I got a Krag (sporter, forearm cut down that's it) for $150 on an online auction...I was ecstatic
I wish I could get ahold of a mas 49, I'm curious what they went for back in 2012. Great video as always
I remember in 1998 when I bought both of mine they were $250 a piece with all the accessories including the scope
Shotgun News late 90’s, I bought a MAS 36 for $119, and a MAS 49 for $149.
Finding 7.5 French is always an adventure.
I bought a MAS-49 Syrian contract for $400 back in 2014ish
Thanks!
The price of US surplus is absolutely ridiculous. Aswell as german.
Great video Mike! How about a video on your non-military rifles?
Cheers mate for this, albeit it's a bit parochial. Best wishes from across the pond.
I'm 62 years old and probably became interested in mill surplus about 20 years ago. A lot of stuff has come and gone and several things I wish I never let go after the fact. I will not turn down a well done sporterized rifle...some times that might be the only way I can even own or find an example of a rifle.
Thanks for the info
No problem! Thanks for the tip!
S&P 500 opened 1277pts in 2012 and is now over 5,000 pts
That means a $255 gun in 2012 if it kept pace with the S&P 500 the stock market bench mark should be worth $1,000 today
Several on the list were better some were worse but good performances overall
Now let’s see WWII firearms now n then
Great Job 👏
I’ve always wanted a surplus firearm from every major country that was part of the world wars…. But dang I’m not willing to spend $1500 for a 1903 or m1garand 😞😭
Or $600 for a mosin
I remember buying 93 mausers in 7x7 for $20 and had my choice of a dozen or more. They sold the loose ammo by the pound. in the 90's I bought almost new Australian arsenal enfields for $125
Congrats. You're so cool.
I missed out on a m91 infantry rifle. It wasn’t in great shape and it wasn’t anything rare by date or arsenal but it looked like it might clean up and the price wasn’t crackpipe. I decided to wait since I just bought a couple other guns but within less than a week it was gone. I was still used to being able to circle that “ferrin’ crap” like a vulture for a couple months. Nope. Thanks a lot internet and WWI games…
Also, I’ve been in the game for about 20 years too and I know kind of how the American military rifle market works but I always get a kick out of how easy things like m1903s (of any variant) are to find. Right this minute, I know of about two dozen in a 50 mile radius. All of them are at pretty much your 2022 market price. Not cheap, but if a guy wants one just belly up to the trough and take your pick. There’s low numbers, high numbers, Springfields, Rock Islands, Smith Corona, Remington, even a Mark I and a m1922. On the other hand, good luck trying to find a m1917 of any sort. Maybe a P14 once in a while, but an unbubbaed m1917 in that same 50 mile radius, not a one at any price. I lucked into a lazy Bubba that only the stock was cut down (and all the metal pieces except for the barrel band were left intact) and lucked into a full m1917 stock for peanuts so threw them together for about that 2012 market price.
I found a numbers matching argentine Mauser that was lightly sportered by sears in the 1920s, no import marks, full crest, but they chambered it in 30-06 and cut the stock down in the forend some but didn't touch the butt end. I was gonna redo it in 416 Rigby but cant bring myself to desecrate it.
Man i almost brought 2 and always wish i would've. Got my 91/30 in great shape from fleet farm for 128 after tax in 2014 when i graduated high school
I collect Winchesters from when they were made in America by Americans. Lever actions. I also have a couple of nice Enfields.
Just collect whatever floats your boat and you can’t lose.
These days the lowest price US military surplus rifles I am seeing is the 1873 trapdoor Springfield, usually in the $500-700 range. I imagine its because black powder .45-70 rounds are expensive and it hasn't really been featured in any video games outside of the Red Dead Redemption series so it is kind of overlooked as far as US military rifles go.
You can still find deals on krags from time to time
@@andrewstraub131 a krag and a trapdoor are two different weapon systems bud …
I wish I had my current job then lol at least I do have several on this list but a few more that I want that have legit skyrocketed.
Oof, shots fired at Ian!
Don’t know if someone mentioned it but Siamese mausers in some of the circles I’m in seem to be bought up quick and converted for 45-70gov. Cool conversions but kinda a waste of an already fine rifle.
I think the main driver for that conversion is the native chambering is very hard to source ammo for and 45-70Gov is the closest thing to rechamber for and its much more accessible in the states but I might be wrong on that
Great video Mike! I loved the pistol video and cant wait for Rifle part 2. I just picked up a Bulgarian 1903 contract m1895 steyr a few weeks ago it was $375 and serial number 5. It came with a bayonet not serialized to the Rifle and it won't lock in. Ive tried several other m95 bayonets with no luck. Has anyone else experienced this? Did the Bulgarian rifles have a different bayonet or does it need to be fitted. I won't remove any metal from the bayonet lug, as easy as it would be, but I'm tempted to remove some from the bayonet lug seat on the bayonet. Then again I feel wrong about doing that. It doesn't have to happen at all but it would be nice if it didnt fly off with minimal provocation. Much like my ex girlfriend.
yes, dear fellow, we are scratching barrel's bottom, so prices rise-up....
Agree on the swedish mauser. I have one from 1915 and it is very accurate
last milsurp that i did not restore was a 1917 PTG M91 for 350 about 4ish years ago
Thank you
I snagged a Czech Vz 24 for about 400 dollars.
Has numerous dings on the stock. The metal is in good shape with minor rust on the rear sight. The bore is in excellent shape.
I think the bolt needs to be cleaned up because an orange goo comes outta the bolt body whenever I manipulate the bolt.
I oiled the bolt so I think the orange goop could be rust inside the bolt body? Or is it some kind of preservative gunk?
I dunno. Wish my area had a genuine gunsmith to inspect it properly
seeing old prices just makes me mad. why do i do this to myself
It really is a bummer how the prices have changed. I have been shooting since I was 7 years old (I'm 54 now). Over the years that I was old enough to buy firearms, I always wanted to pick up a few surplus rifles but newer firearms always seemed to win out. Now that I am older, I wanted to revisit getting a few surplus rifles to add to the collection. To my surprise...several rifles I remember seeing sold at Big5 Sporting Goods for $99-$150 are now running in the $700 range. I get it to some degree...prices for everything are higher naturally over time and the surplus supply has gotten smaller. One of the rifles I am interested in is the Swiss K31. Given I can only find it online...by the time I buy the rifle, transfer/FFL fees and associated paperwork...that rifle will cost me about $1000. Gonna have to pass. Hindsight is 20/20...I wish I had bought several surplus rifles back when the prices were reasonable. Lesson learned.
Picked up a Krag with a cut down barrel and sported stock for $300 the other week. Receiver un bastardized. Thought it was a steal for the history cool factor.
I just bought an 1891 Argentine Mauser in "excellent condition" that is excellent in that it has matching numbers and looks beautiful. Upon taking it to the range, I had to shoot it as a single shot because the magazine would not feed 7.65mm into the chamber. I have removed the trigger guard/magazine assembly, which took me 3 hours due to dried cosmoline, but cannot remove machine screws to take it apart and try to fix the problem. I have been using KROIL and heat from a hair dryer on "high setting" to no avail. If I cannot take it apart after 7 days, I will attempt to reinstall it into the wood stock. I believe the lips of the magazine are bent inward making them too tight when holding the cartidges so they cannot be pushed up at the correct angle by the bolt to enter the breach. It cost me $600 with an included brass handled bayonet with a steel sheath that have matching numbers and are in very good condition. This is the 1st time I have ever received a surplus rifle that had a dysfunction part. I only have five 7.65mm cartirdges left because I have not been able to find any from PPU for about 5 years. Nor have I found any .303 British from PPU available for years. I have seen 2 of these rifles advertised on a prominant online selling site for the absurd prices of $1500 and $1900. K98s are listed in the $1,000-3,000 range and may be GI bring backs. In 1967 I bought a pristine 1891 Cavalry Carbine for $25 in the grease, a k98 for the same, and a Russian Mosen 1891 Rifle for $12.50. I believe my Surplus collecting days are over.
I'm in the same boat of being just about done with surplus. I have a "bucket list" of about 5-6 rifles I wish to acquire before I die, and that's it. They're absurdly expensive now which defeats the entire original purpose of surplus. It sucks, but one can still have fun and enjoy the pieces we already have.
@@MikeB128 Yes we can.
Type 99 late wars will start to creep up once realize how cool their history/construction they have.
I have a 98 made 1940 I think with the swastika crest. It is sporterized maybe in the 70's? for discount gun stores... quite common back then. They would ccut down the stock and turn down the bolt handle and cut a few inches off the barrel adding a new front sight. Mine has an aperture Williams (peep) on it The guy I bought it from said he paid something like $70 for it from some big box sporting goods store. It is actually a very good shooter.. I can see the thinking back then. They had stacks of these rifles in 8x57 that they were having trouble selling because there was very little ammo for em back then. But even this crude sporter would be a great hunting rifle for half what a normal hunting rifle would go for.
Ok.
*Loads up video*
Gee time to kickstart depression!
Mike, how does it feel to be the enemy of the collector's community? 16:02
It feels wonderful. How does it feel for you?
Sad state of affairs I started in the early nineties and it felt then like it would never end $75 sks and $50 mosins I traded a mag light for an arisaka geez now I’m sad
Awesome video as always I love milsurps glad I started 10 years ago will still purchase if a fair price for todays market won’t overpay
The most accurate MILSURP rifle I’ve shot was a Swedish Mauser. 6.5x55 rocks!
I’m still hunting for a Spanish Civil War Mosin, found one someone recently sporterized and I died a little inside
I had one 10 years ago and regret getting rid of it
I’m so glad I have a couple. Even a Mauser style front end called the Spanish staple trial
Saw an SBRd K31 that was also tacticooled out a few years back
I almost bought it for the lulz but it made me sad to look at so I passed haha
I’ve seen Action !
My friend had his grandpa's M1917 from ww1 when he served. And, some asshole broke in and stole it in 2001. I hope he finds it one day.
Ya know, it’s sad y’all kids now missed the days of the $25 Mosin out of the back of Shotgun News. Could ship most things COD, UPS Blue Label, right to the house. All the stuff we could get there or in the stack of surplus catalogs.
Just made a new stock set for a "buba"special LE No.4Mk1. Found "Alfa" roll mk just behind the crown. Super clean 3 line bore(reason I bought it) that really performs. only one out of 9 I own that has alpha on it. Anybody got some info? Sav-Stev maker
Turn volume on
It is on. It’s a problem on your end.
I think UA-cam is also part of the problem. We have never had such widespread access to information before. Hickock, nutin, demo, yours and others help make surplus popular
There are MUCH bigger fish than me who have "Made surplus popular" and destroyed the market. I just hit 100k subs this year and have a miniscule amount of influence compared to others.
@@MikeB128 yeah trying to give you some props, you have a good channel with good info.
Thanks!
IV8888 and MAC were my big ones 10 years ago (miss Barry dearly)
Thanks for the educational videos but my goodness did it drive things thru the roof
Talk about a catch 22. 😞
Man that 1888 stock looks familiar....
HAha yep! Had to do a bit of work on the channel for the 88/05 metal, but it fits great!
@@MikeB128 glad to see it man.
Mike, any chance you could touch on any storage tips you employ to preserve milsurp items?
You don't want storage tips from me lol.
Just make sure to take them apart when you get them, do a thorough wipe down and oil all the metal, and then keep them in a cool dry place like a gun safe or a cabinet. Not much to it tbh.
In 1967 l could have bought any MilitaryRifke from $40.00 on down to $1200
centerfirearms is selling k31s for 399$ right now
Yeah, and as I said, those don't have the magazine and will be non-matching.
When panic buying took hold there were a few different camps that formed. There was the camp that saw buying guns as a prepper thing, they went out and bought thousands of rounds of whatever they could find and were shocked that 22lr was hard to find.
The next camp was the resale camp. They bought anything that "might be banned" and sat on it, creating artificial shortages. They'd buy a brick of 22 at the store and resell it for $60 at a gun show. Theyd be pompous asshats talking about how "hysteria caused all this" while sitting on a pile of pmags they still gave yet to open.
The last camp was the "i remember when" camp. They are the old fuckers that brag about being able to get fn fals, garands, mausers, and Walther p38s for a song and a smile while they pass judgement on you for thinking $2000 is too much for an m1 and wonder why you vote down any measure to pay more for their social security checks.
Strange how damned *video games* would determine rifle prices... And, interesting how influential one bearded, long-haired guy can be on weapons from a particular country!
I know, right?
I remember SAMCO, too bad about them.
No volume
Problem on your end, works for me and others.
Now, this is all true but that doesn't mean there isn't deals to be found. I bought 2 91/30 Mosins last year for $150 each and both are in good condition.
Yeah I never said you can't get lucky, but these are the "going rates" that people are consistently paying because they panic and have FOMO.
@@MikeB128 Oh I know, I wasn't debating that. I didn't move to the states until 2016 so I missed all the good prices lol. I used to sit at my PC back in the UK and watch people unbox their $89 Mosins and be sad I couldn't get one lol.
Welcome to the land of what rights we have left lol.
Bought a mint Mosin back in 07 for $80 with bayonet. Sold it to a friend for the same a year later. Then I had a friend try to sell me a SMLE for $95 and I passed on it. I'm a complete idiot.
Did I spy an automag 3 hanging on the wall
Perhaps.
How many people can afford to collect old surps at 1000$ a pop? That has to be having people putting their money elsewhere as in practical arms versus an antique that you might not even find ammo for. So 20 years ago or more was the heyday, probably never to return.
You're right in my case.
I don't bother to browse for surplus anymore since I am better off buying new stuff that has warranty.
Literally noone is paying this much for this sort of garbage that only I and some few other collectors within a very limited market appreciate.
I like Carcano and I have a 1891...
Seems like not a bad time for an old fart to start liquidating.
Thank you for a very convenient video!
I got a good g88 in 2021 for right at $300 :)
I have an Israeli converted Mauser I bought for $1600 and I don't think I could let myself resell it at that high price. Don't get me wrong, nice gun, late war Mauser converted to 7.62 NATO, but definitely isn't worth $1,600