Collecting WWII Long Arms

By Alex Bergman

As the World War Two generation simply fades away, we are left to contemplate their sacrifices, their struggles, and their legacy. All generations since have lingered in the long shadow their valor has cast, but bask in the light their sacrifices guaranteed. It is natural, therefore, that people are attracted to the signs and tools of their struggles.

Medals, uniforms, and flags, firearms and patches, are outward and visible signs of that portentous age, when good and evil battled on the worlds stage. But neither flags, nor uniforms or medals are a potent symbols as the weapons used in anger against other men.

World War Two era rifles can be found relatively easily for the majority of combatants. Many gun shows or gun shops will have examples of the rifles used in World War Two available for sale. That being said, it is still somewhat difficult to navigate.

The most famous World War II era American Rifle is the M1 Garand, a .30 caliber rifle. Unlike the primary long arms of the other belligerents, the M1 was semi-automatic, which provided a significant advantage to the American GIs. Thousands of M1’s survived the war, and today they are significant collectors items. They are the most expensive of the 5 most prominent World War Two long arms. Just remember the Garand was produced long after the end of World War II, so if you are interested in WWII rifles, just be sure to check.

The standard issue British rifle was Lee Enfield, MKs. III and IV. It was roughly the same weapon which had been carried by commonwealth soldiers since 1905. A .303 caliber bolt action rifle, its rate of fire was significantly slower then the Garand, but it did have a detachable box magazine, making loading easier. Over 17,000,000 Enfields were produced in total, making it one of the most common rifles in the world today. Enfields are consequently a fairly common site in American gun shows. Additionally, they are unerringly accurate, and consequently make decent rifles for sport shooting. All told the Enfield is a fine rifle, if one can be found for a good price.

The last of the allied long arms is the Soviet Unions Mosin-Nagant 1891/30. It, like the Enfield, was an update of a design half a century old. The Mosin-Nagant was a 7.62mm bolt action rifle, fed by an internal 5 round magazine. One of the earlier models, the Mosin-Nagant 1891, was imported into the United States following World War One, and some of these rifles have been imported since the Second World War. However, they are not especially common. Fortunately for the collector, demand is not particularly high as the ammunition is difficult to acquire. This makes it possible to find a Mosin-Nagant for a very low price, sometimes under $100.

The German Mauser kar98k was the standard issue rifle for Nazi forces until the dying days of the Second World War. It was a 7.92mm (8mm) bolt action rifle with a 5 round internal magazine. Exceptionally accurate, it was effective over 500 yards, and when mounted with a telescopic sight, over 800 yards. Over 14 million of these rifles were produced, and they were common in a number of armed services. Ironically enough, a number of these Nazi rifles were acquired by the Haganah, and were used by the Israeli armed services. Many were also brought home by G.I.s after the war. The Mauser kar98k is extremely popular with collectors, but prices can be reasonable. $200-$700 is a pretty good range, depending on the condition and the markings.

The Japanese fielded two primary infantry rifles during the war, the Types 38 and 99 Arisaka rifles. The 38 was the earlier version which fired a low velocity 6.5mm round. This was deemed ineffective, and was replaced by the Type 99, which fired a 7.7mm round. Both were bolt action, magazine fed. The Type 38 was the larger of the two, about over 4 feet long. The Type 99 was intended to replace the small caliber Type 38, but the outbreak of hostilities prevented this. The 38’s and 99’s would serve side by side in the war with mixed effectiveness. A large number of Arisaka rifles were brought home by American soldiers following the war, and are now being sold. Many of these rifles sported a distinctive chrysanthemum pattern on the end of the receiver, a sign that they served the Japanese Emperor. Prices run from $50 to several hundred, depending on the condition and the model for both rifle.

World War II era rifles are concrete reminders of past sacrifices. Every Garand, Enfield, Arisaka, Mosin-Nagant and Mauser is a functioning piece of our heritage. And conscientious owners can help preserve that heritage for future generations who may not know the soldiers of the Second World War.

Alex Bergman is an advanced collector, and a staff writer for Manion’s International Auction House. He is currently studying Anthropology and History at the College of William and Mary.