No1Mk3 wrote:G'day Nomis,
Gun show at Altona Nth July 6th, Ballarat the week after on the 13th, Bendigo on the 24th of August, and Australian Arms Auctions at Boronia in November.
Nomis wrote:G'day all,
In celebration of my licence application being sent off today (and so my wait begins), I'm wondering if people have any tips on where you've found the best places are to find milsurp rifles?
I've already put money down on an M96 Swedish Mauser but am on the lookout for more.
I've seen Claremont Firearms' website which seems to have a good range and Rebel Gun Works which seems over priced. Where else is good to look?
I suspect that a lot of deals would be found in random local gun shops who don't specialise in historic stuff. Would this be correct?
Let me know what your experience tells you and anything I need to know as a new collector.
Cheers.
bladeracer wrote:
For collector value or for shootable examples? I'm not a collector, I just love owning and shooting them.
Urastus wrote:Don't have any answers. I wanted to post this somewhere though - I thought bladeracer might be interested? $62 with delivery - this is with a discount already applied. If you see below the price it shows "Pay only $52", then click on "Show me how". $10 delivery. Don't know if it is a good deal or not - it isn't my thing
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/BRITISH-SURPLUS-WW2-LEE-ENFIELD-BAYONET-SPIKE-KNIFE-BAYONET-NEW-ALLOY-SCABBARD/272827374380?hash=item3f85c75b2c:g:fLEAAOSwEjlbUFK3
Nomis wrote:So, let's say I'm looking online (Ozgunsales etc) and I find a gun that I like for what seems an OK price but it's in another state. Is the normal process to ask for further photos etc or is it just cross your fingers and hope that the rifle is in the condition that they say it is?
I'm wanting to get an SMLE at some point. I don't really care about the manufacturer so that isn't a factor. What sort of price range should I be looking at? Gun store within driving distance has one for $850 (MkIII*, 1913, BSA). Had a very brief look at it the other day but not actually in a position to purchase yet of course. What should I be looking for to try and justify that price?
Nomis wrote:I'm wanting to get an SMLE at some point. I don't really care about the manufacturer so that isn't a factor. What sort of price range should I be looking at? Gun store within driving distance has one for $850 (MkIII*, 1913, BSA). Had a very brief look at it the other day but not actually in a position to purchase yet of course. What should I be looking for to try and justify that price?
No1Mk3 wrote:G'day Nomis,
Good SMLE's can still be found for $5 -600, good shooters but a bit dinged in the woodwork and non-matching numbers can still be found for less, about $3 - 400. For $850 I would want bright bore, very good wood and matching numbers. The very best examples can go north of a grand, and some specific collectibles such as a 1929 Lithgow can pass $2000. Last auction saw good shooting No1 Mk3's selling for between $250 and 450 + costs. As for that bayonet, way overpriced, No4 bayonets can still be found for $30 to $40 if you hunt around just a little, and $20 occasionally. Have a look at gunshows for bargain bayonets.
G'day bladeracer,
Sadly a thick throat (brass throat) scabbard for your No9 is going to cost about $40 + postage from Qld. I just recently sole Jeff Pannan both of my spares for $10 each before I found out what they are selling for! Still, if you want the thin throat model I have seen them here for $50 + or in the States for that much in US$. Remember this is the same scabbard as the L1A2 and L1A3 bayonet so if you don't have much success searching for No5 scabbard (plenty of hits on ebay) try L1A2, Cheers.
No1Mk3 wrote: Last auction saw good shooting No1 Mk3's selling for between $250 and 450 + costs.
Nomis wrote:Thanks for the info No1. I actually met Roland briefly at the Arms and Militaria show on the weekend. Seems like a nice bloke.
I also grabbed the printed catalogue for the last auction and am checking what the final prices were for some pieces.
I'll be attending the one in October fingers crossed! Seems like the place to get myself an SMLE.
cracker wrote:Nomis wrote:Thanks for the info No1. I actually met Roland briefly at the Arms and Militaria show on the weekend. Seems like a nice bloke.
I also grabbed the printed catalogue for the last auction and am checking what the final prices were for some pieces.
I'll be attending the one in October fingers crossed! Seems like the place to get myself an SMLE.
its pretty bloody boring... i placed some bids online last time was easier.
Nomis wrote:Mate, you had me at sub $300 Mausers and then threw in beer and Hungarian food on top!
As I'm new to this whole thing, I'm a little confused as to why people would sell at this auction if some stuff sells so far below market value. If I was selling a Turkish Mauser, why sell it via auction and risk getting $150 for it when I could put it on Oz Gun Sales for $450?
Am I missing something?
Also, I assume that once you win an item, you just put in a PTA and they hold the firearm until you have the PTA ready?
In other news, my licence has been further delayed as Vic Police managed to put the wrong name on my payment form. I have had to physically mail it back to Melbourne so they can issue another one whenever they get around to it. If they don't lose it. Joy... Pure joy.
Cheers for the advice everyone!