When it comes to why military surplus rifles are expensive, it is not by happenstance and there are other reasons as to why the price is controlled.
Military surplus rifles are so expensive because of government regulation, liquidation of certain items that can’t be sold to civilians, and a lack of a demand for supply, which removes the need to create a large supply of excess rifles.
There are lots of factors that go into determining the cost of military surplus items and it is important to know as to why.
In High Demand
Military surplus stores purchase new or hardly used military equipment that isn’t wanted by the original owner or is not being used enough by the owner to feel that it is necessary to keep. When it comes to items that are being purchased by military surplus stores, they purchase items that are desired by the public. When some gear isn’t in high demand, they get rid of it because there isn’t a need for it anymore; but when it becomes wanted again for a period of time, the price is raised because suddenly, everyone wants it and prices are increased according to popularity.
That is the same for items that are extremely popular. When everyone is looking for a specific item, then the price is raised to whatever the surplus store wants because they can dictate the price because not many people are able to sell military equipment. When there’s not enough and too many people want it, the price is increased.
Military Surplus Stores Determine Prices
Because of a lack of certain goods in certain states, or excess of goods, surplus stores tend to determine how much an item costs because they purchased it and can determine worth based on need. If they notice trends, then they determine the cost of those trends with items. There aren’t many laws regarding pricing of items, just making sure that items are legal to resell.
Each gun has its own trend, depending on overall popularity, the condition it’s in, and where it is being sold at. Trends are usually universal, so it is a “buyer beware” situation when purchasing used guns that are in limited quantities but are highly sought after.
Government Disposes of Unnecessary Surplus
The Department of Defense regulates the equipment that can be given to civilians. If there seems to be too much of specific items, then the government intercepts to regulate what can be sold in excess and what needs to be disposed of.
A corporation within the Department of Defense known as the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is in charge of precious metal recovery, recycling, hazardous material disposal, as well as the demilitarization of military equipment. When military equipment is given to military surplus stores, this department determines how much can be in the store and which items there need to be less of.
The DLA makes sure that it doesn’t just go straight to military surplus stores, but also to law enforcement, homeless agencies, as well as schools and hospitals. If the gear that the military no longer needs is deemed inappropriate for civilian use, then they control the gear so as to protect civilians.
Which Guns are More Affordable
Mosin-Nagant
These Russian-designed and built guns are not as cheap as they once were, but are still available and highly sought after. More often than not they are a collector’s gun. There are actually quite a few of them being resold in various gun stores, such as Cabela’s.
This particular rifle holds five rounds, and is known as an excellent shot while being durable during extended trips through harsh weather. They are extremely popular, which is why they aren’t as cheap as they used to be. They can usually be found starting at around $250.
Mausers
Originally a German engineered gun, many countries began making them for various reasons throughout the years. There are two variants in this particular gun, which can vary in price because of different models and builds. Collectors are more specific when it comes to noticing the distinction between these two.
This gun is certainly not cheap, but it is slightly more affordable than guns that come in a limited quantity. This gun can start around $400 and increase greatly from there. It entirely depends on what is available and what the demand is.
Finnish Mosin-Nagant M/39
Unlike other Mosin-Nagant’s, this finish version was modified to be much better than any other version. These were incredibly popular in during the Soviet time period, and were sought after because of their accuracy. This is certainly a collector’s dream, so the prices will vary depending on the condition of the rifle. The lowest can be around $350, but the rifles that are in better conditions can be well over a thousand dollars.
M1 Carbine
Not only was the rifle used in the Vietnam War, but it was also used during the Korean War and the Second World War. It has a flip scope that can shoot either 150 yards or up to 300 yards. This gun is perfect to shoot small game with and be able to train younger generations with. It is perfect to teach someone with because of the scope’s depth as well as the overall weight. This is much better for shooting smaller game than it is shooting deer or anything larger.
Arisaka
This gun is incredibly unique; built in Japan in the late 1890’s, this gun was widely used during the Second World War. The sleek design made it light and easy to maneuver during combat. It has both rear and front sights, which made it perfect for snipers during those times. This makes it perfect for hunting animals with farther distances.
SKS
If you’re looking to get a European designed gun, the likelihood is limited because of such a high demand and extremely limited quantity. The Chinese models are considerably cheaper and usually are as expensive as $500, if not cheaper than that. The demand to have an SKS is more popular because of the similarities and fun that resembles an AK-47.