Do I smell something burning?

Oh, it's my pocket, it's burning right through.

Anyways, I got my last month's pay, plus severance from the Korea job, with another few thousand from taxes and my pension refund at the end of the month. After a year of soul-crushing monotony without the ability to enjoy my hobbies, I plan on spoiling myself at least slightly. It just so happens that there's a gun show this weekend. Unfortunately this country has gone nuts with buying up all of the firearms and ammo in my absence. I have no idea what deals, if any, are still out there on military surplus stuff, or what ammunition availability is like. I've always kind of liked the Schmidt-Rubins, but don't know if you can get ammo reliably, but it seems the more "popular" and available calibers are the ones nobody has in stock now. What are some deals still out there or anything I should keep an eye out for? With everybody buying 1911s and ARs, are any of them making it to the used market? Realistically, I should buy a 1-4X scope for my shotty, but dangit I want a toy to show for my work. Any suggestions?

5.56 has gone down substantially over the past year.  It can be had for as low as 35 cents per compared to about 55 last summer. 

Edited by Eville - 06 March 2014 at 9:36am

rednekk98 wrote: I have no idea what deals, if any, are still out there on military surplus stuff, or what ammunition availability is like. I've always kind of liked the Schmidt-Rubins, but don't know if you can get ammo reliably, but it seems the more "popular" and available calibers are the ones nobody has in stock now.

For the swiss rifles, the 1889, 1911, and K-31's are still in decent supply though prices have started creeping up bit by bit. K31's are the best shooting, more modern, and best price right now. Stay away from the 1889's unless you like loading your own rounds since they're designed for black powder cartridges, not smokeless (most websites don't tell you this by the way). The 1911/K-1911 and K-31 all fire the same 7.5x55mm Swiss GP-11 round. It's readily available and non-corrosive. Strippers are available on the secondary market, but aren't really necessary as you can detach the box magazine from either rifle and load that by hand very easily (6rnd capacity) I got my K-31 from So. Ohio Gun for $313 shipped (no hand pick, no bayonet). Haven't shot it yet, but hope to this weekend.

As for the other stuff. Lee-Enfields seem to crop up from time to time at the big suppliers and 91/30 Mosins are readily available. The Molot Grade-B stocked rifles from Classic are the best bang for the buck at just over $100. A lot of them are ex sniper or other "rare" marks with dinged up stocks. If you feel like refinishing a good shooter, that's the way to go.

There are some Steyr M95's out there, but they too are creeping up in price. Secondary market on Armslist is where it's at right now for deals. You just have to be careful of shady people on there though.

Still plenty of Yugo and other country Mausers available and Century even has some WWII K-98's available. 03 Springfields are showing back up again too, but at the $1k+ price range.

TTCs and Yugo TT's are still pretty available (though they go in and out of stock on a regular basis) but Cz-82's are tough to find right now. Cz-50's and 52's are starting to dry up too.

Nagant revolvers are non existent. Glad I got mine when I did.

Ammo stocks are increasing steadily. The local walmarts here are all fully stocked now and the only thing that is really hard to find anymore is powder for reloading.

impulse418 wrote: Been eye balling the Sig 226. I don't need it , but me likey.

Just finished my tax return, and if it weren't for the kid due any week now, I'd be eyeing some nice cans for my .22LR and my .30 caliber-range rifles.... But no. screaming poop monster apparently takes priority....