I also fell in love with the WWI and WWII rifles. Mostly because that is all I can afford without my wife getting too upset. She is still not happy about the AR-15.
My collection consists of 1 Indian No.1Mk3 2A1, British No.4 Mk1, British No.1 Mk 3, U.S. P-17 Enfield, U.S. 03A3, Swedish M38, German K98, German Commission 88, Russian M44, Russian M91,Russian 45 SKS, Japanese Type99, and French Mas36/51. My father has started collecting the ones I can't afford-M-1's, M-1carbine, Japanese T14 Nambu.
My favorite to shoot is the Springfield, it shoots 1" groups at 100yds with my handloads, followed closely by the U.S. Enfield. I have even hunted Antelope with the No.1Mk3 2A1. With the new movie "Enemy At the Gates" I'm gonna have to add a 91/30 to my collection. I too have not found a Carcano yet.
If I had been a German soldier in WWII, and gotten to shoot even a Springfield 03A3, let alone the Garand, I would have been pissed having to stick with the K98. As for the Russian 44, Those poor Russians must have thick shoulders, cause it rivels the kick and pain of my .338WM. ....jim g