Robert House — Classic Firearms/Echoes Of Glory Auctions, Virginia Beach, Va.
An auction house that specializes in military firearms and memorabilia, Classic Firearms/Echoes Of Glory Auctions has seen a steep increase in prices paid over the last year for three rifle types in particular: SKS rifles, from pretty much any country and manufacturer; British Enfields; and, the venerable M1 carbine.
“A year ago, SKS rifles were going for $225 to $250 apiece,” owner of Classic Firearms Robert House said. “Now, we’re seeing them at shows and auctions bringing $350 to $400. British Enfield rifles are the same—a year ago, they averaged $200-$225, and now they are $300 to $350. Japanese Arisaka and Italian Carcanos are going up, too.”
Meanwhile, prices for M1 Carbines have jumped 25 percent recently.
Any captured Communist Bloc weapons from the Korean and Vietnam Wars are fetching good prices, especially those with authentic “Capture Papers,” official military documents that gave soldiers permission to take home captured enemy firearms.
“[A] recent import Soviet M44 Nagant might sell from $225 to $275. But with the capture paperwork? They'll bring $400-450,” House said.
As for U.S. weapons from the Vietnam Era, early Colt AR-15 rifles that closely mimic the Vietnam era M16 (such as the Colt SP-1 semi-automatic) bring a premium.
“Guys are looking to pick up a Vietnam War legal M16 style rifle, which is quite different from later ARs, notably the stocks, the sights, the flashiders and the lack of a forward assist. I've seen them routinely sell for $1,300-$1,400 or more, versus a used later AR-15 that'll go for half that.”
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i WENT TO A RECENT GUN SHOW IN ALA. 2023 SKS RIFLES WERE SELLING FOR 900 DOLLARS TO 1200 DOLLARS THE WHERE NO TO BE FOUND FOR 450 TO 550 YOU STATE HERE IN YOUR ARTICAL SO WHATS UP WITH YOUR INFO.
Years ago a friend actually gave me an SKS. I customized it and tricked it out, then gave it to a friend who valued the 2nd A. and didn’t have a lot of money because i feel that all good people should be armed. It was a great gun and functioned flawlessly. There are times i wish I still had that SKS because there is no transfer record, but that’s all water under the bridge.
I currently have a Nagant with all the original Soviet accessories and a 1943 Garand that shoots tight group with iron sites at hundreds of yards. These “old” guns are famous classics for a reason, and that’s why they are in demand today. Think about it . . . there is a reason you don’t see great demand for Japanese Arisaka or French MAS 36 rifles. They were fine for thier day, but they were average rifles. The SKS was ground breaking as was the Garand, and the Nagant was arguably the best sniper rifle of WWII.