Military Surplus Firearms: A Collector's Guide

Military surplus firearms are among the most popular and accessible categories for collectors. These are firearms produced for military service and later sold on the civilian market. They offer history you can hold in your hands — often at prices far below comparable commercial arms.

What Is Military Surplus?

After wars and military modernization programs, governments sell off older firearms. These guns enter the civilian market through importers and distributors. Some have seen combat; others sat in armory storage for decades.

The Most Popular Surplus Firearms

The M1 Garand

The iconic American WWII battle rifle. Chambered in .30-06, the Garand served from WWII through Korea. Available through the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) or at gun shows and auctions. Prices range from $750 for service-grade to $2,000+ for collector-grade examples.

Mosin-Nagant

The Russian bolt-action that served from 1891 through WWII. Once the cheapest surplus rifle on the market, prices have climbed as supply has dried up. Still a great entry point for collectors at $300–$600 depending on variant and condition.

Mauser K98k

The German WWII bolt-action is prized for its accuracy and build quality. Matching-number examples with original finish command premium prices ($800–$3,000+). Russian-capture reworks are more affordable.

Lee-Enfield

The British bolt-action served in both World Wars and countless colonial conflicts. The No. 4 Mk I is the most common variant. Known for its smooth, fast bolt action and 10-round magazine.

SKS

A Soviet semi-automatic carbine in 7.62x39mm. Chinese, Yugoslav, and Albanian variants are common. A great shooter and collector piece at $400–$800 depending on origin.

M1 Carbine

Light, handy, and fun to shoot. The .30 Carbine cartridge makes it pleasant for all-day shooting. Inland, IBM, Saginaw, and other wartime manufacturers each have their own collector following.

Where to Buy Surplus

  • Gun shows — Walk the aisles and inspect in person. Use our gun show directory to find shows near you.
  • Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) — The only legal source for US government surplus M1 Garands, 1911s, and more.
  • Online auctions — GunBroker, Simpson Ltd, and specialty surplus dealers
  • Local FFL dealers — Check our dealer directory for shops that carry surplus

What to Look For

  1. Matching serial numbers — Bolt, receiver, and other numbered parts should match
  2. Original finish — Refinished or arsenal-reworked rifles are less valuable
  3. Bore condition — Bright, sharp rifling is ideal. Dark or pitted bores lower value.
  4. Stock condition — Original cartouches (inspector stamps) and minimal repairs add value
  5. Import marks — Most surplus was import-marked; unmarked examples are more desirable

Ammunition Considerations

Some surplus calibers are still widely available (7.62x54R, .30-06, 7.62x39mm), while others are scarce or expensive (6.5x55 Swedish, 7.5x55 Swiss). Factor ammunition cost and availability into your collecting decisions.

Find military surplus firearms at your next gun show. Browse our show directory for upcoming events.