Learning about C&R guns

[CowboyShooter]

So I've got my C&R and already have my first purchase, an M1 carbine.

Now I'm looking at other purchases (don't tell my wife!) and I'm trying to learn the lingo.

When looking at Mosin Nagants... what does it mean when they say it's been "counter bored"? That doesn't sound good. Also, is an "arsenal refurbish" an undesirable thing? What's important to look for?

Thanks for any input.

[shootin' nuke]

"Arsenal refurbished" isin't a bad thing necessarily. Just means that it's been re-worked and may not have all matching and correct parts for the reciever's build date. Usually they repair stock damage, replace the little pieces that break often, and refinish the metal.
As for things to look for, the bore is the biggest killer, especially in Warsaw Pact weapons IMHO. Look for pitting or "frosting" from corrosive ammo. Also a quick test of gauging the muzzle with a new round will give you a rough idea of how much shooting the rifle has seen.

[Wyatt]

Counter bore is when they drill out the barrel from the muzzle to remove damaged rifling. Almost all Mosins are arsenal refinished (russian guns in general) and one that has not been is considered rare and unique.

Congrats on the M1Carbine, my favorite plinker.

[caldude]

Congrats on the M1 Carbine - it's one of my favorites also.

I'm not a big collector by any means, but I do have a decent assortment of mil-surps, and one of my other favorites is my Swiss K-31. You can pick them up for $200-$250, and they are generally in very good condition and shoot very well. Ammo isn't necessarily cheap, but what isn't these days? Check one out for your next purchase.

[Sampachi]

Counter boring isn't necessarily a bad thing. It can bring back accuracy from barrels that have had damage at the muzzle.

I strongly suggest buying some good reference books. An ounce of good reference will prevent several pounds of bad purchases. Plus, you'll learn to appreciate your firearms even more and understand variations of production better.

Since you are new to collecting, consider this book:

http://www.amazon.com/Essential-Tips-Tricks-Guide-Collector/dp/1931464227/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1218074479&sr=1-1

Check out mosinnagant.net & gunboards.com or consider this book:

http://www.amazon.com/Mosin-Nagant-Rifle-collectors-only/dp/1882391217/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1218074623&sr=1-1

[CowboyShooter]

thanks to everyone for the good tips...

I can see now that this C&R is going to be hard on my wallet.

[renardsubtil]

Hey Cowboy, welcome to the club...

I was over at Irvington Arms a month or so back and they had some C&R rifles there that may be worth having a look at if you haven't been already - there's a Finnish M39 that I had my eye on but I dunno if it's there, that'd be a real nice purchase Btw got any 6 shooters laying around for sale?

[CowboyShooter]

Hey Cowboy, welcome to the club...

I was over at Irvington Arms a month or so back and they had some C&R rifles there that may be worth having a look at if you haven't been already - there's a Finnish M39 that I had my eye on but I dunno if it's there, that'd be a real nice purchase Btw got any 6 shooters laying around for sale?

Thanks for the tip... been thinking I should stop in there to see what they might have in the C&R category.

and yes, got six shooters... but not for sale.