Questions from a new C&R enthusiast

[RJHebron1]

Greetings. I have been interested for sometime in many military surplus arms. Now, after having the chance to fire several (many types showing up at the range) I am currently sending in for my C&R.

Currently I have been reading much written within this site as well as using search sources for info. on many of these types of guns I find interesting. There are many :eatpointe.

I'm interested to hear of what sources many of you find reputable for your acquisitions. Although I do go thru the Shotgun News and Gunlist publications I feel I may need a bit more enlightenment of what I might expect since I have never shopped this way before. I have to date been the typical gun shop type for arms and using shows for ammo.

Thanks, RichH

[Magnum88C]

http://www.aimsurplus.com/
http://www.coledistributing.com/
http://www.jgsales.com/
http://www.southernohiogun.com/

And for great service, excellent rifles, and an all-round good guy:
BDL, Ltd. (http://www.bdlltd.com)

[RJHebron1]

Aside from J&G and some others I have seen listed in the various mags several sites you listed are new to me. I have only just filed for my C&R and I understand it may take upwards of 2 months before I receive my License.

The local gun dealer I typically deal with knows my intentions and said he would order anything I want for 15% over cost listed during the interim. I may use him for a few purchases in the meantime if I see anything that interests me in excellent condition.

In your opinion are most of these distributors fairly accurate in classifying quality available? Would you know anything on Classic Arms out of NC?

Thanks for your assistance.

Best Regards, RichH

[Terry G]

I would go with Magnum88C's list. I have bought from them all, with the exception of Cole's, but have heard good things about them. You kind of take your chances on grading with SOG, but if you don't like what they send, their very good about making it right. I would say J&G was my favorite, with only one SKS slightly over-graded. AIM is good, and Century International is good also. The C&R game is chancy at best, since anyone can ship you a sewer pipe, but the one's mentioned do a very good job. Watch out for the "gunsmith specials", unless you are a gunsmith for real. You can sometimes receive five rifles and only able to make one good one out of them. Caveat Emptor, but it's a lot of fun and some great deals. The Yugoslavian C&R's have been steadily going up,( M48 Mauser's and SKS's,) so get them while you can. The Mosin-Nagant's are fine rifles, that they're just about giving away. The CZ-52's and Makarov's are worth much, much more than they are going for. Don't miss out. My license took about three- to four weeks as I recall. Keep your bound book up to date, and enjoy!

[brass hammer]

Greetings. I have been interested for sometime in many military surplus arms. Now, after having the chance to fire several (many types showing up at the range) I am currently sending in for my C&R.

Currently I have been reading much written within this site as well as using search sources for info. on many of these types of guns I find interesting. There are many :eatpointe.

I'm interested to hear of what sources many of you find reputable for your acquisitions. Although I do go thru the Shotgun News and Gunlist publications I feel I may need a bit more enlightenment of what I might expect since I have never shopped this way before. I have to date been the typical gun shop type for arms and using shows for ammo.

Thanks, RichH



DO YOU 'REALLY' BELIEVE THIS ,,,,"PERSON",,,???!
:laugh01:

[BoltTurner]

Only thing really "chancy" about ordering from any of the decent importers (already listed) is the "hand pick" for condition. People choose hand pick because they think they'll be getting a better gun. However, keep in mind it only means you'll get one of the better ones they have at the time. If they're running low, and have nothing but sewer pieps left, you'll get the best sewer pipe they have.

I'd say if you're going to pay a hand pick fee, do it for certain dates or manufacturers, if they offer such on that batch.

Just remember C&Rs are geared around collectors, and a rare sewer pipe is worth more to a collector than a pristine, common model. If you find a pristine rare model expect to pay for it. If it's advertised as pristine and rare, for cheap, they're trying to pull one over on you.

One last thing, beware of the fake Mosin snipers! Some outfits like Interordnance drills & taps (bubbas) normal 91/30s and adds aftermarket scopes and mounts. THESE ARE NOT SNIPER GRADE GUNS, and do not command the prices they charge for them, and they have NO collector's value after this has been done. Most places (most notably Cole's) will advertise a fake sniper as such, but not everyone will. If you want this type of rifle keep looking and expect to pay in the $800 range for it.

[brass hammer]

rich! thanks for the e-mail, but i will respond on the board[as 9 out of 10 times in E-MAIL are deleted, and your not my mother]
thank-you for bringing me up to speed on your motive as to 'why' a c-r license is wanted, and at 'face value' I'LL stand in lock-step with you!

these guys that have them are your treasure-trove,as i could have only suggested a recent copy of a 'shot-gun news' as it's loaded with web-sites/info!
best of luck in your quest hebron, your friend ,wayne!

[i almost, fired it 'off' to you buddy, but saved it as a draft-file]