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Old April 17, 1999, 05:49 AM   #1
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I am thinking of getting into collecting WW2-era guns, but know absolutely nothing about the topic. What are some good sources (online or, even better, the best books) for a total beginner? Will these sources give me enough pointers that I can minimize my chances of getting taken by some unscrupulous seller? What weapons would you recommend I start with? Thanks,
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Old April 17, 1999, 05:58 AM   #2
Harley Nolden
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Skip:
Get the "Book of Rifles" by W.H.B. Smith and Joseph E. Smith. This will help you with the WWII rifles. In addition, a "Blue Book Of Gun Values will also identify and put a value on those rifles.

A book Titled: "Pistols of The World, by IAN HOGG AND JOHN WEEKS, published by DBI Books inc is an excellant book for pistols.

Probably the most common rifle to start collecting is the Mauser 1998. It was produced, before and during the WWII era by many countries, in fact the U.S. Caliber 30 1903 Springfield Bolt Action, was a dirivitive of the Mauser Action. Mauser produced many rifles during this era and to have a complete collection of Mauser rifles is a collection of it's own.

HJN

HJN

[This message has been edited by Harley Nolden (edited April 17, 1999).]
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Old April 17, 1999, 10:21 AM   #3
Art Eatman
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Harley, you got up too early and missed the century on the Mauser. Y2K, I guess...

Skip: Yeah, do a lot of reading. Get a handle on which guns, and on their general pricing.

Focus on some specifics: How high a quality, do you want the variants (standard Garand or Sniper version or both; any manufacturer, or more than one, etc.) and how many countries? Long guns only, or handguns also?

Doing some homework before laying money on the table will save you a lot of money!!!

A couple of hundred dollars on books can save thousands in a collection.

Good luck and have fun! Art
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Old April 17, 1999, 02:19 PM   #4
John G
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I would recommend a Lee-Enfield in .303. It is the quintessential Brit battle rifle. You'll find lots of them out there, and ammo is easily available.(as well as bayonets,etc..) I got mine foe $94.

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Old April 17, 1999, 03:44 PM   #5
James K
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A minimum affordable but representative collection:

German - Kar 98k, P.38, P.08

British - Rifle #1 Mk III, Rifle #4, Enfield .380 revolver

U.S. - M1903A3, M1, M1 Carbine, M1911A1 pistol

Japanese - Type 38 rifle, Type 99 rifle, Type 14 pistol, Type 94 pistol.

Russian - Model 1891 rifle, Tokarev semi-automatic rifle (M38 or M40), Tokarev TT-33 pistol, Nagant revolver

Obviously, this is not all the types of guns used in WW II, but it would be a good representative collection and of considerable pride and interest. I have left out automatic weapons and the more expensive.

[This message has been edited by Jim Keenan (edited April 17, 1999).]
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Old April 18, 1999, 12:37 PM   #6
4V50 Gary
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I'd recommend W.H.B. Smith's "Small Arms of the World" in any edition. The latest, the 12th, went out of print about two years ago but you can still find used copies floating around.

Lemme see, you should have a MK IV Enfield in .303, a Moisin Nagant, a Mauser 98k, a 1903A3 Springfield, a M1 Garand, a M1 Carbine, a Mas 36, aw nuts. Get the book and be sure you have a large enough safe.
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Old April 22, 1999, 05:30 AM   #7
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Thanks for the info. I'm going to start with the weapons suggested (M1, M1 Carbine, M1911A, M1903A3, plus maybe a Kar 98k, an Enfield Rifle #4, etc.) It seems to me that, as a beginner, I don't really need such weapons in the highest quality. Rather, just basic-grade weapons that will let me start learning about the weapons, knowing what to look for, understanding what differentiates a high-quality weapon from one of lower value, etc. Is that right? What are some price ranges for these sorts of weapons in that quality?
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Old April 22, 1999, 07:44 AM   #8
Harley Nolden
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SKIP:
I think your idea is great. As most of us had indicated that you start with Foreign weapons, I have to agree with you in starting at home. These are the guns that shaped our future.

Harley

P.S. Wish I had said that
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Old April 22, 1999, 01:01 PM   #9
Nestor Rivera
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If you want ot start up and not get gouged
you can start with the followning

German 98k $150 - $200
German P-38 $ 400 -$500

Brit No1 MkIII .303 $79 - $200
Brit No4 Mk1 or Mk2 $78 - $200
Brit S&W Victory Revolver .38s&w $100 - $125

Russian Mosin Nagant 1891 - $60.00 - $150.
Russian Mosin Nagant Revolver $60 - $100

France - Mas 36 - $75 - 100 ( hey only surenderd once)


Italy - Mod 41 non firing $55.00
Mod 38 Non firing $55.00
Mod 65 non firing carbine $65.00

Jap - Type 38 Non firing 120 with mum

all Non Firing guns from springfield sporters ( no I dont work there and am not
pushing them but it was a good add in sgn)


Hope this helps some.
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