There’s something about military surplus rifles that just hits different. Maybe it’s the history, maybe it’s the old-school craftsmanship, or maybe it’s just the fact that you can still find some of them at a fair price. Either way, they’re fun to shoot, fun to collect, and they’re not going away anytime soon—at least, not yet.
If you’ve ever thought about picking one up, now’s the time. Here are some of the coolest surplus rifles you can still actually get your hands on today.
M1 Garand
The M1 Garand isn’t just iconic—it’s a blast to shoot, too. That satisfying ping when the clip ejects is worth it on its own. These rifles saw serious action in WWII and Korea, and while they’re not dirt cheap anymore, they’re still out there.
CMP (Civilian Marksmanship Program) is your best bet for a legit source. Prices vary depending on condition, but you’re buying a piece of American history that still holds its own at the range.
Mosin-Nagant M91/30
The Mosin-Nagant used to be the bargain bin special, but prices have crept up as supplies dry out. Still, it’s one of the most accessible surplus rifles out there. It’s clunky, loud, and kicks like a mule—but that’s part of the charm.
It fires the 7.62x54R cartridge, which has some serious punch. These rifles were made in the millions, mostly for the Soviet Union, so you can still track one down with a little effort.
Swiss K31
If you like precision, the Swiss K31 is a sleeper pick. It’s surprisingly accurate for a surplus bolt-action and the straight-pull bolt is fast and smooth. These were made with typical Swiss care, even though they were built for soldiers, not collectors.
Ammo (7.5x55mm Swiss) isn’t as common as .30-06 or 7.62x54R, but it’s out there. Most K31s you’ll find are in good shape since Switzerland didn’t fight in any major wars with them.
SKS
Before the AK-47 took over, the SKS was the go-to for many Soviet bloc armies. These rifles are semi-auto, feed from an internal magazine, and shoot the same 7.62x39mm round as the AK. They’re reliable and relatively simple to work on.
They were made in Russia, China, Yugoslavia, and a few other countries, so there’s a lot of variety. Some are rougher than others, but they’re still very shootable rifles if you can find one at the right price.
Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk I
The Lee-Enfield was the backbone of the British Empire’s rifle forces for decades. The No. 4 Mk I version was used heavily in WWII and is known for having one of the fastest bolt actions of any military rifle.
It’s chambered in .303 British, which you can still find if you look online. These rifles are smooth, surprisingly quick to run, and they have that old-world feel that modern rifles just don’t.
Mauser K98k
The Mauser K98k is one of the most copied bolt-action designs in the world, and for good reason—it works. These German rifles were standard issue in WWII and built tough. They’re chambered in 8mm Mauser, which has decent availability.
They’re not as cheap as they used to be, especially matching numbers ones, but they’re still out there. If you’re into historical firearms, this one’s probably already on your radar.
Yugoslavian M48 Mauser
If a K98k is out of your budget, the Yugo M48 is a solid alternative. It’s not an exact copy, but it’s very close. These rifles were made after WWII using leftover Mauser machinery, and they’re chambered in 8mm Mauser just like the German version.
Most M48s are in great condition because they were stored more than used. You’ll get that Mauser feel without the collector price tag.
Carcano M91
The Carcano doesn’t have the best reputation, but it’s still an interesting piece of surplus history. These Italian rifles were used through both World Wars, and they’ve got a unique charm—odd sights, straight stock, and a 6.5mm cartridge that’s not super common.
Ammo is a bit of a hurdle, but if you like oddball rifles, this one fits the bill. They’re still pretty affordable, especially compared to other surplus options.
Japanese Arisaka Type 99
The Type 99 was Japan’s WWII service rifle, and it’s tougher than people give it credit for. Chambered in 7.7x58mm, it’s got a strong action and some weird features like aircraft sights and dust covers—though not all rifles still have those.
These aren’t as common as Mosins or Enfields, but they’re not unicorns either. If you find one with the chrysanthemum stamp intact, that’s a nice bonus—it means it wasn’t surrendered and defaced after the war.
FN-49
The FN-49 doesn’t get talked about enough. It’s a semi-auto rifle made by Fabrique Nationale and was used by a bunch of countries during the mid-20th century. Some were chambered in 8mm Mauser, others in .30-06, depending on where they went.
It’s kind of like a stepping stone between WWII bolt guns and more modern battle rifles. They’re a little harder to find, but if you stumble on one, don’t sleep on it.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
