3 days + 800 miles + $3000 = 8 rifles

[zeebill]

I have been scrounging bucks for a supreme effort on filling holes in my collection for over 4 months now selling stuff, robbing the piggy bank, and anything else I can think of to save a stash for a big move when I saw the opportunity. Recent auction filled the bill so off I went with a large check book at 4 AM in the morning for a 300 mile jaunt. Picked up 3 M44's, 2 M27's, 1 28/30 SKY, and a dummy gun MP40 subgun. 2 days of effort staying in the cheapest and poorest motel I could find and eating good food to make up for it? I got the following besides the dummy subgun:

1 M44 all matching stamped refurb 1943 dated with sling and ammo pouches. pristine bore with little to no wear on it.

2 M44 Romanian refurb all matching with 1954 date and bore like with no wear.

3 M44 Hungarian refurb all matching forget the date but like new also.

4 M27 Finnish with Finn matched bolt and 1931 date. Pristine bore, popsicle front, wing connector bar with partial serial on it. Back half is sky bike swivel on bottom and front has Finnish sling swivel through sling slot, Old leather SA marked sling with much wear. Dark and old wood stock is one piece with no splice.

5 M27 Finnish with brand new replacement stock from after war refurbishing and dated 1928 Tikka made as is the other one. Finn matched bolt. pristine bore with later replacement front on it.

6 M28/30 SKY 1935 with Civil Guard marked 1938 stock. Finn matched bolt. Pristine bore and replaced upper hand guard.

7 91/30 action only with stock, catch is the stock is a brand new Finnish replacement stock $75 for the pair

8 Dummy subgun German MP40? maybe far off on that sorry.

More to come in the next few weeks as I get to tearing them apart and cleaning and checking them. Right now I am going to bed as I am beat! Bill


PS Whoops told you I was tired completely forgot the 91/38 carbine dated 1907 with many great markings. I swear I have seen this gun posted online before but can't remember where?

[jimpierce7]

wow................. What a trip!!

[Lotema]

What a haul! You really know how to travel !

[AJ333]

Outstanding, zeebill! That's one road trip I'd love to go on.

[SA1911a1]

The definition of "go big, or go home." Nice haul Bill. Congrats!

[Junk Yard Dog]

That all sounds like a lot of work, but then I hate travel of any kind, the away from home kind most of all, nice haul

[martin08]

O.K. We've heard about the rifles. Now, what did you eat that was so good?

[zeebill]

Li's Chinese buffet! Right on RT 30 in Gettysburg, less than $10 with the tip fresh sushi bar and all! The city has no place I no of that is that cheap and that good to eat. Killer hot mustard!!!! No I do not eat fish bait so I did not eat the sushi but everyone else there was gobbling the stuff and really enjoying and praising it. I never stay in Gettysburg as they price control through a consortium of motels and hotels in the town proper so I drive 10 miles to Hanover and eat breakfast at the Little Red Schoolhouse in Brushtown? Not sure of the name of the town but it is a cool shop to eat and they are open early too. All home cooking right in front of you and it makes the 10 miles or so from town worth the trip. Gettysburg is a big tourist trap that everyone should see as far as the battleground goes but spend the bucks and hire an approved guide. In Winter many places close because there prices can not be tolerated by the locals and they would just lose money. As far as Civil War battlegrounds go I much prefer the down home flavor and lack of commercialism that I find in Antietam. Hard to believe but less people live there now than there were there in the 1800's.

JYD someday I am going to come up there and kidnap you and we are going on a tour of the US old fart style!!!! You would love it I guarantee it and I would allow you to bring as Spam as you can carry plus if I hit the lottery I will spring for the cost!!! Cats and other pets will be allowed to join us so don't worry about that either. Bill

[bunkysdad]

That sounds just like the trip of my dreams, except that in my dream there is a stop at the CMP for a Garand, carbine, and several cases of ammo. Great haul Bill. Congrats

[qz2026]

Wow Bill!!! I am impressed with the carbines, especially 91/38, haul. Neal45 might have some insight on the 1907 91/38 in his database. Be interested in selling it? The 91/30 action with the Finn stock is absolutely cool. Those stocks are virtually impossible to find.

One of these days, I plan on jumping in the car and heading out on just such a trip.

I'm happy for you.

[martin08]

The Gettysburg experience is highly recommended.

While I was there in 2002, I witnessed a middle school class from North Carolina reenacting a Rebel Charge to the summit of Little Round Top. I praised them for the ferocity of the 'Yell', and then informed them that I was from Maine. I had not before, nor have since, received a silent treatment to the magnitude which I encountered on that day.... ouch.

[joe7170]

I'm just curious about that MP40 dummy gun. I looked all over the web last night bill, after we talked and looking at the auction pics, and never seen another like it out there. Handguards looks like a bit lighter brown than the bakalite the original would have had, but maybe their pics made it look lighter? Can't wait to see all of these though Bill!!

[Lee-online]

Sound like a good day.

Bill, you were In my neighborhood, I live 20 minutes north of Gettysburg.

Did you get these at an auction? If so was there a lot of interest.

[Gsragtop]

That all sounds like a lot of work, but then I hate travel of any kind, the away from home kind most of all, nice haul

Says the guy with the RV

Sounds like a heck of a trip Bill, wish we could see pics but I know better..lol

I can't do cheap hotels when I travel, I need to feel safe and clean.. My wife is worse then me, and I have had to switch hotels mid trip in the past.

[Gsragtop]

JYD someday I am going to come up there and kidnap you and we are going on a tour of the US old fart style!!!! You would love it I guarantee it and I would allow you to bring as Spam as you can carry plus if I hit the lottery I will spring for the cost!!! Cats and other pets will be allowed to join us so don't worry about that either. Bill

THAT is an awesome idea !! I would donate to see that happen, Bill and JIm travel the U.S. visiting forum members hitting gun stores and flea markets on the way. You guy can post daily updates on your adventures and your finds.. Now that I think about it, this would make an awesome TV show !! Whose in, let's start a crowd fund for it !!

[Junk Yard Dog]

Back problems prevent me from being comfortable sitting in a vehicle for more than half an hour or less. That and I have responsibilities that keep me close to home and work. My idea of a trip these days is a Sunday morning spent at the flea market in the warmer months. In the old days I drove a '72 Cadillac for no other reason than the seats were easier on my back. Most comfortable car I ever owned, but rust takes them all in the end.

[zeebill]

I take that as a yes if I can find some kind of traction seat to keep you comfortable! Hmm I will work on that! As far as responsibilities go so do I but those things can be worked out too! Jim If we did this the Good Old US would never recover or be the same! I love the concept! Hmmm Bill

[rayjd2]

I'll cough up a like new Lincoln Continental DJ Edition. I'll drive, get gas, you guys kick back, plot a course, find the guns, and we'll even have room for a fridge in there. Comfy, clean, and we can bull and bear for parking (and win). Smooth riding, eight track player, smooth jazz, I don't care.

TAKE ME WITH YOU!! PLEASE!!! I'M A GOOD DRIVER, really!

[Junk Yard Dog]

[qz2026]

Cool kitty hood ornament