A special note from SurvivalBlog Editor JWR:
As most of you know, my web-based antique gun business is called Elk Creek Company.
Despite the current frantic “run on guns” at gun stores, nationwide
And despite galloping prices at both gun shops and on-line auctions
And despite NICS system interruptions
And despite unconstitutional gun store closures in many cities…
I’m still very much in business and I’m defying any unconstitutional gun restrictions by local petty tyrants. I am stating bluntly: Your non-legislated fiat decrees create no jurisdiction over what I sell here. And as far as I’m concerned, when I make a sale, it is on my local server, in my jurisdiction, not yours. Go peddle your tyranny somewhere else. I’ve drawn this line in the sand.
Even before the recent decrees, I regularly shipped to California, Washington, and Illinois (except Chicago — see the list of legislated restrictions.)
How I Do Business
Elk Creek Company is essentially a “Mom and Pop” business. Our overhead is minimal. While some dealers have jacked up their prices, I decided hold the line, as long as possible. I have even reduced a few prices. The only price increases that you will see in the weeks to come will be when I re-stock, reflecting my actual replacement cost.
Elk Creek Company accepts credit card payments. We also accept USPS postal money orders and even payment in pre-1965 silver coins, at 15 times face value. (Just take the listed price, and divide by 15. That is like stepping into a time machine.)
Most of my inventory is pre-1899 cartridge guns from the 1880s and 1890s, and these guns are practical shooters.
NO FFL is required for pre-1899 guns, in most jurisdictions. (But of course check your state and local laws before ordering. That is your responsibility, not mine.)
With the nationwide gun-buying frenzy continuing apace, I expect brisk sales to continue–so don’t hesitate. (I’m re-stocking as quickly as possible, but I’m not keeping up.) All items are first-come-first served.
Note: I’ll also consider some trades, for any choice pre-1899 antique cartridge guns–especially any .38 caliber or larger cartridge revolvers that you have available.
JWR, came across some 1898 Mauser actions that the seller claimed as “firearms” and would only ship to ffl,even after being informed they were not and were improperly on his “book”
Any suggestions to get the deal(out of his hands and into the wild),they will make excellent guns. Is this something Elk Creek might be interested in?
JWR;
I wholeheartedly support the defining of your “line in the sand”. Will do my part to encourage those in my area to to likewise in all their actions and lives.
This virus fiasco I believe is being used by fed, state, local petty tyrannies to enhance their control of our lives, freedoms, liberties. I suspect it’s got a patent on it/man made that got out of control to soon. To many fingers are pointing in that direction. China is behind this as their ultimate goal “appears” to be control by their control of resources throughout the world. Just look at where and in what venues/countries/industries they are the most active worldwide.
The bailout and shuttering of the economy is the worst thing that gov can do. It will lead to ultimate nationalization of corporations and independent businesses. Which is exactly where they want us to go, becoming even more dependent upon gov for our very livelihoods and existence.
Good article By Judge Napolitano on this very same scenario.
https://www.lewrockwell.com/2020/03/andrew-p-napolitano/beware-a-government-of-fear/
We as a society, through our apathy, unwillingness, and laziness, are our own worst enemy, we have let our gov become even worse. I fear 1776 part duex is approaching at an exponential rate…… B Ready……
Although I am literally broke, yet not ‘poor’, I’ll still shop for rifles at Elk Creek. And because I’m on a tight budget, and a hardcore pragmatist, I’m not looking for a beauty queen, or a collectors piece, but value, and something that can be quickly made ‘Good to Go’. This is the one I’d check into today: https://elkcreekcompany.net/product/arriving-in-march-chilean-contract-1895/
I would want to put some cammo on the rifle anyway, and would paint the entire rifle and scope. Installing taller rings is usually an easy job, and I might put a lower powered inexpensive 3 x 9 scope to improve the field of view. I’d want a second or back up scope anyway. With one inch rings, the safety will probably clear the scope. If a 3×9 scope is used 3/4″ rings might be tall enough, yet that could too high for a solid cheek weld. All that said, I’ve found that the best safety is between the ears. Lifting the bolt up and back just a tad can be an improvised safety as well.
And given the scarcity of popular and common caliber ammo, 7×57 is likely still to be found. Do a search for ammo before you commit, and buy it immediately after the rifle is purchased. As an old Swede myself, I can say that 7×57 is a mild recoiling cartridge that has a high ballistic coefficient that it comparable, and competes with 6.5×55 as a well balanced and sensible cartridge. This is also made in Germany under contract and as high quality as the Swedish rifles offered. If the bore is good, it will be accurate. It is essentially the same rifle as an M96 or M94 Swedish Mauser that has been bored 0.5mm larger. I have one as well, and know that many parts are interchangeable, including stocks. And it would be better on large game such as elk or bear. The lower cost makes it affordable for those like myself, and allows the purchase of more ammo. With hand loads, I could make this a sub MOA rifle. Accuracy with factory loads will more likely be found in heavy for caliber offerings. Get dies and bullets for reloading, even if you do not reload. It will favor slow burning and common powers that might still be on the shelf, such as 4350, 4831, 4895, 4320, and 4064. From Nosler data, maximum speed, and accuracy would be found with 46 grains of IMR 4350, and the common 160 grain bullet at 2,622 fps out of a 22 inch barrel. This load is a near equivalent to the 7.62×51 Nato 168 grain match load, and near identical to the modern 7mm-08 Remington. Hunter powder, and H414 would also be a top choices, and might still be available, yet hard to find once access to stores is not possible. IMR4350 will quickly fly off the shelf. Speed is key. Do not hesitate, or even this ammo will be gone.
Nosler Reloading Data on 7×57:
https://load-data.nosler.com/load-data/7x57mm-mauser/
I once heard this (but I don’t recall where I heard it):
“Broke” is a temporary condition. “Poor” is a permanent state of mind.
I had a friend years ago who has now passed away. He was a Texas wildcatter who was flat broke 6 times… and a millionaire 7 times. 🙂
Took care of all his younger brothers and sisters too, through all of the ups and downs.
Whether or not you invest in a firearm, consider investing in this: http://www.spiritan.ie/2012/index.php?id=53
Sent to me by my pastor sister. You may find the music or words nourishing to you.
Carry on in grace
Beautiful, thank you.
Thank you, this is Beautiful!
I would like to get a BB/Pellet gun that has real length and weight like a real rifle (hopefully with a wooden stock), so I’m guessing I will need to find something vintage, would you be able to point me to the right place to look or the type of model I should be looking for? Or to a resource to find out about past models of BB/Pellet guns?