"Legendary" weapons checklist

[MN Fan]

No! Your "date" is gorgeous!

I was referring to the OPs perception of the Enfield. I would get picky if I was buying a modern day hunting rifle as far as weight and "ergonomics", but when it comes to mil-surp, I am good to go

[blackwolf97]

I like the K31. My friend in Houston has one and, other than the vertical ejection, is verily intoxicating. The Mauser looks rather svelte, but I need to handle one.

I can understand how I'm sounding like a 14 year old punk in his gramma's basement drooling over the latest game and movie and all, but I'm not THAT guy. I know what I like and I know what I can safely handle. The Enfield is not either of those. The Dragunov I already knew is expensive, just not THAT expensive. Let me guess: that's not even for a war veteran, is it? I would LIKE to get all these weapons as war veterans, but I understand that the cost involved is prohibitive. Being an E-5 that's close to retirement with a wife and two kids doesn't allow for much disposable income. darn it. Oh, and I'm also juggling my first love hobby: cars. For me to get an un-issued M1 Garand or a post-war AK is...okay, as long as it was made during or around the war it was famous for. I want the real deal, but to get a weapon with blood on it is asking too much for the prices I'm willing to pay.

[desdem12]

You got the right idea there Black wolf. We are just givin you a hard time for the one and done thing as we all have said that. If you beat the bushes you will find your weapons of choice and desire if time is no issue. Happy hunting

[MN Fan]

I gotcha blackwolf...and hey, thank you for your service!

Its very easy to go "all in", hell, I am the same way. But, the guys and gals here on this forum are not like most other forums (especially car forums lol. I was a moderator at cobaltss.net. Psychos...all of 'em!)

You'll find the collectors here are PASSIONATE about their collections and the guns they have yet to collect. They have an encyclopedia's worth of information and experience and they'll share it with someone that simply asks. No one trash talks and the only "porn" is photos of yet another 91/30 that found a good home. Take some time, settle in and do some research. Wanting the biggest, baddest, toughest, rarest rifle is a common desire, but it takes a boat load of research and time to figure out what that even is! And, the biggest problem is, the answer will mostly be different if you asked every member here. Its about the collector in the end. The best advice I have been given here is "buy what speaks to you". Once you do that, it makes sense. So far, old .22s are speaking to me louder than the others lol. You'll see...walk into a shop that has an SVT-40 for $1,000 (which is a "legend" in everyone's book!). They also have a K31, a 91/30, a K98 and possibly a Yugo SVS all together for $1,000. So far, your collection is 1 rifle. What do you walk out with? Don't worry, there's no answer (until you go look, see and feel the history).

No offense ever intended. I'm glad you're here!

[Jumperwire]

There's no end to the madness, once you have a single variant of every type you'll begin sub collections and so on, there is no end

Preach it brother In all reality tho, buying Mosins is great and all the other rifles. It's only when you run up on one that is a real charm. A diamond in the rough, that you got for $125 from some shop that probably gave a guy $35 for it. Only to walk out of the store, trying to keep a straight face, cause you just bought a Finnish P-26 that is rather uncommon. Like 10,000 barrels made and served in 4 Wars and the rest of them are dispersed through out the world to collectors and WOW You just got one Then, your hooked.

[blackwolf97]

I tried to make Google my friend with the Yugo SVS and couldn't find any pics. Got any? What makes it such an outstanding weapon? Also, what's the deal with that gorgeous SVT-40? I'm yet to start searching this site for the Tula-produced version.

Thanks for your kind words, MN Fan. The last thing I want is to be THAT guy, especially on a site dedicated to a niche of a hobby of mine. Historic firearms, modern tactical firearms, CARS(!!!), a few martial arts weapons, and playing/traveling/touring with the family. I found the cars with two websites. I found the historic weapons here. I'm not THAT interested in modern weaponry sites because I'm living that information. Traveling and touring can only really be prepared for by experience. Playing with the wife and kids should be best left off the internet. Unplug for that. Martial arts weapons...eh, I'll find the ones I'm interested in and then flail them around a bit until I'm sore then put them away and get to cleaning my firearms...

[desdem12]

Ok MN just what do you walk out with in that little scenario????? I would be tempted to do the SVT40 and then run.. But we all now the correct answer is to by the SVT........Wait for it
And then buy the rest of them too.

[MN Fan]

I tried to make Google my friend with the Yugo SVS and couldn't find any pics. Got any? What makes it such an outstanding weapon? Also, what's the deal with that gorgeous SVT-40? I'm yet to start searching this site for the Tula-produced version.

Thanks for your kind words, MN Fan. The last thing I want is to be THAT guy, especially on a site dedicated to a niche of a hobby of mine. Historic firearms, modern tactical firearms, CARS(!!!), a few martial arts weapons, and playing/traveling/touring with the family. I found the cars with two websites. I found the historic weapons here. I'm not THAT interested in modern weaponry sites because I'm living that information. Traveling and touring can only really be prepared for by experience. Playing with the wife and kids should be best left off the internet. Unplug for that. Martial arts weapons...eh, I'll find the ones I'm interested in and then flail them around a bit until I'm sore then put them away and get to cleaning my firearms...

If you run across a Yugo SVS, buy it! 'cause I don't know what it is either I meant to type "SKS", sorry, was on the phone. SVT-40? Its on the wish list of many of the members here, including mine. I found one, now I just gotta wait for Christmas to be over before I buy it without guilt lol. You're not "THAT" guy by any means! You're an member of our armed service and entirely respected by all You have my respect for sure!

You're on the right path...its just the paths are pretty confusing in the beginning. Just didn't want to see you get on the wrong road

Glad you're here and hope to "bump" into you again soon!

[MN Fan]

But we all now the correct answer is to by the SVT........Wait for it And then buy the rest of them too.

Exactly!

[etprescottazusa91]

Been pondering about what makes a weapon legendary, I'm thinking now from all the different guns I saw mentioned there are different kinds of legendary weapons. The list I saw posted is a great want to have list, though a few are not so legendary but still great guns. There were a few models thrown out there too, now take the Swedish Mauser, such as the model 96 legendary quality and accuracy though as far a battlefield legendary well.....
The Mosin is a battlefield legend period. The Enfield was mentioned, not the most streamlined rifle for sure, but as far a legendary, the crown rifle of the British Empire, rifle capable of the mad minute, they really are among the most legendary rifle out there despite the appearance, and though it's not a streamlined Mauser, there good rifles, the Enfield will grow on you.
The 98 Mauser is the basis for our 03 Springfield and most modern sporting rifles today, innovation, quality and good looks, proven on the battlefield. Multiple models to choose from, a weapons system adopted by countless nations the K98 being the ultimate example for some, the Mauser is probably the most legendary rifle ever made, therefore a must have.
Now take our Springfield 03, Garand and Carbine, face it if the U.S adopted it it's legendary and deservedly so these are all great firearms that have won battles and kept our nation free.
I could go on about a few more legends but basically to sum up my ramble there are many reasons a firearm becomes a legend and many legendary rifles and handguns out there the possibilities are endless for us

[sclinesr]

The Thompson has to be on the list. It has a cool factor that can't be beat. Or maybe it is just my age showing.

It also weighs a ton without ammo. Don't know how they managed to swing that thing around like they do in the movies.

[Junk Yard Dog]

Are you asking for a list of historically important military weapons? We could be here all day. I will skip the stuff made before 1865 as most of it will equal the price of a new car.
US 1865,1866,1868,1873,1888,1896,1898, Springfields
US M1903, M1903A3 .30 rifles
US M1917 "Enfield"
US M1 Garand,
US M1 Carbine
British Snider MK I,II,III,
British Martini Henry, all marks
British No 1-5 SMLE's
British Pattern 1914
German Mauser 1871-1898
German GEW88
French Mle1886 Lebel ( first smokeless powder rifle)
French Berthier rifles and carbines
French Mas 36
French Mas 49, 49/56
Italian Carcano, rifles and carbines
Russian M1891, M91/30, M38, M44,
Finn M24-M39, all Finn made Mosins, all Finn marked Soviet made Mosins
Swiss Vetterli
Swiss K31 and all the other straight pulls
Austrian straight pulls M95 and so on
Japanese Arisaka Type 30-99
Belgian Mauser's 1889 and up
All the South American Mauser contract rifles ( this is a lifetime collection by itself)
Canadian Ross
US marked Remington rolling blocks
Swedish Ljungman AG42b
Swedish Mauser's, all of them
Egyptian Hakim
Egyptian Rasheed
Soviet SKS
Soviet SVT40

The above is just the tip of the iceberg, note I didn't list handguns, the list would then be three times as long, then there are the "filler" rifles that were in use during the era that spanned cap lock muzzle loaders to the Lebel like the 1874 Gras, and so on, you will want to have these also to fill out a collection, Chinese Mauser's, Italian made Japanese Arisakas, Indian produced 7.62mm Enfields, Chinese type 53's, Gehendera Martinis from Nepal, it's a lifetime endeavor, good luck and get started.

[Ban-One]

"They're ugly imo"

What...No1 MkIII's ugly? BLASPHEMY!!!!
Just kidding, to each his own, no biggie. I would also add a nice Springfield M1903 to the list...what was I thinking forgetting about that one.

You should also add a Mosin Nagant 91/30 and the best part is they are cheap to buy!

[desdem12]

Wouldn't you have to start with the Lebel if you are talking historically. They started all these arms races and they are the reason we have all the others to begin with. .02 worth

[etprescottazusa91]

Well JYD from that list looks like I need to add some firearms

[avenger]

Im looking to extend my collection more sometime.
I have now...
.22LR Revelation 100B single shot. It is actually a mossberg 321 made by mossberg for western auto supply.
And my Mosin Nagant 91/30 Izhevsk 1934 hex.

I wanna add more WW2 Based stuff to my arsenal but on a very strict budget. What do you guys think i should add next thats cheap but well known like the mosin?

[MN Fan]

More Mosins

One of the many nice things about Mosins are that there are variations and nuances that pretty much make each one special. To me, a Tula is entirely different than an Izhevsk. A hex is completely different than a round receiver. Laminate stock, odd markings, etc. The pricing pretty much stays the same too when you're collecting in this area. You can spend a bit more for Laminate stock or Finn captured, but you can also find these gems and the owner not know they are a bit more special, and you get it for around the same price.

.22s are cool too! I have bought 3 this month, two are very similar to your 321. 22s get a lot of respect on this forum too and they are always a good bet. Dig around the pawn shops and used gun racks and you're sure to find a good rifle that calls out to you!

[desdem12]

Turkish Mausers ...plentiful and just as cheap as the mosins are mostly. Also you may be able to find a few enfields if you are lucky although the prices of them are goin up it looks like. I have never seen a turk mauser over $200...never, but now that i say that they will go up.
EDIT: I almost forgot about one of my favorite guns...The M95 steyr. They are cheap and it seems like alot of distributers have them now. These are a real blast to shoot and they look cool too. The ammo is a bit pricey but not to bad. I highly recomend these and i see they are about $130 or so.

[Junk Yard Dog]

Well JYD from that list looks like I need to add some firearms

That's just the short list

[MN Fan]

This thread lead to some more Google time which ultimately lead to the P-51 Mustang

Talk about a legend!