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#1
20-04-06, 04:29
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Newbie help purchasing a rifle..
I'll spare the long post, but essentially i'm looking for some help on deciding what to buy.
Just assume i know nothing and need all the advice you collector/restorers have. Reading and studying all this stuff is much different than actually owning it right? This would be my first firearm, and definately not the last  Anyways, i'm looking at aquiring either the following: - Enfield No.4 Preferably a longbranch one! - M1 Garand - Tokarev SVT 40 Looking for mostly answers to common questions like what i need to watch out for, and how much time/money it might cost to keep something in excellent firing condition. At least within a reasonable budget (still deep in studies..). Maybe even a good reputable place to get things from. Open to any advice that may help me buy the right thing and enjoy it. 
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#2
20-04-06, 05:04
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Firstly, it would be of immense assistance if we knew where you were. Gun laws around the world vary considerably, from the outright paranoid to the mildly restrictive. Somebody here will live in the same legislature as you and will be able to offer the answers.
What do you plan to do with the rifle? Shooting live ammo on the range, re-enacting with with blanks, or just to have as a deactivated keepsake? It is still possible to find mint condition brand new rifles, but it would be an odd choice to pay top money for a mint collectible and subject it to the rough and tumble of re-enacting. An ex-hunting rifle could be found fairly cheaply for the range or re-enacting, but would have little collectors value. Gun Laws also place varying conditions on live rifles compared to deactivated firearms.
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#3
20-04-06, 06:24
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I knew i omitted something. I live in Canada, Alberta to be exact. Mostly looking to use it for live-fire exercises. So something that will stand up, and not be terribly hard to repair if need be.
I've gone over the laws and such, just curious if there are some owners out there with some advice. Maybe more important is questioning if i've missed some classics that may not be on the prohibited list (yet). It's too bad, i'd have really loved to own a BAR, Sten or thompson.
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#4
21-04-06, 03:59
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Re: Newbie help purchasing a rifle..
Quote:
Having owned all three at one time or another in Canada, I can offer you some advice. If this is your first firearm, then you have not been grandfathered to own any firearms that have been deemed "Prohibited." You need to check with the C.F.C. to see if the Tokarev is either "restricted" or "prohibited" The magazine, if unaltered, will be prohibited as it holds ten rounds of 7.62X54R. Over 3 1/2 million Garands were made by Springfield Armory, Winchester Repeating Arms, International Harvester, and Harrington and Richardson for the U.S. Army. Prices will range from reasonably expensive to very expensive as Garands are mostly snapped up by collectors. Some will be original while some will be arsenal rebuilds with no concern for matching components. Only an expert will be able to tell you what a particular Garand is worth. Of course, I've saved the best for last. The Long Branch No4Mk1. Once again, only an expert will be able to truly evalute any firearm you wish to purchase, both for rarity and condition. Try to find one that has matching serial numbers, bore is bright and shiny and the rifling is crisp. Purchasing a WW II firearm needs to be researched fully as there are many variations, manufacturers, and models which can greatly affect the price. Volumes have been written about all of these weapons and I heartily recommend you avail yourself of some of these books to be a better informed buyer.
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Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
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#5
22-04-06, 17:43
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Good post by Sapper...one point he forgot to mention, and you didn't bring up, and is the MOST IMPORTANT part is that you will requrie a firearms license to purchase and own a firearm (your PAL, posession and acquisition license).
There are two grades that you can get if you have not previously owned firearms. First is your non-restricted, which covers all the "not as scarY" stuff, like bolt action rifles, shotguns and the like. Both the L-E No. 4 mk. ! and the M1 Garand both fall into this class. Second class is your restricted, and covers "scarier" firearms, such as hand guns, as well as several classes of semi-auto rifles, etc. (third class is prohibited, which you have to be Grandfathered for, which is a moot point for you, which includes all the "fun" stuff like full auto, etc). After you get your license, then you can get to buying rifles. I don't know a lot about Garands, etc, but the first thing I will tell you is read as many books as you can on the topic. Your local library should have SOME tomes on the rifles you seek (a book by Skennerton on the Lee Enfield is considered to be the bible by some). Once you know some of the major differences, etc, then you can get to looking. First thing about Garands or Enfields is postwar dates will (usually) fetch a lower price than the WWII models, from a collectible point of view. Also, arsenal rebuilds, mis-matched parts, etc, will also affect price. Common things to look for is the condition of the bore, metal and wood work and general appearance of the firearm. The more good things there are, the more they will cost. Ballpark figure for a excellent to mint condition No. 4 rifle made at LB would be in the $200-300 CAD range, with the price probably being at (or over) the high range. I'd spend in that range for an excellent LB made No. 4 without thinking. Garands usually cost more, I haven't priced one out in a few years, but war-dated, matching examples can run in the $700-800 range. As was said, you can get guns that have mis-matched parts, maybe some dings on the wood, or a less collectible date, but still quite servicable shooters for far less. I picked up my LB a few years ago, mis-matched bolt to reciever, replaced butt-stock for $125 and was quite happy, and I've heard of Garands retailing for the $300 price range, so stuff is out there...it just depends on how much you care. Hope that helps.... Tim
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1942 Willys MB
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#6
23-04-06, 02:53
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Thanks for the replies guys, helps out.
I'll have both my restricted/non-restricted PAL shortly, forgot to mention all that! I'll check into some reading material too. I saw Milarm in edmonton with some SVTs, and emailed them. Hope they are orig's. Of course i could also totally cheap out and buy some Norinco product like an SKS, at not a huge loss of funds.
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#7
24-04-06, 04:31
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Lots of alternatives, but you may wish to try the annual gun auction at Bud Haynes Aucion in Red Deer, held in August. They usually seem to have a few of varying quality and vintage. That's the big auction, there are other smaller ones through the year where you may find something.
I may be looking for one this summer, so let's hope we're not bidding against each other.
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#8
16-05-06, 11:40
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Sks
Most of the nornco sks that are out there now
are of very poor quality,as most of them are the chinese copies the price range on that can be as low as $100.00 US. Patrick
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#9
16-05-06, 11:53
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Seems kinda Funny , this guy wanting to Buy a Firearm On this post even tho he knows his stuff , I never heard such talk , (Example) since Fred wanted to Buy a plane and learn how to Fly in the air , but didn't want to learn how to land ?????? 9/11 come to my mind.
So Be it BIG MIKE
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#10
16-05-06, 20:24
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Hmmmmmmm
Good one. Food for thought
Patrick
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#11
18-05-06, 01:06
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Help Purchase firearm
I knew i omitted something. I live in Canada, Alberta to be exact. Mostly looking to use it for live-fire exercises. So something that will stand up, and not be terribly hard to repair if need be.
I don't know what you mean by the term "live fire exercises". Being a retired military type this does not mean plinking at some target. Can you clarify? cheers BTW my first post M38 42 MB
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