sigh, so many neat rifles...

**Mike Irwin** · March 23, 2013, 02:46 PM

Went to the gunshop today to pick up my latest Colt. See the revolver forum for more on that...

Anyway, while I'm waiting for the background check, I spy a line of rifles on the wall...

In order...

MAS-49 for $599.

SVT-40 for $1,750

(I remember in the early 1990s when they were bringing less than $400!)

FN-49 for $1,100

and two M-1s.

What was different about all of them is that they were in as close to pristine condition as any I have ever seen.

The MAS-49 looked as if it had just come out of a barracks rack -- it was definitely used, but it was not abused.

I didn't bother looking at the FN-49 or the M-1s as they called me to come get my Colt.

Just not often that you see any of the first three these days, and definitely not all together and not in that condition.

stubbicatt · April 16, 2013, 04:46 PM

I too remember the SVT 40 rifles at less than $300 a copy in the early 90's. I guess they are still selling for that in the Dominion of Canada.

At the time I chose to purchase some Soviet SKS rifles, but was put off of the SVT 40 by reports that they "exploded." -- I have since come to suspect these reports as inaccurate.

I have since purchased a very nice example of the SVT40 for far more than I may have paid back in the 90's, and I am impressed by this rifle. It is probably my favorite plinking, casual, shooting iron. I am quite proud of the rifle, and it will be one of my last ones to sell.

If you have an opportunity to find a representative sample that you can inspect, and you have the means to buy it, I think you will be glad you did.

Evan Thomas · April 16, 2013, 10:22 PM

Sounds like somebody had to sell his collection.

SPEMack618 · April 16, 2013, 11:44 PM

Or that some one's estate didn't know what to do with his rifles when he passed...

I always die a little inside when I pass a table at a gunshow where somebody is selling of Grandpa's rifle collection or see an ad in the paper for the selling off of someone's gun collection after they passed.

Magnum Wheel Man · April 17, 2013, 03:37 PM

my "finds" are much different... seems like picking on the trade in bolt actions are a premium right now... likely lots of bolt action rifles traded in to fund those over priced semi's over the last couple months...

picked up an unfired Remmy 700 in 35 Whelen early on in the craziness...

got my eye out for a nice wood & blued .270...

**Mike Irwin** · April 17, 2013, 09:13 PM

I asked if someone sold their collection and the answer was no, they were from several different sellers who were looking to cash in and fund other firearms.

March 23, 2013, 02:46 PM	#1
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,382	sigh, so many neat rifles... Went to the gunshop today to pick up my latest Colt. See the revolver forum for more on that... Anyway, while I'm waiting for the background check, I spy a line of rifles on the wall... In order... MAS-49 for $599. SVT-40 for $1,750 (I remember in the early 1990s when they were bringing less than $400!) FN-49 for $1,100 and two M-1s. What was different about all of them is that they were in as close to pristine condition as any I have ever seen. The MAS-49 looked as if it had just come out of a barracks rack -- it was definitely used, but it was not abused. I didn't bother looking at the FN-49 or the M-1s as they called me to come get my Colt. Just not often that you see any of the first three these days, and definitely not all together and not in that condition. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

April 16, 2013, 10:22 PM	#3
Evan Thomas Senior Member Join Date: July 7, 2008 Location: Upper midwest Posts: 5,631	Sounds like somebody had to sell his collection. __________________ Never let anything mechanical know you're in a hurry.

April 16, 2013, 11:44 PM	#4
SPEMack618 Senior Member Join Date: June 21, 2010 Location: Central Georgia Posts: 1,863	Or that some one's estate didn't know what to do with his rifles when he passed... I always die a little inside when I pass a table at a gunshow where somebody is selling of Grandpa's rifle collection or see an ad in the paper for the selling off of someone's gun collection after they passed. __________________ NRA Life Member Read my blog! "The answer to any caliber debate is going to be .38 Super, 10mm, .357 Sig or .41 Magnum!"

April 17, 2013, 03:37 PM	#5
Magnum Wheel Man Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2006 Location: Southern Minnesota Posts: 9,333	my "finds" are much different... seems like picking on the trade in bolt actions are a premium right now... likely lots of bolt action rifles traded in to fund those over priced semi's over the last couple months... picked up an unfired Remmy 700 in 35 Whelen early on in the craziness... got my eye out for a nice wood & blued .270... __________________ In life you either make dust or eat dust...

April 17, 2013, 09:13 PM	#6
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,382	I asked if someone sold their collection and the answer was no, they were from several different sellers who were looking to cash in and fund other firearms. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

April 16, 2013, 04:46 PM	#2
stubbicatt Senior Member Join Date: September 15, 2007 Posts: 1,707	I too remember the SVT 40 rifles at less than $300 a copy in the early 90's. I guess they are still selling for that in the Dominion of Canada. At the time I chose to purchase some Soviet SKS rifles, but was put off of the SVT 40 by reports that they "exploded." -- I have since come to suspect these reports as inaccurate. I have since purchased a very nice example of the SVT40 for far more than I may have paid back in the 90's, and I am impressed by this rifle. It is probably my favorite plinking, casual, shooting iron. I am quite proud of the rifle, and it will be one of my last ones to sell. If you have an opportunity to find a representative sample that you can inspect, and you have the means to buy it, I think you will be glad you did.