[fletcher]

There's a gun show coming to town this weekend, and I think I may buy a mosin (preferably a 91/30) if one is there for a reasonable price. I've read about headspacing issues on them, but I suppose I need more information. What should I look for on one, and what kinds of questions should I ask the seller about the rifle?

Thanks

[GD]

Probably you will not encounter a Mosin which has been headspaced. If you are nervous about it then have a gunsmith perform one. Out of about 25 Mosins, I have never had one headspaced. After examining the rifle for any defects I chamber one round and let her go at arms length. I then examine the casing for any problems. I continue examining the cases throughout the first session with the rifle. After that I only occasionally check the status of spent cases.

What you should look for on a purchase is the condition of the bore and crown. These will be important if you are to have a good shooter. I also try the trigger pull and see what it is like. Some like two stage and others like light and smooth. Most Russian Mosins have rough and heavy trigger pulls. I have some Finn Mosins that have very nice trigger pulls. Another thing I look at is the magazine latch. Occasionally you find a broken one.
Yes, they are supposed to be loose - they tighten up when there are rounds in the magazine.

The common Mosins being sold now are the refurbished ones. They aren't as collectible but they are often in excellent condition and are generally good shooters.

I personally believe the best Mosins being sold right now are the Finnish M39s. You should be able to find one for under $200. The Russian refurbished M91/30s should be available for under $100.

Are you buying for shooting or for history?

[fletcher]

Thanks for the advice - I plan on buying just for shooting.

[George S.]

You can find lots of information at these sites:
http://www.russian-mosin-nagant.com/phpBB2/index.php
http://www.surplusrifle.com/russiannagant/maintenance.asp
http://www.7.62x54r.net/

Print this page and take it with you when looking for a 91/30. It should help you identify the various markings found on 91/30 receivers and stocks.

My 91/30 is a numbers-matching 1931 Izhevsk with a hex receiver. I got mine at the local Big 5 Sporting Goods store for $80. It came with a oiler, dog-collar sling, ammo pouch, bayonet and tool kit. After a lot of cleaning, the bore looks in decent shape and while not terribly accurate (8-10" groups at 100yds), it is a tremendous amount of fun to shoot. Somebody will always come up and ask what it is.

The 91/30 has a fair kick to it but nowhere near as much as an M44 carbine which is one you might want to consider if you can't find a good 91/30. They kick like a mule and give off about a 3' muzzle flash.

There is lots of military surplus ammo available and most of it is real cheap, around $2 - $3 per 20. Wolf makes some decent ammo that is non-corrosive. Milsurp ammos is almost always corrosive so get a big jug of Windex with Ammonia and hose down the bore and bolt face right after your shooting is done. Then clean up as usual.

A lot of Mosins have buildups of lacquer in the chamber that will cause casings to stick and you initially have to hammer the bolt back to free the case. Lots of cleaning with an old shotgun brass brush on the end of a cordless drill and some cleaner will get it out eventually.

[Jim K]

If buying a shooter in any caliber not currently made in the U.S., it is a good idea to stock up on ammo. Once the cheap surplus is gone (and it will go), the shooter rifle becomes a collector rifle, aka a dust gatherer.

Jim

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

Plenty of Wolf and Barnul(sp?) out there---and this is new production-----don't worry about the ammo on this one.

[ocabj]

You should never worry about scarcity of ammunition. That's why God invented reloading.

[Ash]

There are lots of commercial ammo producers such as Sellier and Bellot, FMN, Privi-Partisan, and even Russian-made stuff. Surplus ammo is real cheap to buy right now, so that won't be much of a problem either.

However, you might want to consider instead of a 91/30, getting a Finnish M39. These are MUCH rarer rifles that are considered the ultimate evolution of the infantry Mosin. The sites are much better on the M39, the stock is better and more comfortable, the overall construction is to a higher standard, and the general accuracy tends to be better than a 91/30, and accuracy standards were much higher for them over the 91/30. Don't get me wrong, the 91/30 is a fine rifle, but the best of the rifles currently in the distributors comes from Finland. The M28/30 is actually the best Mosin ever made, but the M39 is a very fine weapon and you can find them in excellent shape, many with US-made recievers (Remington or Westinghouse). They cost about twice as much, but the refinement, quality of wood used, rareity, overall condition, and not to mention their history make them excellent rifles to purchase. Plus, they make excellent shooters as well.

Ash

[Onmilo]

I agree with Ash, the Finnish 28/30s are the best of the best.
Tension adjustable forends, fully adjustable sights that are, wonder of wonders, correctly calibrate.
Excellent barrels also make a Mosin variation that can really shoot.
No worries about headspace with these either, all I have inspected have correct matching bolts.
These bolts were hand fitted by the armorers and a good job was done on all.

91/30s are fun guns but millions were cranked out at a rate of several tens of thousands each day, a real marvel and wonder of manufacturing even to this day but match standards weren't the order of those days gone by, just going bang without exploding would allow a rifle to pass.

[Bainx]

Somebody will always come up and ask what it is
Ain't it the truth though!:)

You may want to consider scrounging up an 1891 [read, 91 model]. These are now getting scarce I am to believe. The longest Mosin you can buy and can be real accurate.
Mine dates 1916 when Czar Nicholas was still in power.

[Ash]

You can even get a Peter the Great commemerative model from 1917. Finnish M91's are also considered among the best, as are those made by Remington and New England Westinghouse. Though a Tula, Sestroysk, or Izhevsk-made M91 in good shape makes a fine shooter/collector. Be warned, though, for Mosins are like Lays potato chips. Once you get one, you'll be hooked and there is no end to that tunnel!

Ash

[armoredman]

Everyone loves Mosins.
http://www.hunt101.com/img/210339.jpg (http://www.hunt101.com/?p=210339&c=500&z=1)
http://www.hunt101.com/img/209916.jpg (http://www.hunt101.com/?p=209916&c=500&z=1)

The boy, and me, with the M38.:D :cool:

[fletcher]

My roommate and I just bought 91/30s :D :D

Mine is 1943, has the refurbished mark on it, and appears to be made at the Izhevsk factory. Great shape. Came with accessory kit. Excellent stock, and the barrel looks pretty clean. Cost me $85 even (+$6 to get into the show).


EDIT: Had Tula as factory, my mistake.