Help with Big 5 C&R rifles

[GoodEyeSniper]

So I've been interested in picking up a Mosin Nagant for quite some time. I have never owned a rifle, and own one pistol, so I'm fairly inexperienced in this category.

I was wondering what are obvious things to check for when looking at a gun at a place like Big5, how much of it is a crapshoot until you get it home and are able to disassemble and inspect it? etc...

I went to the two local ones recently and they had a couple Mausers and a Lee Enfield, no Mosin Nagants. And I'm definitely not just limiting myself to looking for the Mosin. So I'm also curious about the caliber aspect of the different weapons, what's easy to find inexpensive, bulk ammo for, what might have slightly better range or reliability, etc...

I don't have my C&R license, so the online vendors that ship to your door are a no go for me.

I believe the rifles I saw at Big 5 were all $200 and under, the Enfield being the most expensive, but that might've been around $250, can't remember off hand.

[rulas41]

you want to look at the bore other wise there perty bullet proof and you can find surplus ammo anywhere and some new stuff you can reload

[GoodEyeSniper]

you want to look at the bore other wise there perty bullet proof and you can find surplus ammo anywhere and some new stuff you can reload

Is that in reference to all of these old bolt actions being pretty bulletproof? That's what I figured, thanks.

[rulas41]

just make sure barrel not realy worn out there are some with almost new

[Peter in CA]

Re: Help with Big 5 C&R rifles

GoodEyeSniper,
You might be able to find what you are looking for at a gun store other than Big 5. There are a couple in my area that usually have quite a few Milsurps in stock. Additionally, ask to meet a Calguns member in your area for a little instruction, or maybe they could meet you at a Big 5 or other store to help you with a selection. If you are in North San Jose/Milpitas area, I would be glad to help.

You do not have to go this alone.

Peter in CA

[GoodEyeSniper]

Okay thanks, any tips on exactly what to look for in regards to the barrel being worn? Since I'm pretty new I'm not confident in my ability to spot something that's not very obvious. I did a bit of googling on this, but didn't come out feeling well enough informed.

also, you think Big5 gives you any room to negotiate prices, or are they completely firm?? heh, not like I'm spending much, but still :P

[GoodEyeSniper]

Posted that last message at the same time as you, Peter, thanks.

I'm in the North Bay area, Napa/Vallejo area and haven't seen milsurps in the few gun stores around here I've been to, or maybe I just didn't notice as I was mostly handgun shopping...

If someone around here was willing to help out that would be very welcome. SJ is a bit of a drive, but if I get desperate enough I might have to take you up on that offer.

[TRICKSTER]

Still plenty of surplus ammo for the Mauser (8mm mauser) at reasonable prices.
Still plenty of surplus ammo for the Mosin (7.62x54r) at reasonable prices.
Surplus ammo for the Enfield (303 British) is getting hard to find and cost more.

[gunn]

If you buy most of these C&R rifles, make sure to buy your ammo online in bulk.
Even with shipping, you'll find almost any ammo to be cheaper in quantity when you buy online.
Key example:
440rd spam cans of 7.62x54R (M-N ammo) runs $80/ea. Call this $100 shipped or 22.7c/rd. Locally, it will probably cost you ~$1/rd.
Pricing at gun shows may be similar but you will have to pay for shipping, gas to get to the show, and the admission ticket as well -- and you have to fight the crowds.

Personally, the only ammo I buy locally is 22LR and 9mm brass case (both from walmart). For bulk ammo, it's hard to beat this kind of pricing if you can ever find it.

-g

[GoodEyeSniper]

What shoots the biggest fireballs?? heh, thanks for that ammunition information, Trickster. Enfield also seem to be more expensive than the others around here, so might have to rule that one out.

I was a pretty darn good shot with the K98 in COD2, though...

[Hopi]

also, you think Big5 gives you any room to negotiate prices, or are they completely firm?? heh, not like I'm spending much, but still :P

Yes.

My advice. Talk to the manager and have him either tell you when they're going on sale next, or have him give you the sales price. Most will do it.

Also, since you're paying DROS, I always liked to stack the transfer with more than 1 rifle and spread it out. It always seemed silly to me to spend another 25% of the rifle cost for the DROS.

[Hopi]

What shoots the biggest fireballs?? heh, thanks for that ammunition information, Trickster. Enfield also seem to be more expensive than the others around here, so might have to rule that one out.

I was a pretty darn good shot with the K98 in COD2, though...

M38 or M44 for fireballs. Guaranteed.

[TRICKSTER]

If you are looking for C&R rifles in the Vallejo area, check out the next Vallejo Gun Show at the Solano County Fairgrounds (July 11-12). There are usually guys there selling some C&R's and most are being sold cash and carry.

[Gunaria]

I say you are just lucky to even find old C&R rifles at a Big5. All the Big5's I have been to lately are out of them. The main thing I look for in Big5 C&R's is barrel condition. Take the bolt out and look down the barrel. If it is a sewer pipe, just say no thank you and keep on looking.

[Hopi]

I say you are just lucky to even find old C&R rifles at a Big5. All the Big5's I have been to lately are out of them. The main thing I look for in Big5 C&R's is barrel condition. Take the bolt out and look down the barrel. If it is a sewer pipe, just say no thank you and keep on looking.

to add to this....if they are in stock, they usually have at least 1 or 2 more in the back....regardless of the condition of the first one, make sure to ask.