How to Find Milsurps

I am often asked a question that goes something like this: "I'm in the market for a [insert gun name here], where can I find one?" When it comes to buying something that is no longer made and highly sought after, it is not as simple as buying something on amazon. Before deciding to buy a certain gun, there are three questions you need to ask yourself and answer honestly.

1. Why do I want this?

This seems self evident but if your answer is you saw it in a movie or used it in a video game, you might want to give your purchase some time before you hastily spend money on something you might not actually like. It is common to get the "itch" for a certain firearm, but in time that feeling might fade and leave you with regret.

2. What do I know about it?

If your answer is synonymous to, "not much", then you need to do some serious research. If you are new to milsurps or to a particular niche it is very easy to make a costly mistake with your purchase. Military surplus firearms are not cheap. Something as innocuous as overlooking a number, or lack of a number or marking on a certain part can effect the value of a firearm by hundreds or even thousands. Unless you hate money and are okay with throwing it away, you should buy a book (or two) about the firearm in question and actually read it.

3. When do I want to buy this?

You might be thinking, "now", but that is the wrong answer. Finding the right milsurp takes time and patience. You have to go out and search for it, both in-person and online. And most importantly, be ready to turn down many examples of the gun you want until you find the right one.

Now to answer the magical question of where you can find military surplus. Obvious places such as online stores and auctions are convenient. Auction websites such as Gunbroker and Proxibid will most likely have what you are looking for. However, the catch to those popular websites is that items typically bring top dollar. If you are looking for a deal, websites like that might not be your best bet. There are a handful of smaller websites that are good as well such as Axis Arms, Empire Arms, and Panzerfaust Armory. Their inventory can be hit or miss so they will require some vigilance. I keep a tab with each of their websites open on my browser and hit refresh once or twice a day.

Speaking of sparse inventory, you must remember that a common source of military surplus is estate sales, as collectors tend to hang onto them forever. There is just not a great source of military surplus except for importations which are becoming less and less common. These recently imported firearms also bear many large and laser engraved import marks. These guns can be very hit or miss in quality as well, especially the recent imports from Africa. If you must buy a recently imported firearm, I recommend using a website that allows you to see the exactly firearm you are purchasing. Nothing is quite as disappointing as paying good money for a milsurp thinking yours will look like the example used on the website...

In your Milsurp Quest, do not forget about brick and mortar locations. Gunshows get a bad rap, and for good reason, but you can get lucky with them. I can't tell you the amount of deals I've bought and seen at gunshows. The bad rap that gunshows have can actually work in your favor, as many "gun guys" won't come to them, leaving more deals for you. Other than gunshows, gun stores can also be a good source but be prepared for disappointment most of the time. Similar to gunshows, military surplus tends to be scarce at most gun stores and what is there is usually priced at retail or higher. Pawn shops are not any better in my experience, I've only ever purchased one milsurp from a pawn shop despite visiting many of them in many states for over a decade. Maybe your luck will be better.

The physical search for military surplus is not for the lazy. It sometimes requires hours and driving, going to multiple locations, and spending time talking to the employees. Building rapport with gun stores can be a great way of getting them to remember you if something interesting walks in. Most gun stores also operate with 9 to 5 hours so depending on your schedule you might have to visit them on your lunch break. I know a guy who will eat in his car every day as he drives around to gun stores and pawn shops on his lunch break. He does this all the time and the dedication pays off as he often sends me photos of guns he buys at incredible prices. If you tend to just visit gun stores once every month or so and go to the occasional gun show a few times a year, you really have no right to complain about the lack of milsurps. Get out there and look hard and often, and you will find them.

In summary, there is no easy answer to where or how to buy military surplus. It takes vigilance and dedication. Remember the Unattainable Triangle:

If you want a good milsurp for cheap, it's going to take a while. If you want a milsurp fast and cheap it's going to be junk. If you want a good milsurp and fast, it's going to be expensive.