[WestEnd65]

I have been doing some research and I have decided that within the next few months I want to pick up a MN. I am not looking for a collectors piece, just something that I can hunt deer or hogs with out to 150 or 200 yards. I don't now too much about the differrent models or what I should be looking for, so any suggestions are appreciated.

[tju1973]

Try to find an M38 or better yet an M91/59--- 38s usually saw service, 91/59s are cut down 91/30s and almost everyone I have seen has been like new....

All are carbine length-- I use my M44 and Type 53s for hog hunting every so often, and they do a doozie on ferals real quick like..just hold the rifle i nyour shoulder, or the Mosin may draw back blood.. :)

[Mr. Bojangles]

The 91/30 is the most plentiful model and can usually be had for about $100 or less, but is very long and a bit unwieldly for hunting. The M44 usually costs a little more ($100-150), is shorter and has a side-folding bayonet, which is not practical for most hunting applications but is definitely fun to have.

As far as what to look for when buying one, just look it over closely like you would look over any used gun. I

[Clipper]

Me, I like to use a 91/30 with the barrel shortened to 22", and set in an ATI stock. Second choice would be a M-44, with the bayonet and mount cut off and again mounted in an ATI stock. Obviously, I don't give a rip about keeping my one-in-33 million rifle pristeen...I'd rather have it practical.

[gunsandreligion]

I was looking for a carbine becouse I plan to do some hog hunting (hopefully in your great state) this summer and I am gonna pick up a m44 so I don't have to worry when I run out of ammo.(thats why they call it a pig sticker)


Edit:It's legal for non residents to shoot and bayonet them right?

[WestEnd65]

gunsandreligion,

I don't think you even need a license to kill hogs. And as far as shooting and bayonetting them goes, I have talked to a game warden who set 10 lbs of the exploding targets, covered it with corn, then when the hogs came he blew them to kingdom come. I am pretty sure anything goes when killing pigs. This is from the TPWD website:

Exceptions: a hunting license is not required to hunt the following:
Coyotes, if the coyotes are attacking, about to attack, or have recently attacked livestock, domestic animals, or fowl.
Depredating feral hogs, if a landowner (resident or non-resident) or landowner's agent or lessee is taking feral hogs causing depredation on the landowner's land. Fur-bearing animals, if the hunter possesses a trapper's license or if the fur-bearing animals are causing depredation.

*I added the bolded words

[Onward Allusion]

100 with a 91/30 and its long barrel it is completely doable using iron sights if you have good eyes. Dunno about 150-200 though. Never shot that far with iron on a MN. Would recommend throwing it into a ATI stock and have it drilled/tapped for a scope. I just picked a M44 up in a ATI stock for just under $100 in NRA VG condition.


WestEnd65 (http://www.thehighroad.org/member.php?u=116991)
Moisin Nagant Suggestions
I have been doing some research and I have decided that within the next few months I want to pick up a MN. I am not looking for a collectors piece, just something that I can hunt deer or hogs with out to 150 or 200 yards. I don't now too much about the differrent models or what I should be looking for, so any suggestions are appreciated.

[jpwilly]

The longer barrel will be much more pleasant to shoot. If you wear hearing protection when hunting than the M38 or M44 would be OK.

Only the M91/30 should be considered if you hunt without hearing protection IMO!

I'd pass on a rifle with a counter bored business end. Get one with strong lands if possible.

[GD]

You will be happy with just about any model of Mosin for hunting.
The best ones include the M91/59 - I have two and they are extremely accurate for a carbine.
Another very good class of mosins are the Finnish ones (will have a [SA] stamp on them). The most widely currently available ones are the M39's. They had to do 1.5 MOA or better before being distributed to troops.
If you could find either the M91/59 or the M39 for under $200 you should immediately snatch them up.
The other carbines M38 or M44, the longer m91/30, and the much older and even longer M91's are at best generally 3-4 MOA rifles which will be okay for under 150 yard hunting.
Do not disregard counterbored rifles. My experience with them is that they are on average more accurate than the uncounterbored ones. The counterbore was done to improve accuracy on a worn muzzle and the procedure does in fact work very well. In my collection of 30 mosins, I have about 8 that are counterbored and all shoot very well. I am actually more suspect of the older rifles that are not counterbored. My worst shooting mosin had a beautiful bore and had no counterbore. The crown however was worn, apparently from improper cleaning. I couldn't a 2ft by 2ft target at 50 yards with this rifle.
Recoil on all the mosins is about the same. What is different is the extreme muzzle blast out of the carbines. You may not like that if you are hunting without hearing protection.

[jpwilly]

Me, I like to use a 91/30 with the barrel shortened to 22", and set in an ATI stock. Second choice would be a M-44, with the bayonet and mount cut off and again mounted in an ATI stock. Obviously, I don't give a rip about keeping my one-in-33 million rifle pristeen...I'd rather have it practical.

A 22" barrel is only 1.75" longer than what is already on an M38 or M44 and IMO is too short. I'd go in the middle somewhere like 24" and let the powder burn (in the barrel).

[Will_G]

A 22" barrel is only 1.75" longer than what is already on an M38 or M44 and IMO is too short. I'd go in the middle somewhere like 24" and let the powder burn (in the barrel).

Hey, I suppose if we used a shorter barrel and got a good fireball we could barbecue the porker at the same time we are shooting it, eh?

On a serious note, I do like 91/30s for accuracy but I do see how a shorter Mosin (M38, M44) would be better for hunting.

Will

[WestEnd65]

I like the idea of the shorter barrell on the M38 and M44, but what kind of accuracy should I expect out of one of these, say in average condition?

[jpwilly]

^^^ 3-4moa on average is good from most of them with decent ammo (you may have to find the stuff it likes best). Handloads and a trigger job can bring many of them into the 2mo area...don't get your hopes up on matching new factory rifle performace with these WWII surps and surplus ammo.

[Arkansas Paul]

I'm not trying to be a smarta$$ but are there really people who wear hearing protection while they're hunting?

I'm wanting a Mosin too. Just put in my order with the wife for my birthday coming up for a 91/30. I doubt I'll keep it original. It will for sure end up a Bubba special.

[WestEnd65]

Yeah, I usually wear hearing protection. I use a Browning A-bolt .30-06 with a muzzle break on the end. Whenever I don't use ear plugs my ears will ring for a day or two. I think this is the reason for my 30% hearing loss in my left ear.

[Arkansas Paul]

Wow. I'm religious about it at the range. Eye protection too, but I've never worn it in the field.

[jpwilly]

I'm not trying to be a smarta$$ but are there really people who wear hearing protection while they're hunting?

Well that was my point...I was trying to be subtle and suggest the M38 or M44 wouldn't be ideal for one reason -hunting with one will help you loose your hearing.

No doubt a flame suite would be required though...10 or more will join in and say either they haven't lost their hearing (yet) using their M44 or 10 more will say they always use hearing protection when they hunt and the rest of us are idiots.

[rockstar.esq]

I have an M44 in an ATI stock. With Czech silvertips it will break a sporting clay laying on the ground at 400 yards in a couple of tries. Watch out for that yellow tipped stuff, it throws a VERY significant muzzle flash. I've had folks walk over thinking it was a muzzle loader the way it thunders at the range on a cloudy day.

[Heavenlyfire]

I have an 1943 M44. Only 50,000 made that year as prototypes. I love it. Have never shot any of the others so no opinion on them. The one thing I can tell you is that if you get an M44 make sure the bayonet is extended while shooting or else your accuracy will be off. I use surplus ammo and have almost no problem hitting 300 meters. Here are some pics.

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm218/SassyDlights/1-11-2010_002-1.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm218/SassyDlights/1-11-2010_003-1.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm218/SassyDlights/2-14-2010_017-1.jpg
300 meter target.

[Clipper]

Quote:
Me, I like to use a 91/30 with the barrel shortened to 22", and set in an ATI stock. Second choice would be a M-44, with the bayonet and mount cut off and again mounted in an ATI stock. Obviously, I don't give a rip about keeping my one-in-33 million rifle pristeen...I'd rather have it practical.

A 22" barrel is only 1.75" longer than what is already on an M38 or M44 and IMO is too short. I'd go in the middle somewhere like 24" and let the powder burn (in the barrel).

I think the forend on the ATI stock is a bit long for the 20" barrel to look right. The extra 2" gives it a more balanced look, IMO.

[Cosmoline]

An M44 would work fine or a 91/30, but I'd suggest doing a hand inspection yourself as there are a lot of them from the rough end of the USSR. I've had best luck with pre-war 91/30's and Polish M44's. You can always stick them in an aftermarket stock but the military stock is made for rough use.

I would only suggest getting one if you're able to use irons. Trying to get a scope to cooperate is tricky and there are a lot of really low-quality aftermarket mounts. Hacking them tends to be a stupid waste of time and energy, and you can't always be certain you have a common one or a rare one. I've seen plenty of rare Mosins hacked up by idiots.

[BluEyes]

If you are looking for a sporter, just keep your eyes peeled at the local shops. I can always find a pre-sporterized Mosin around here, and for cheaper than the non sporterized ones too.

[rangerruck]

http://www.surplusrifle.com/russianmosin189130/index.asp
http://7.62x54r.net/


the 44's, with the bayonet, just are not accurate; at least I have never seen one, I would consider hunting with. the 91's are, but are too long in my opinion. the 38's rock, and can be quite accurate, even approaching moa capable, with heavier milsurp or new made ammo, 170 grains or heavier. the new made 185's and 205's by silver bear, brown bear, have been very accurate for me.
the 59's, without a bayo, can be quite good as well. It is allways very cool if you find a ww2 era one, with a laminated stock.
Also if you can find one, with the ati synthetic stock allready on it; these are pretty good- changes the holding ergonomics which are now much more comfortable, and makes it lighter and balance better, plus you can have a much better chance of freefloating the bbl, if you wanna.
whatever you get, make sure you try to pay under 150 bucks, and allways get the big green dog collar sling for it; maybe the best military sling ever built, and looks very cool with the rifle as well. Oh and try an make sure that as many of the slots as possible, have the little brass fittings on them...