I'm down with you on the Mausers & Mosin-Nagant's. They are accurate as anything - large numbers of pre-WWII American infantrymen didn't want to trade their 1903's for M1's. Additionally, they sell for 1/6 the price of the Springfield 1903's that they are essentially technically equal with. But, do you really use 60 year old turkish ammo? That thought scares the hell out of me. Is there any pre-screening process from where you get it to make sure it wasn't mistreated? Even so, articles like this make me positive that no matter how well stored, it's quality has degraded by now. Good collectable gun store in Houston: http://www.collectorsfirearms.com/ They've been in the same place since I can remember and they've grown quite a bit.
Because there are no more approved class III weapons being imported from after the NFA in 1970-something (that requires a class I license) anything like this, which is an actual new in the box never been fired Fabrique National is expensive as hell, and will get more expensive as time goes by. Even the crappy class III genuine Thompson M1A1's from WWII go for $20,000 if it's in good condition. Condition plays a big role. You could get a "slightly used" real machine gun like this: For the relatively cheap price of $18,000. There's something called a class II license that alows you to manufacture NFA weapons. These generally tend to be botique designed to look like something else Uzi's or Mac10's, but aren't authentic. These are generally more reasonable - in the $ department.
What about the 50 caliber rifles? I remember seeing something on 60 minutes or one of those shows recently, talking about how powerful and dangerous these guns are, yet they are easily obtained. Anyone have any experience with them?
It is difficult to find ranges to shoot the .50BMG rifle... I live in Smyrna, TN...15 minutes to Murfreesboro (Like going from Spring to the Woodlands)...This is the genuine home of the .50BMG rifle. I want one!, ...but where can I shoot one? The outdoor range told me I can shoot anything I want BUT...(even automatic firearms if I have proper paperwork) the .50BMG rifle...It is THE most powerful firearm a civilian can buy in most states... Did I say noise? Armalite actually includes a packet of aspirin, with the purchase of their .50...but a legendary fellow named Ronnie Barret here in Murfreesboro, TN. has his name on (perhaps) the most famous .50BMG rifle:...The Barrett M82A1 semi-auto. .50 BMG rifle...It resembles more of a cannon, than a rifle...Responsible folks who own the fine rifle usually join an exclusive club with other .50BMG rifles... http://www.barrettrifles.com/ ...p.s. You may want to read Ronnie's letter to Sen Frist, it addresses the 60 minutes thing...
You are right to be concerned Ott, check this comparison site on Turkish ammo: http://www.turkmauser.com/ammo/mhbTurk.htm The most important thing to check is not the ammo, but the "headspace" on your rifle to make sure that there isn't too much space between your cartridge, chamber and bolt face. If this seal is broken during firing you can get gas blowback or complete receiver failure--NOT good. However, while vintage ammo is definitely "hot", it is very stable even though the Berdan primer is corrosive. 60 year old ammo is common and safe because it remains stable and viable with protection from moisture and will last FAR longer than modern ammunitions. Remember, the action on your rifle, Mausers especially, are designed to withstand ENORMOUS pressure loads that mil-surp ammo doesn't even reach. The thing to look for whenever you shoot your Mauser or Nagant is the condition of the cases after you shoot: Are they cracked? Warped? These are signs of excessive pressure that can be dangerous. I have gone through literally thousands of rounds and haven't had any scares other than duds--which you should treat with care. Factory, modern ammo is loaded much lighter than what your firearm is designed to accept. But, do what you feel safe with or you won't enjoy the hobby. Check out Parallax Bill's gunboards for a wealth of information from mil-surp collectors/shooters.
