BigJake,
The Mosins are very accurate weapons, overall.
I have the M38, M44 and the M91-30.
Of the three models I have I'm partial to the M38 and the 91-30 next.
I must say the M44 is a kicker.....or it sure seems it to me.
For the prices they are asking I don't think you can go wrong.
However, for collectability in terms of equity potential building the guns I don't think Mosin Nagants are going to do that. At least not any time soon.
Also, Mosin Nagants, although very, very good guns, are not the best shooters in MY group of guns.
I have Springfield Remington 1903A3s, Swedish M96s, Schmidt Rubin K31s and a few others that will conistantly out shoot my Mosins.
But, I like collecting for the 'pieces of history'.
But, I will suggest getting your hands on one, at least, very good condition Swede M96 before they are gone (but you're likely to pay $300 plus). My next suggestion would be the Schmidt Rubin K31 as I forsee the supply of these drying up.
There are some great other Mausers out there still at decent prices (K98, M48, M48A, CZ24, etc.) and some...well, most...of these are terrific shooters as well.
The outward appearances of some of these guns on the market these days leave something to be desired.
I was fortunate as I got most of my guns when they first became popular and I could pick and choose and got some very good examples of history.
But, if you look around, and be patient, you can still find guns in excellent and arsenal refurbed conditon and some models that are unissued.
There's more I'd like to suggest but I don't want the other readers to have to go through a chapter here.
If there are any other questions....throw them up.
BTW, the Mosin 7.62 X54R round is right in the same category/range as the 30.06, 8MM and .308. It's an accurate and efective round.
Good luck.