Just finished up an Archangel Mosin Nagant build. Had some issues along the way that I'd like to point out to those who are looking to perform this build on their Nagant.
Overall I am happy with this set up as it met my key requirements which were to achieve a reliable magazine fed 7.62x54R rifle with an adjustable cheek and shoulder stock.
Issue #1
During this build first thing I noticed was how "gummed" up the stock's rear receiver threaded bolt hole was. This thread pitch is a 1/4" 32 which is a very odd pitch thread. If you own an automobile tap and die set, it will very likely not have this tap. Now if the threads aren't too bad and your able to start it... you can use your existing bolt and lots of penetrating oil straighten out the threads. I worked the bolt in and out going a bit further each time until it loosened up.
Issue #2
The Archangel stock's rear receiver to stock bolt is too long with too many threads when compared to the original. This was at least the case for my M91/30. Attachment IMG 1616.jpg shows the original bolt. Promag's bolt had about 3-4 more threads in length and additional 3-4 more threads running up the bolt. Because of the length, the bolt bottomed out before the receiver pressed securely to the stock. You can not use the original bolt because the threads will run out before the receiver can be secured tightly to the stock.
Possible solutions to Issue #2:
a.) Find some washers that fit into the recessed receiver hole as well as around the bolt. (couldn't find any)
b.) Make a washer (this would have been difficult even with a decent workshop at my disposal)
c.) Cut 3-4 threads off the end of ProMag's supplied bolt and use a fine file to fix your starter thread on that bolt. I used a belt grinder to take the threads off.
Issue #3:
Once you shorten the length of the rear receiver bolt you will be able to see that the receiver is drawn/pulled into the stock as you tighten the bolt. Which is what you want for a proper build. But when you do this the stock no longer lines up to your receiver evenly for your magazine latch to catch. The fix to this is to add a washer between your receiver and your stock. I installed a stainless steel washer. Take note of IMG 1615.jpg. This picture was taken after shimming the rear receiver to the stock. With my Nagant I noticed that having the receiver slightly higher than my stock allowed for the best magazine / magazine latch fit.
Issue #4:
Shortly after the build I noticed that the adjustable shoulder stock had become very stiff and resistant to extending and retracting. I'm still looking into this.
Test firing.... Fired flawlessly and extracted bullets flawlessly. It was a blast to swap out magazines while unloading some large rounds down range.
Barrel and bolt were Cerakoted Sniper Gray and Graphite Black. The cerakote is holding up well but still breaking in its wear marks on the bolt. Any direct contact points the cerakote is wearing off but providing a smoother action as this happens. Timney Trigger was very easy and a nice added improvement . Have her set at 2.5 lbs.
Overall it took some work but I'm happy with it.
Overall I am happy with this set up as it met my key requirements which were to achieve a reliable magazine fed 7.62x54R rifle with an adjustable cheek and shoulder stock.
Issue #1
During this build first thing I noticed was how "gummed" up the stock's rear receiver threaded bolt hole was. This thread pitch is a 1/4" 32 which is a very odd pitch thread. If you own an automobile tap and die set, it will very likely not have this tap. Now if the threads aren't too bad and your able to start it... you can use your existing bolt and lots of penetrating oil straighten out the threads. I worked the bolt in and out going a bit further each time until it loosened up.
Issue #2
The Archangel stock's rear receiver to stock bolt is too long with too many threads when compared to the original. This was at least the case for my M91/30. Attachment IMG 1616.jpg shows the original bolt. Promag's bolt had about 3-4 more threads in length and additional 3-4 more threads running up the bolt. Because of the length, the bolt bottomed out before the receiver pressed securely to the stock. You can not use the original bolt because the threads will run out before the receiver can be secured tightly to the stock.
Possible solutions to Issue #2:
a.) Find some washers that fit into the recessed receiver hole as well as around the bolt. (couldn't find any)
b.) Make a washer (this would have been difficult even with a decent workshop at my disposal)
c.) Cut 3-4 threads off the end of ProMag's supplied bolt and use a fine file to fix your starter thread on that bolt. I used a belt grinder to take the threads off.
Issue #3:
Once you shorten the length of the rear receiver bolt you will be able to see that the receiver is drawn/pulled into the stock as you tighten the bolt. Which is what you want for a proper build. But when you do this the stock no longer lines up to your receiver evenly for your magazine latch to catch. The fix to this is to add a washer between your receiver and your stock. I installed a stainless steel washer. Take note of IMG 1615.jpg. This picture was taken after shimming the rear receiver to the stock. With my Nagant I noticed that having the receiver slightly higher than my stock allowed for the best magazine / magazine latch fit.
Issue #4:
Shortly after the build I noticed that the adjustable shoulder stock had become very stiff and resistant to extending and retracting. I'm still looking into this.
Test firing.... Fired flawlessly and extracted bullets flawlessly. It was a blast to swap out magazines while unloading some large rounds down range.
Barrel and bolt were Cerakoted Sniper Gray and Graphite Black. The cerakote is holding up well but still breaking in its wear marks on the bolt. Any direct contact points the cerakote is wearing off but providing a smoother action as this happens. Timney Trigger was very easy and a nice added improvement . Have her set at 2.5 lbs.
Overall it took some work but I'm happy with it.
Attachments
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