Milsurp Discussion Lounge

[Nugget]

Milsurps are really the only guns I have save for 3 modern 22's. My thought process is all of the modern guns will be around just like the milsurps were years ago so why not get the older one's while they're still "affordable". First milsurp was a 91/30 that my girlfriend bought me for Christmas and since then I've been on a collecting warpath. 3 Mosins (2 Russian, 1 Finn) 3 Mausers (1 Czech, 1 Turk, 1 Spanish), Type 14 Nambu and a Type 99 Arisaka, Eddystone 1917, Riot Winchester 1897, Czech CZ 52 and 82, Chinese SKS, French Berthier, Swiss Vetterli 69/71, and the most recent acquisition, a sportered Stomperud Norwegian Krag. There are plenty more on the wishlist, one being a Garand which will hopefully happen this year. The history of these guns is such a rabbit hole which kind of led to the variety in my collection (plus prices I couldn't beat lol)

That's quite a diverse collection. Two questions though: do you have ammo for all of them, and have you shot them all yet to make sure they function? I hate owning a firearm that I don't have at least 100 - 200 rounds of ammo for, and I try to fire everything shortly after I get it. Those requirements have helped slow my desire to buy 1 of everything, simply because the cost of most milsurp caliber ammo is typically cost prohibitive to acquire in bulk.

 

[ben142266]

That's quite a diverse collection. Two questions though: do you have ammo for all of them, and have you shot them all yet to make sure they function? I hate owning a firearm that I don't have at least 100 - 200 rounds of ammo for, and I try to fire everything shortly after I get it. Those requirements have helped slow my desire to buy 1 of everything, simply because the cost of most milsurp caliber ammo is typically cost prohibitive to acquire in bulk.

Thanks, and I have ammo for all but the Berthier (need to get some enbloc clips first) and the Vetterli since 10.4 Swiss hasn't been commercially made since the 50's-60's. 500 rounds of 8mm was bought when I got the Turk Mauser and just the other day I was able to get a spam can of 7.62x54R for the Mosins. The guns that I haven't shot yet I would still be comfortable shooting as they are in great condition still. Most of the time when I find a gun to buy, it generally has some ammo with it so that helps me be able to at least function test it shortly after buying like you said. I plan on doing a bulk ammo buy once the local auctions slow down.

 

[DoggyDaddy]

Thanks, and I have ammo for all but the Berthier (need to get some enbloc clips first) and the Vetterli since 10.4 Swiss hasn't been commercially made since the 50's-60's. 500 rounds of 8mm was bought when I got the Turk Mauser and just the other day I was able to get a spam can of 7.62x54R for the Mosins. The guns that I haven't shot yet I would still be comfortable shooting as they are in great condition still. Most of the time when I find a gun to buy, it generally has some ammo with it so that helps me be able to at least function test it shortly after buying like you said. I plan on doing a bulk ammo buy once the local auctions slow down.

FWIW, you can find the Berthier en bloc clips on ebay. Both 3 and 5 round.

 

[Hop]

I miss surplusrifle.com. I spent way too much time on that now defunct board. So much so that I put on a Mil-Surp rifle class for Revere's Riders. Attendees got to hear stories about the rifles (~15 different guns) AND got to shoot them. If ammo cost & avail come back, maybe we'll do another one of those classes.

This site is trying to emulate the feel of the old site but I haven't been on there for a while. I don't even think my account works there anymore.

Military Surplus Collectors Forums

Military Surplus Collector Forums

www.milsurps.com

 

[ben142266]

FWIW, you can find the Berthier en bloc clips on ebay. Both 3 and 5 round.

Yeah they are sitting in my cart lol, I am going to the OVMS military show in June so if I don't find any there for a decent price, Ebay will be the way to go.

 

[ben142266]

Milsurps are really the only guns I have save for 3 modern 22's. My thought process is all of the modern guns will be around just like the milsurps were years ago so why not get the older one's while they're still "affordable". First milsurp was a 91/30 that my girlfriend bought me for Christmas and since then I've been on a collecting warpath. 3 Mosins (2 Russian, 1 Finn) 3 Mausers (1 Czech, 1 Turk, 1 Spanish), Type 14 Nambu and a Type 99 Arisaka, Eddystone 1917, Riot Winchester 1897, Czech CZ 52 and 82, Chinese SKS, French Berthier, Swiss Vetterli 69/71, and the most recent acquisition, a sportered Stomperud Norwegian Krag. There are plenty more on the wishlist, one being a Garand which will hopefully happen this year. The history of these guns is such a rabbit hole which kind of led to the variety in my collection (plus prices I couldn't beat lol)

Some pictures now that I am on my other computer. Forgot about the Steyr M.95, made by Steyr and then used by Poland

 

[two70]

Thanks, and I have ammo for all but the Berthier (need to get some enbloc clips first) and the Vetterli since 10.4 Swiss hasn't been commercially made since the 50's-60's. 500 rounds of 8mm was bought when I got the Turk Mauser and just the other day I was able to get a spam can of 7.62x54R for the Mosins. The guns that I haven't shot yet I would still be comfortable shooting as they are in great condition still. Most of the time when I find a gun to buy, it generally has some ammo with it so that helps me be able to at least function test it shortly after buying like you said. I plan on doing a bulk ammo buy once the local auctions slow down.

You can convert the Vetterli's to centerfire and if you reload, the brass can be formed easily from 8mm Lebel. I'm not sure if the guy is till around or not but there was someone on one of the milsurp forums that would convert the bolts for a small fee and also sold formed brass.

 

[ben142266]

You can convert the Vetterli's to centerfire and if you reload, the brass can be formed easily from 8mm Lebel. I'm not sure if the guy is till around or not but there was someone on one of the milsurp forums that would convert the bolts for a small fee and also sold formed brass.

Yeah its on the to do list, there is a guy who started an ammo company specifically for milsurps that has talked about making 10.4 so I am waiting to see if that happens. For anyone curious, Casto's Curios is the company.

 

[Mongo59]

I am making an ammo locker and have relocated most of my ammo ready to start sorting. I found the receipt for the last 7.62X54R ammo I bought, the 440 round spam can cost $44. That might give you an idea how long ago it was...

 

[Vanderbilt]

....my latest addition.....a 1905 S&W in .38 spl. A buddy and I shoot a bit of Milsurp at both our local NCOWS group and the GAF (Grand Army of the Frontier) offshoot which has two categories 1866-1899 and the Expansion Era 1900-1916.....ended up with this one after my buddy stumbled across a Schofield in .38 spl.....it is a suitable replacement for a 1901 Colt that has proven to be a less than desirable match pistol due to internal failures, lol....thing is, with some of these 100-150 year old weapons....you not only get the thrill of shooting a piece of history, you also get to experience the failures and headaches our ancestors that carried these weapons were faced with! I haven't given up on the 1901 Colt, one of the club members that has resurrected a few of these antiques is taking a stab at attempting to bring it back into service.

 

[ben142266]

Stomperud Krag I found, neat piece of history, only about 3 thousand made

 

[Nugget]

Man, the milsurp game sure is frustrating sometimes. Twice in the last two days I thought I might have a shot at finally getting a decently priced Russian SKS from local sellers. One turned out to be Chinese instead of Russian, and the other had been "converted" Bubba'ed to accept AK mags (original mag long gone). The search continues for the perfect deal...

 

[ben142266]

Man, the milsurp game sure is frustrating sometimes. Twice in the last two days I thought I might have a shot at finally getting a decently priced Russian SKS from local sellers. One turned out to be Chinese instead of Russian, and the other had been "converted" Bubba'ed to accept AK mags (original mag long gone). The search continues for the perfect deal...

The ban really drove the prices for them up real quick, I've been keeping my eye out for one but definitely not shelling out a grand for one. Russian Toks are even worse. Maybe once everything is said and done we get another influx of milsurps (fingers crossed)

 

[ben142266]

What's next on your radar, would like to hear what people are keeping their eyes out for (gun or militaria)

 

[MongooseLaw]

I am currently on the hunt for some harder to find milsurps...

French 1886/93 rifle for my WW1 collection

Japanese Type 30 (or other variant) rifle with Finnish Civil Guard markings/provenance

Italian carcano long rifle for the WW2 collection....not hard to find just not a priority

Any rifle in the unobtanium realm....extremely rare Finn mosin variants, original matching Russian imperial M91's/dragoons, m1907 carbine, original unaltered Spanish Civil War rifles, Albanian M91/30

 

[Johnny C]

looking for a nice M1917 myself, and an 1898 trench shotgun, will probally have to settle on standard 1898 if I can find one.

 

[ben142266]

looking for a nice M1917 myself, and an 1898 trench shotgun, will probally have to settle on standard 1898 if I can find one.

Riot length is a good way to go if you don't want to spend the money on an original 1897 trench gun. I do know that making a repro can be a bit of a hassle.

 

[92FSTech]

I got distracted with Enfields for a bit, but I'm still looking for a good deal on a trapdoor to come along.

 

[Mongo59]

I got distracted with Enfields for a bit, but I'm still looking for a good deal on a trapdoor to come along.

Carbine or rifle?

 

[92FSTech]

Carbine or rifle?

Either or. I'm primarily just looking to acquire a shootable example of the platform. I'd prefer a carbine, but what I end up with will likely be more price dependent than anything.