Home >> Collecting >> Gun Collecting

How to Collect & Shoot a Military Surplus Rifle

If you have a desire to collect and shoot military surplus rifles, try using gun shows and military trade shows as a starting point. These conventions showcase gun dealers and collections of military surplus rifles and supplies. When ready to target shoot your newly acquired rifles, look to local target ranges and gun and rifle clubs. When inspecting and handling any weapon, treat them all as if they were loaded, even if you know they are not.

Instructions

- 1
  Gather the dates and times of any gun shows in your area. Lists and dates are found through online websites like Gunshows-usa.com. Buy a military rifle guide to learn of approximate values, what to pay for rifles and how to inspect the goods.
- 2
  Locate military surplus rifles in your area using online classified sites or auction sites such as Craigslist or eBay. If you purchase a rifle, be sure to transport the rifle safely and legally. Keep the weapon locked in a trunk or storage area of the car, and check the rifle is not loaded. Adding a trigger lock, available at gun shops, is a good idea.
- 3
  Use online merchants to locate particular military surplus rifles. Check on your local laws for shipping and receiving firearms for your area. Call law enforcement agencies and the US Postal service to get information on the laws for your region.
- 4
  Bargain with the dealer. Inspect the rifles you are interested in, cross reference the dealer's price with the guide book estimated value and make an offer below the price to begin negotiations. Wait until the end of the gun show as many times dealers will take low offers so they do not have to transport extra gear home or back to the shops. If transporting the rifle home, keep it unloaded, stored in the trunk or safe area of the car, and if possible, with a trigger lock.
- 5
  Join a gun and rifle club, or go to a local shooting range to shoot your newly acquired rifles. Follow all safety and legal procedures relating to the transport of the rifles, loading and discharging of the weapons.

Gun Collecting