What is the best surplus buy today?

[Gil Martin]

You are correct, the venerable old Swedes are getting harder to find. I recall when they were $69 in excellent condition not so long ago. The last one I saw in decent shape had a hang tag of $250.

It seems the best buys may be things that we just happen upon. I picked up a lovely U.S. 1917 Winchester with a bobbed stock for $125. When I got home I dropped it into an original Winchester surplus stock. Same bargains shoe up as sporterized '98 Mausers and Springfields. As long as the metal is in tact they are candidates for remilitarization. The sporterized military rifles that show up around here are usually reasonably priced. All the best...
Gil