I'm in the market for a few WW1 rifles and wondered whether any forum users could point me in the direction of (respectable) dealers or individuals with any for sale?
Which country? (It's not in your profile yet and I can't be the only one not knowing or not paying sufficient attention to any previous clues). You probably don't want to get into international transit. Even between states in the same country can be problematical (different regulations).
Thanks, over to the Brits then. Or possibly the Europeans (not sure how EU trade regulations might apply to firearms). I suppose you are thinking of "de-activated" arms then? Not sure about the availability of 8 x 50R ammunition but any working rifle chambered for the 30-06 cartridge (still produced in huge numbers) would certainly not be considered antique/exempt under firearms regulations in most places, regardless of age. What about the the US 30-06 "M1917 Enfield"? I understand more of those were used by US troops in WW1 than the Springfield (so I imagine easier to get hold of actual wartime issue examples than those of the Springfield).
Bayonets should be less of a hassle. You DO want those? You can even get new/unissued Springfield bayonets from some sources but the price is probably more than than that of a (used) rifle. Think of it as an investment. An illustration from more recent times. When the Australian L1A2 bayonets (SAF Lithgow) for the L1A1 SLR (FN FAL) were surplussed to the US markets in the 1990s they could be bought there (retail) for $4.95. Today, in Australia, they retail for $125 (used) - $165 (unissued). No, that argument doesn't work with my wife either
-- Edited by Rectalgia on Friday 18th of November 2011 05:09:44 AM
