CapnMac
Member
The question is actually pretty vast in scope.
Each of the combatants used/issued several varieties of firearms over the six year span of the war.
Among collectors there is a cachet around German and American arms, as a general rule. So, a German Kar 98K goes for more than a Czech or Romanian in better condition (or even an Ethiopian).
What that generally means is that you can, occasionally, get better deals by finding other nation's arms. Sometimes. Perhaps,
Maybe.
That video Ian put out is a good example. French rifles have been available at good prices for a time, largely due to teh lack of 7.5french ammo. This also limited the various "sixes" by Italy, Japan, and the like. Now, and exception to the rule is Chinese Mausers, largely because they have been through 4 or 5 wars, so "pretty" examples are very rare.
As pointed out well above here, the heyday was about 20 years ago and nations all over the world cleaned out their armories and duped their excess stock onto the secondary market.
But, let's say you'd like an nice US 03A3, those are running about $800-850. The "Eddystone" M-1917 rifles are close behind in price. A legit Carbine is going to be north of $1200, more if in legit WWII fitment. CMP Garands are $750 to $1800 (and higher, they auction the rarer ones).
There's still some room to find decent British rifles, but you practically have to carry a book around with you to know one from another.
And, if the sort of sticker shock we are sharing here seems crazy, watch the gun auction house prices (like Rock Island, etc.)
Each of the combatants used/issued several varieties of firearms over the six year span of the war.
Among collectors there is a cachet around German and American arms, as a general rule. So, a German Kar 98K goes for more than a Czech or Romanian in better condition (or even an Ethiopian).
What that generally means is that you can, occasionally, get better deals by finding other nation's arms. Sometimes. Perhaps,
Maybe.
That video Ian put out is a good example. French rifles have been available at good prices for a time, largely due to teh lack of 7.5french ammo. This also limited the various "sixes" by Italy, Japan, and the like. Now, and exception to the rule is Chinese Mausers, largely because they have been through 4 or 5 wars, so "pretty" examples are very rare.
As pointed out well above here, the heyday was about 20 years ago and nations all over the world cleaned out their armories and duped their excess stock onto the secondary market.
But, let's say you'd like an nice US 03A3, those are running about $800-850. The "Eddystone" M-1917 rifles are close behind in price. A legit Carbine is going to be north of $1200, more if in legit WWII fitment. CMP Garands are $750 to $1800 (and higher, they auction the rarer ones).
There's still some room to find decent British rifles, but you practically have to carry a book around with you to know one from another.
And, if the sort of sticker shock we are sharing here seems crazy, watch the gun auction house prices (like Rock Island, etc.)
