In recent years, interest in collecting military surplus rifles has surged. The internet has revolutionized the hobby, providing collectors with a wealth of information and facilitating a national gun market through online platforms like gunbroker.com. However, as the era of wholesale surplus imports wanes, prices for these historical firearms have risen dramatically. Many enthusiasts, inspired by films and video games, may be discouraged to find that acquiring an iconic K98 or SVT-40 can cost thousands of dollars. This trend might give the impression that military surplus collecting is a relic of a bygone era. Yet, while the days of $100 rifles are long gone, a budget-conscious collector can still build a respectable and meaningful collection with the right approach and enjoy the hobby just as much as they might have 25 years ago.
This article explores a practical approach to collecting: specialization. By focusing on a specific model, nation, or era, collectors can build comprehensive, historically significant collections. Specialization not only enhances the enjoyment of collecting but also fosters deeper knowledge, community engagement, and the satisfaction of assembling a thoughtfully curated set of firearms rather than an assortment of random bargains.
The Benefits of Specialization
Many new collectors make the mistake of buying whatever they can find at a good price, prioritizing deals over direction. While there’s no shame in being budget-conscious, this approach often results in a disjointed collection with little cohesion or narrative. The thrill of obtaining a rifle simply because it was inexpensive fades quickly, leaving a collection that lacks depth and historical context.
Specialization transforms collecting into a purposeful pursuit. By focusing on a specific model, country, or time period, the collector experiences the excitement of hunting for unique variations, identifying key features, and developing expertise. This approach fosters engagement with a community of like-minded enthusiasts, enabling collectors to share knowledge, learn from others, and contribute meaningfully to the broader understanding of these firearms.
Of course, building a collection still requires financial investment, so the key is to balance specialization with affordability. Below are some of the best rifle categories for aspiring collectors looking to acquire historical firearms while maintaining a budget.
Swiss Service Rifles (1889-1957)
Swiss rifles offer some of the best value in military surplus collecting. Though prices spiked in 2017-2018, recent imports have made these rifles more affordable than they have been in years, often coming in at around $400. Noted for their exceptional craftsmanship and accuracy, Swiss straight-pull rifles have no true equivalent in the military surplus world. While they are often worn externally, the overall condition and internals remain excellent due to the Swiss military’s meticulous training in firearm maintenance.
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The primary models include the Schmidt-Rubin 1889, 1911, and 1911 Carbine, as well as the Karabiner 31 (K31). Within these models, numerous variations exist, such as the 96/11, 00/11, and 05/11 conversions, as well as the rare 1889/96 and 1893 Mannlicher Carbine. Collecting Swiss rifles also entails many accessories, including bayonets, magazine chargers, and muzzle caps—affordable and historically significant items that add depth to a Swiss collection.
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One of the most intriguing aspects of Swiss rifles is their personal history. Many, particularly K31s, contain a “troop tag” under the buttplate with the name and address of the last serviceman to whom the rifle was issued. Some even bear competition stickers from Switzerland’s numerous shooting matches or stamps indicating the year the rifle was sold out of service to the soldier who opted to retain his weapon after completing his military service. These unique features add a layer of historical connection unmatched by many other surplus rifles, making Swiss rifles a top-tier choice for collectors.
The Japanese Type 99 “Arisaka”
While Swiss rifles offer precision and craftsmanship, they lack the combat history that many collectors seek. Japanese Type 99 Arisakas, on the other hand, offer a direct link to World War II, with most examples in the U.S. having been brought home as war trophies by American servicemen.
Unlike rifles that entered the country through mass surplus imports, nearly all Arisakas in American collections were battlefield pick-ups or surrendered weapons. After Japan’s surrender, most of its small arms were destroyed, leaving dealers with no large stocks to purchase and import into the U.S. This makes each Type 99 an authentic piece of history, preserved in its original wartime condition.
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Although prices have risen, much of this recent demand centers on rifles with intact chrysanthemum crests, symbolizing the Emperor’s ownership. However, rifles with ground-off chrysanthemums—altered as part of Japan’s surrender terms—remain historically significant and can be acquired for considerably less.
The Type 99 offers an immense variety for collectors, with nine arsenals producing over 20 variations across 10,000-unit production blocks known as “series.” As the war progressed, the craftsmanship of these rifles declined, leading to fascinating differences in machining and finish quality. Because sellers often overlook these subtle variations, collectors who take the time to study the details can assemble a highly diverse and historically significant collection at reasonable prices. If you’re fortunate enough to complete your collection of this model, you can further expand your Japanese rifle collection by adding other affordable options, such as the earlier Type 38 rifle and carbine. There is no better route to getting an authentic piece of Second World War history than the classic Japanese Type 99.
Captured, Exported, and Modified Mosin-Nagants
The Mosin-Nagant is arguably the most well-known surplus rifle in the U.S., thanks to the widespread importation of Soviet post-war refurbished model 91/30’s. That said, rather than focusing on these common examples, collectors can find more historically interesting and often cheaper variants among captured, exported, and modified Mosin-Nagants from countries outside of the Soviet Union.
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Examples include Mosins from the Spanish Civil War imported in the 1960s, “Balkan” rifles imported from various Eastern European countries in the 1990s, and Finnish M91 and M91/30 variants. These examples often appear rougher than their Soviet-refurbished counterparts because they were never overhauled, remaining in their original wartime condition. Consequently, prices tend to be lower, and the rifles often retain unique markings that reveal their history. These rifles also stand out as having been captured in conflict zones or otherwise having served in multiple militaries.
Finnish Mosins, in particular, offer a fascinating collecting niche, with numerous variations such as the M24, M27, M28, and M39. Although some of these models exceed the $500 price point, many remain affordable, allowing collectors to build an impressive Finnish Mosin collection without breaking the bank.
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When it comes to the Mosin Nagant, there is simply no telling what story a rifle can tell, and this variety within the Mosin-Nagant family is sure to provide a lifetime of searching and enjoyment for the Mosin-Nagant collector.
Turkish Mausers
No surplus rifle list would be complete without mention of the famous “Mauser” rifles from the German company. While collectors often gravitate toward those used by the Third Reich or the Imperial German Army, these examples tend to command high prices. Instead, our next two options offer an excellent way to build a diverse and historically significant Mauser collection without spending a fortune.
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The Ottoman Empire was one of Mauser’s most prolific customers, adopting every iteration of the Mauser action throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Unfortunately, a sweeping overhaul in the 1930s standardized many of these rifles to the “M38” pattern, making unaltered Ottoman-era Mausers increasingly rare. However, collectors who take the time to study the distinctive features of M38 Mausers built from earlier 1893 and 1903 models can still uncover rifles with rich historical significance.
Despite their fascinating history and service in World War One, Turkish Mausers remain largely overlooked, which keeps their prices relatively low compared to their European counterparts. With patience and careful searching, collectors can find examples featuring original Arabic markings and pre-standardization features for under $400. Beyond these, additional variations exist, including German Gewehr 1888 commission rifles and Gewehr 1898s supplied as war aid, as well as Czechoslovak 98/22 long rifles purchased on contract. For those willing to put in the effort, Turkish Mausers provide an affordable and rewarding entry point into the world of Mauser collecting.
South American Mausers
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For those who appreciate craftsmanship over combat history, South American Mausers offer outstanding value. Produced by several European manufacturers for nearly every South and Central American country, these rifles represent some of the finest machining and finishing in the Mauser lineage, often rivaling their more famous European counterparts in quality.
Since most South and Central American nations remained uninvolved in the world wars, it is not uncommon to find examples that have seen little use beyond ceremonial or training purposes. Their lack of direct wartime service also keeps prices relatively low, making it possible for collectors to acquire beautifully preserved examples at a fraction of the cost of their European equivalents.
One of the most visually striking aspects of these rifles is the elaborate national crests engraved on their receivers, something specific to South American Mausers. Collecting crests alone is worth the time and investment. While the variation within individual models may not be as extensive as in the Mosin-Nagant family, the sheer number of nations in this hemisphere that adopted Mausers ensures that acquiring an example from each will be a lifelong pursuit.
Though it requires more focus and attention than buying whatever has a price tag beneath a certain amount, specialization is the key to building a meaningful and rewarding surplus rifle collection on a budget. Whether pursuing Swiss straight-pulls, Japanese bring-backs, captured Mosins, Ottoman rifles, or South American Mausers, collectors can maximize both their financial investment and their enjoyment of the hobby. The thrill of hunting for rare variations and researching obscure details makes collecting far more satisfying than simply acquiring whatever is cheapest. The world of surplus rifle collecting still offers endless opportunities for discovery and engagement, so if you’ve ever debated diving in, there’s no time like the present.
*Made in the U.S.A. from U.S. and Global Parts.
