Yep. I jumped on the Mosin bandwagon pretty early back in the early oughts because of the deal I got (AIM Surplus). Got the ‘31 hex with the bayonet, web sling, two ammo pouches, cleaning/field tool kit, oil/solvent can, paid an extra $10 for hand select and got all matching serials, and I think I only paid $79.95 for it, plus shipping. And don’t we remember the surprise we got when we opened the box - it took hours to get all the cosmo off/out of the thing. LOL! But, it’s a nice one. Sometimes I still sit here and look at it in the rifle rack. Being of Germanic heritage, I occasionally wonder if some Commie didn’t use it to put a bullet through one of my great uncles on a battlefield somewhere. Heaven knows we still have a lot of relatives back in the Old Country. I’d have loved to have gotten a Mauser, but they were too rich for my blood. The biggest self ass-kicking I continue to apply was from back in the late 80’s. A buddy called me and said there was a gun shop down his way in VA that was selling wooden crates of M-1 Garands, three per crate, for $100 a pop. As-is, no guarantees what might be inside, just three of them, assembled and intact. There could be bent barrels, busted stocks, any number of defects. He figured, well, if you could rebuild one good M-1 out of the three (likely), you paid for your investment. Get two in useable condition (possible), and you scored a deal. Three functional out of the crate (you win the lottery), you were the envy of the shooting range. Unfortunately, neither of us had an instant $100 in liquid capital in those days, so we let the idea die right there over the phone. To this day, it still depresses me. LOL
I sold a gun once. It didn't work right so I insisted that the dealer take it back. If I knew then what I know now I would have fixed it myself.
I also regret not buying a pair of 1903s which had consecutive serial numbers and had been completely rebuilt. They looked new. $750 for the pair. I'm not a collector. I want to shoot my stuff.
I’ve had two M1’s. One a CMP gun built in 1944 and one original as it gets built in 1943. I have one now, traded one to a friend. Wish I still had the other one. I kick myself in the arse for not getting an ‘03 or two out of the barrel at the Hardware store when I seen them in the early 70’s. The one I still have is a show stopper at the range occasionally. Hindsight is 20/20. Regular sight not so good.