Military surplus rifles, if you know where to look for them, what you need from the platform, and how to ascertain their condition, can represent tremendous value.
In some instances, surplus rifles are readily available for purchase at fairly low prices. Many of them are lightly used and have been impeccably kept. Oftentimes, like the M1 Garand and M1903, the platforms are built around cartridges that are still readily available and used the country over by hunters and competitive shooters. In other cases, such as with the SKS, surplus ammo is also widely available.
Here’s our take on some of the best military surplus rifles in the industry.
M1 Garand
The M1 Garand might be the definitive military surplus rifle. It’s also the platform that Patton called “the greatest battle implement ever devised.”
Gas-operated, semi-automatic, reliable, chambered in .30-06 Springfield, and handsome, there is a lot you can do with an M1 Garand. The cartridge is highly effective for hunting all large game in North America, and there are matches still held that are dedicated to the Garand.
Of course, it can also just be an investment.
M1903 Springfield
The M1903 was the bolt-action repeater that was in some ways the predecessor to the M1 Garand. It’s been said that after WW1 many M1903 rifles were sporterized and then used by hunters.
Well, it takes the same cartridge as the M1 Garand, and the bolt-action is more popular with many hunters, not to mention that until recently some states forbade hunting with autoloaders, which paved the way for the M1903.
And, just like with the M1 Garand, the M1903 can simply represent an amazing investment into a historical collection.
Lee-Enfield SMLE
The Short Magazine Lee-Enfield, also known as the SMLE, served British forces from the turn of the 1900s until the 1970s and has seen service the world over.
Reliable, with a 10-round magazine and a smooth action, the SMLE is beloved in circles that are familiar with it. It’s short throw also makes rapid rates of fire possible – so fast, in fact, that apparently, in the First World War Germans periodically thought they were being fired upon with machine guns!
Mosin-Nagant M1891
Over 37 million Mosin-Nagant rifles have been built, and the M1891 is a venerable model which was carried by Russians through both world wars, and in some instances, beyond.
The platform is extremely rugged, with a heavy stock and barrel and a stiff action – but it is also amazingly reliable and has a lot of staying power. It’s said to stand up to both extreme cold and heat and to keep performing admirably.
Best of all, you may even be able to get lucky enough to find an M1891 military rifle at a steeply discounted price.
SKS Rifles
SKS rifles, another Russian entry into this list, have been carried by countless countries around the world. Soviet production alone amounted to nearly 3 million SKS rifles.
Today, they are still widely available, fairly cheap, and considered reliable. Collectors and shooters also appreciate the fact that it’s not difficult to find 7.62x39mm ammo – and it’s also cheap.
Also, there are a lot of aftermarket parts and accessories available for SKS rifles, making them even more popular with some shooters. There are also some SKS rifles in circulation that are in good condition or even excellent condition.
Where to Find These Military Surplus Rifles for Sale
Looking for these military surplus rifles for sale – or just parts for them? Check out SARCO, Inc., online at SarcoInc.com. SARCO, Inc., is one of the world’s largest providers of firearms and parts, and their experts know their stuff forwards and backward.
Check out their website or get in touch with them directly at 610-250-3960 if you need more information.
