More Great (Affordable) Military Surplus Rifles

Military surplus rifles can offer incredible value, and when you do your research right and buy smart, you can often get a surplus gun that will offer the same or better functionality than a new one does, but at a fraction of the price.

The other thing about surplus guns is that buying surplus is sometimes the only way to get a specific platform, especially if it is rare, old, or out of production.

With that said, we’ve covered some high-value military surplus rifles before. Here are a few other options in addition to what we’ve previously covered.

Israeli K98 Mausers

You might think of the K98 as a German platform, and you’d technically be right. However, there is a subset of these Mauser rifles that were purchased by Israeli forces and re-chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO rounds.

This offers two great advantages. One is that you get the legendary strength and reliability of an original Mauser action. The other is that you get access to a proven cartridge that’s been around for a long time and which is readily available, comparatively affordable, and perfectly suitable for defensive applications, hunting, and competition shooting. (Note: 7.62x51mm NATO is effectively the same cartridge as .308 Winchester, so if you like the latter cartridge, the former should work for you.

As for price, you can usually find these for less than $1000, which makes it fairly affordable, all things considered.

Beretta BM59

Just like the Israeli Mausers mentioned above, the Beretta BM59 is chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO, so it’ll be easy for you to find ammo, not to mention that the cartridge is immensely versatile and capable.

Here’s something interesting about the BM59: it is actually sort of a copy of the M1 Garand and utilizes the same basic action. The main differences are that the BM59 is smaller and more compact than the Garand, and it’s chambered in a smaller, lighter cartridge. It’s also capable of selective fire.

But this one is quite a compact semi-auto platform, which makes it more compact in defensive engagements, especially those that occur in close quarters. Another great thing about the Beretta BM59 is that the platform can accept 20 round rifle magazines, increasing overall capacity.

While these are exceptionally reliable military surplus rifles, one thing we have to point out is that they are less common in the surplus market than some of the other rifles mentioned here, and as a result, price is higher, too. You could be looking at a price tag of $2000 or higher; but the rifle you get is well worth the extra investment.

Norinco Type 56

Not to be confused with the AK-47 - the Norinco Type 56 is a Chinese platform that has copied basically all of its design and functionality, but at a much more affordable price.

The Norinco Type 56, like the infamous AK, is chambered in 7.62 Soviet and is extremely reliable. Like an AK, it’s the type of rifle that you can beat to pieces, but still expect to fire.

The one thing (if there can be said to be just one) that shooters and collectors really love about this military surplus rifle is the price. If you’re a good shopper, and you have patience on your side, you can probably find one of them for under $500.

Carcano M91/38 Rifles

You might know the Carcano rifle as the rifle of Lee Harvey Oswald and technically you’d be right. But the Carcano rifle, which served the Kingdom of Italy (and its successors) for decades, is quite a capable platform with many selling points.

This is another bolt-action rifle, like Israeli K98 Mausers, but it’s lighter and more compact. It’s chambered in 6.5x52mm, which will make ammo a little harder to find and possibly more expensive, but with respect to power, it packs plenty.

But the real selling point of these Carcano rifles is the price. You can often find them for below $300, especially if the gun is a fixer-upper that’s been around. In fact, we offer a number of Carcano rifle deals right now, so we can speak to the affordability firsthand.

CETME Model C

We sell some parts for CETME Model C rifles here at SARCO, but the rifles themselves are not something to overlook.

Like so many other platforms here, the CETME Model C is chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO, which makes it incredibly versatile.

Reliable and powerful, the CETME has a long history, and is built around a roller-delayed blowback action (like the equally infamous HK MP5) that is reliable and smooth-shooting.

It’s also worth noting that since most of these rifles are pretty old, it can be hard to find one that’s in good condition. With that said, you can still usually find them for less than $1000.

Shop Military Surplus Rifles Here

Looking for these or other military surplus rifles, or gun parts for military models? Find what you’re looking for here. Shop our full collection and if you need help finding a platform or parts compatible with it, get in touch with us directly at 610-250-3960.