Seeking advice on starting semi-auto collection

[Warg]

I've been deeply embroiled in ARs, modern pistols, and modern bolt action rifles for years, but I'm considering starting a gun collection based on my interests, specifically post-WWII semi-autos. Sadly, I only own one semi-auto that's not a 10/22 or an AR- an original and pristine Russian SKS from 1954.

If one were to begin a collection, where should I start, i.e., what would be a good top 10 (or 10+) list with a hypothetical initial investment of, say $50K?

Thanks.

[Arik]

FAL
G3
AK (period correct)
M14

Sig 220 9mm heel release
Sig 210
Beretta 92s
HK P7 and variants




Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

[call_me_ski]

FAL
G3
AK (period correct)
M14

Sig 220 9mm heel release
Sig 210
Beretta 92s
HK P7 and variants




Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

I would second this and I would add some other 5.56 rifles to the list given your desire to focus on rifles despite them not being in the immediate post war period as it is a bit of a golden era for buying some of this stuff.


FNC
AUG
Galil
Scar

[Warg]

I would be remiss not to ask the obvious as well:

What resources should I seek to better understand the historical significance, quality, quantity and manufacture for commencing such a collection?

[RetroRevolver77]

I would be remiss not to ask the obvious as well:

What resources should I seek to better understand the historical significance, quality, quantity and manufacture for commencing such a collection?

Such a collection usually runs in the six figures plus just to get to a basic level. It's also a pain in the ass to maintain, service because many of the weapons would require skilled gunsmiths to work on the items- pre-ban era HK's for example. Worse many of the original components are drying up- FAL's especially are hit with this. Sure you can scrounge together a nice collection but then it's just creating a logistical nightmare dividing up bins of various magazines, parts that you have to keep on hand just in case all while stocking up on ammo that some of which is proprietary for certain specific rifles. I would completely advise against it. Stick with only current manufactured modern stuff that is widely circulated and outfit it with modern accessories. Far less of a headache and you don't feel like your collection is a museum.


7n6

[Doc Safari]

Such a collection usually runs in the six figures plus just to get to a basic level. It's also a pain in the ass to maintain, service because many of the weapons would require skilled gunsmiths to work on the items- pre-ban era HK's for example. Worse many of the original components are drying up- FAL's especially are hit with this. Sure you can scrounge together a nice collection but then it's just creating a logistical nightmare dividing up bins of various magazines, parts that you have to keep on hand just in case all while stocking up on ammo that some of which is proprietary for certain specific rifles. I would completely advise against it. Stick with only current manufactured modern stuff that is widely circulated and outfit it with modern accessories. Far less of a headache and you don't feel like your collection is a museum.


7n6

I concur.

Collecting is fun but you become a slave to it.

If it were me, I'd spend a hefty amount on top-of-the-line modern weapons: M4's, Glocks, Berettas, SIG's, Benelli's--tuned to your preferences and only the highest quality M4's (Colt, BCM) by the way.

Then I'd spend a reasonable sum on mags, ammo, spare parts, optics, accessories as needed.

THEN, I'd spend some money on TRAINING. It's not enough to own a carbine that shoots rapidly and accurately. You also have to be able to USE the weapon rapidly and accurately

We live in a dangerous world, and just knowing you can probably outshoot a home invader is worth a heckuva lot more than knowing you have the last M1 Garand that was deployed to the Pacific Theater in WW2 or something.

Just MHO.

[Arik]

Such a collection usually runs in the six figures plus just to get to a basic level. It's also a pain in the ass to maintain, service because many of the weapons would require skilled gunsmiths to work on the items- pre-ban era HK's for example. Worse many of the original components are drying up- FAL's especially are hit with this. Sure you can scrounge together a nice collection but then it's just creating a logistical nightmare dividing up bins of various magazines, parts that you have to keep on hand just in case all while stocking up on ammo that some of which is proprietary for certain specific rifles. I would completely advise against it. Stick with only current manufactured modern stuff that is widely circulated and outfit it with modern accessories. Far less of a headache and you don't feel like your collection is a museum.


7n6

Somewhat agree. Depends on how often and how much you shoot them. Either you use them a lot or like me, enjoy the history and occasionally shoot.

I don't have any big collections and some I've sold off but personally I never shot them much so I never bothered with bins of spare parts or large amount of mags. Those I shot it would be between 20 and 200 rounds a year. Just occasionally something different.

On the other hand if you plan on using it them a lot then definitely what 7N6 said

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

[SteyrAUG]

I would be remiss not to ask the obvious as well:

What resources should I seek to better understand the historical significance, quality, quantity and manufacture for commencing such a collection?

Collector Grade Publications for any rifle you are interested in for FALs, G3, ARs, etc. The Grim Reaper for AKs. Small Arms of the World by Ezell and The World's Assault Rifles by Johnston and Nelson.

In addition to basic AR collection SP1 rifle, SP1 Carbine, A2 Rifle (Govt. or HBar), M4 carbine, grab a FAL (DSA or original FN), HK91, Steyr AUG A1, for AKs look for a Polytech legend for classic milled, lots of choices for old school AKMs and Bulgarian SLRs for modern. A SIG 550 / 551 would be a nice addition but is going to be very costly. Then you have your AR-180s, Valmets, Daewoo AR-100 and other lesser known rifles.

Might as well grab a a MKE 94 contract and track down an Uzi (original IMI or Vector).

[masakari]

FAL
VZ58
FNC
AUG
M1A
Robinson M96 (Stoner 63)
Sig550 legacy
AR180
SCAR
Galil
CETME-L
G36 conversion
FS2000
Tavor
HK91
HK53
Robinson XCR
And my favorite... An original ArmaLite AR10

[Warg]

Collector Grade Publications for any rifle you are interested in for FALs, G3, ARs, etc. The Grim Reaper for AKs. Small Arms of the World by Ezell and The World's Assault Rifles by Johnston and Nelson.

In addition to basic AR collection SP1 rifle, SP1 Carbine, A2 Rifle (Govt. or HBar), M4 carbine, grab a FAL (DSA or original FN), HK91, Steyr AUG A1, for AKs look for a Polytech legend for classic milled, lots of choices for old school AKMs and Bulgarian SLRs for modern. A SIG 550 / 551 would be a nice addition but is going to be very costly. Then you have your AR-180s, Valmets, Daewoo AR-100 and other lesser known rifles.

Might as well grab a a MKE 94 contract and track down an Uzi (original IMI or Vector).

Thanks Steyr. I know you know your stuff and this looks like a good list of resources and suggestions.

I could kick myself for every inexpensive SVD, AR-180, AK, etc. I've passed on over the years.