7 Military Surplus Guns Smart Buyers Are Grabbing Before Prices Explode

Published on June 12, 2026
Duration: 15:14

This video provides an expert overview of several military surplus firearms that smart buyers are acquiring before prices increase. It highlights the Springfield Armory M1 Garand for its service history and shootability, the Norinco Type 56 SKS for its balance of shooter and collector value, and the Yugoslavian Zastava M59-66 SKS for its unique grenade launcher feature. The Mosin-Nagant M44 is discussed for its raw, full-power experience, while the Swiss K-31 is praised for its precision engineering. The Lee-Enfield No. 4 MKI is noted for its speed and battlefield practicality, and the Romanian TT-33 Tokarev pistol is presented as an affordable, historically significant handgun. The expert emphasizes inspecting for original configuration and condition over cosmetic upgrades.

Quick Summary

Smart buys in the current military surplus market include the Springfield Armory M1 Garand, Norinco Type 56 SKS, Zastava M59-66 SKS, Mosin-Nagant M44, Swiss K-31, Lee-Enfield No. 4 MKI, and Romanian TT-33 Tokarev pistol. Prioritize original condition, proper inspection, and matching numbers for long-term value and shootability.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Surplus Buyer's Dilemma
  2. 00:10Rifles with Real Service History
  3. 00:20Springfield Armory M1 Garand: The American Warhorse
  4. 00:42M1 Garand: Beyond Nostalgia
  5. 01:00M1 Garand: Price and Condition Considerations
  6. 01:16M1 Garand: Earning Respect
  7. 01:26Norinco Type 56 SKS: Cold War Carbine
  8. 01:39SKS: Not an AK, a Different Animal
  9. 01:55SKS: Simple, Reliable, Soft Shooting
  10. 02:08SKS: The Don't Be That Guy Warning
  11. 02:24SKS: Market Realities
  12. 02:47Yugoslavian Zastava M59-66 SKS: The Grenade Launcher
  13. 03:13M59-66 SKS: Cold War Plumbing
  14. 03:28M59-66 SKS: Weirdness and Collectibility
  15. 03:46M59-66 SKS: Drawbacks and Inspection
  16. 04:26Mosin-Nagant M44: Raw Full Power Experience
  17. 04:44M44: Not About Comfort
  18. 04:56M44: Variations and Market Pitfalls
  19. 05:06M44: Inspection Priorities
  20. 05:23M44: Honest Rifles Get Expensive
  21. 05:43Swiss WASF Bern K-31: Precision Engineering
  22. 05:52K-31: Recalibrating Expectations
  23. 06:01K-31: Straight Pull Action
  24. 06:18K-31: Ammunition Considerations
  25. 06:26K-31: Quality as the Sales Pitch
  26. 06:46Lee-Enfield No. 4 MKI: Speed and Practicality
  27. 06:58No. 4 MKI: Rhythm of Speed
  28. 07:11No. 4 MKI: Shootable Without Being Boring
  29. 07:35No. 4 MKI: Avoiding Sporterization
  30. 07:43No. 4 MKI: History, Speed, Capacity
  31. 07:56Romanian TT-33 Tokarev: Old World Pistol Practicality
  32. 08:05TT-33: Built Around One Nasty Idea
  33. 08:26TT-33: Design and Operation
  34. 08:37TT-33: The Shooting Experience
  35. 08:51TT-33: Practical for Buyers
  36. 09:00TT-33: Smart Moves and Downsides
  37. 09:11Conclusion: Earning Their Place

Frequently Asked Questions

Which military surplus rifles are smart buys before prices increase?

Smart buys in the current market include the Springfield Armory M1 Garand for its service history and shootability, the Norinco Type 56 SKS for its balance of value, the Yugoslavian Zastava M59-66 SKS for its unique features, the Mosin-Nagant M44 for its raw power, the Swiss K-31 for its precision, the Lee-Enfield No. 4 MKI for its speed, and the Romanian TT-33 Tokarev pistol for its historical significance and affordability.

What should buyers look for when purchasing an M1 Garand?

When buying an M1 Garand, prioritize examples that have been properly inspected with a healthy barrel, safe operating parts, and a stock that shows no signs of abuse. This ensures the rifle remains shootable and maintainable, rather than just a wallhanger.

Why is the Norinco Type 56 SKS considered a good value surplus rifle?

The Norinco Type 56 SKS offers a good balance of shooter and collector value. It's chambered in the affordable 7.62x39mm, is reliable, soft-shooting, and its simple, honest design makes it practical for range use without needing extensive modifications or accessories.

What makes the Yugoslavian Zastava M59-66 SKS unique among SKS variants?

The Zastava M59-66 SKS stands out due to its integrated 22mm grenade launcher spigot, folding ladder-style grenade sight, and gas shutoff system. While the grenade launcher is largely impractical today, these features add significant 'surplus character' and historical interest.

What are the key considerations when buying a Mosin-Nagant rifle?

When buying a Mosin-Nagant, focus on bore condition, the crown, stock repairs, import marks, and matching or force-match numbers. Ensure it retains its cleaning rod and correct hardware. A worn rifle with strong rifling is often a better buy than a cosmetically perfect one with a poor bore.

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