Old Firearms

[Texas9]

I have acquired (through inheritance) more firearms than I have purchased. Seems the older folks in my family like guns. Some are more common than others. Like my Winchester 77 Clip-Fed and my Mosin-Nagant Carbine, respectively.

So, I've been thinking about this a bit lately, probably because I'm picking up an old CZ-52 here real soon. I wonder alot about acquiring ammo for these things (the Mosin is a 7.62x54R and the CZ is chambered for 7.62x25, if I'm not mistaken) and shooting them. Other times, especially with the Mosin (since it's in UNFIRED condition), I think that maybe some of these things are more collector items than actual shooters.

I don't often give too much thought to the latter. After all, Russian guns are just this side of indestructible, from what I've heard. Still, I can get a brand new Mosin just like the one I have for $79 right now. Mine is from 1953, so do I take the chance? Are there that many guys (or parts, for that matter) that can repair stuff like this?

Also, I need to get some more accurate information on these things. I've seen quite a bit of what the web has to offer, but I don't follow it well. I'm thinking that maybe some good photos should be taken and sent to an expert, since they'd be the ones to tell me more about it (like if it's special somehow).

Any feelings on the subject of owning older/rarer guns would be appreciated. I'd like to make an informed decision before I put any rounds downrange.

 

[News Shooter]

I had a CZ-52

I kind of went wild when I got my C & R and started buying everything in sight.
I doubt a CZ-52 will ever be a collector piece. You can still get them for $125.
Ammo is available but expensive. That's what I got rid of it. the 7.65 X 25 round is one of the most powerful handgun rounds around. It's a handful, although it didn't hurt me to shoot it like some others. Order another firing pin because yours will break.

They are all fun to collect if you can afford the ammo.

 

[Ed Ames]

It really comes down to personal choice.

For me, a thing locked in a display case is less meaningful than the same thing ready for use. That goes for just about any sort of device... my favorite air museum is one near here where all of the planes are kept in hangars, ready to fly... they rope off walkways through the hangars, and some of the exhibits include planes that are actively being rebuilt by volunteers... I like the fact that the planes fly, and I like seeing P-51 with its wings stripped down and new hydraulic lines going in. And every once in a while I see one of those old birds up in the air and think to myself "yes, that's right... it was built to fly and it still flies... so it still has its purpose."

I view guns the same way. I own a few older guns -- as in from the 1880s and 1890s; antiques -- and I've taken every one out for at least one range day. I've seen other people with old guns at ranges and it makes me a little happier for knowing those old machines are still getting exercise at least once in a while... that they still have their purpose.

But, for some people, just having the thing fulfills something... and that's valid too.

In any case I wouldn't worry too much about destroying the collector value of a CZ-52 or Mosin in a few hundred, or few thousand, rounds.

 

[Firehand]

Unless there's a particular thing about a piece that makes it not replaceable, or unsafe to fire, I prefer to use them. They were made to be fired, and with good quality ammo and proper cleaning the'll not wear out.

7.62x25 is out there, last time I looked reloadable brass runs about $12-14/box of 50, surplus can be had about $9/box of 72, or less bought in bulk.

 

[Hoppy590]

1953 is practicaly brand new for a mosin! as said. unless theres some reason you believe it to be unsafe, dont consider it unsafe because its "old" by your standards

i shoot skeet with a 93 year old shotgun ( model 12 of 1913)
i have what i consider a "newer" mosin (91/30 of 1942)

you say you can get a new one for 79$. you do realize new means new to you. since i dont think they have made any NEW mosins on any official scale since like the 50's ( i imagine theres some korean guy in a bicycle shop in north korea making one right now, but thats not my point) most are retro fits, rearsenals, ect.

if you do want to find out if your rifle has any "collector value" check out this sight. and specificly this page
http://7.62x54r.net
http://7.62x54r.net/MosinID/MosinRarity.htm

 

[rangerruck]

check your mosin here for value; http://7.62x54r.net/

 

[TimboKhan]

If I took the gist of your statement about ammo correct, you are referring to availability, right? 7.62x54R is cheap and abundant at the moment. I can shoot my mosin for probably somewhere in the neighborhood of a nickle to 7 cents/round. You do have to take some extra (but easy) care with the corrosive stuff, but thats really not that big a problem.