Buying a Mosin Nagant

[velocette]

Folks;
I am planning to buy a Mosin Nagant rifle. Not because I need it, but because I want it.
I have surfed Gunbroker & marvelled at the wide range of options and prices.
Is there anything I should be aware of or avoid when buying a mossy?
What I am looking for is advice and suggestions on what not to do or what to look for.

TIA
Roger

 

[brnmuenchow]

7.62x54r.net has info. that may be helpful to you, specifically for a Mosin Nagant purchase their can be factors such as matching serial numbers on the components of the rifle, manufacturing differences in quality from year to year, and factory from wence it came ex.(Tula/ Izhevsk)?

 

[deimos256]

In short, look for a prewar Tula with matching serial numbers. The serials that match will be barrel, magazine floorplate, bolt, and buttplate. Of course that's best case scenario. I have a 1942 izshevsk (sp?) with matching numbers and while the built is a little rough, it's a fine shooter.

 

[millertyme]

In short, look for a prewar Tula with matching serial numbers

Which war? The Mosin Nagant was used for several mix-up over the course of its long service life. A pre WW? a pre WWII? If you're looking for a collector-grade rifle then go find a place that sells such. If you're just looking for something cheap to shoot and come home with a severely bruised shoulder, just go to AIM or JG Sales, pay for the higher quality gun, and pay for a hand-selected rifle. It will be accurate enough if that's all you care about.

Basically, it comes down to what you plan on using the rifle for and what you expect to get out of it. Tula's are certainly the better of the bunch whether they're round or hex receiver furnished. Izzy's aren't bad, they just, on average, aren't up to par with the majority of the Tula's.

Unless it's going to be a collector grade gun I don't think you should be paying more then a hundred for it. If you're planning on using it for hunting get a modern weapon. If you're just getting it for plinking and will be happy with the irons then just get the cheapest one you can find with a decent bore.

Remember, the Mosin is one of the most common relic firearms on the planet, if not the most common. Don't expect much if you plan on getting a shooter and you won't be dissatisfied unless you paid too much.

As mentioned in a previous post, check out www.7.62x54r.net to get the real low-down on the rifles.

 

[fallout mike]

I read somewhere that if there is an indentation stamped on the butt that it is an unissued gun. I don't know if this is true but when I bought mine I dug through over a hundred of them that was boxed up and. I found one. It looks immaculate and all numbers match. The bolt is smooth as silk.

 

[thralldad]

Shiny bore and smooth action are all you need.

 

[neededausername]

For your first Mosin I would suggest a 91/30(~$100) or M1891(rarer and more expensive). These are the longer variants of Mosins, the carbines kick like a mule. If you are just looking for a shooter and not a collector any one is fine just make sure the barrel and rifling look good, the stock isn't split, and the bolt moves smoothly. If you are looking for a collector go to the aforementioned 7.62x54r.net and research.

For shooting purposes the Izhevsk made rifles are no different from the Tula ones. The Izhevsk are just more common and not as collectible.

 

[huskershooter]

Pre WWII is going to be your best bet on quality. The ones made during to war are more crude on the machine work. They were just slapped together as fast as possible to arm the masses.

 

[USAF_Vet]

Of my two, I prefer to shoot my 1953 Hungarian M-44. I find it easier to wield, love the fireball and it's quite obviously a Mosin-stein, not a single serial number matches. My 1925 Ivhezk M91/30 has all matching serials and is in great condition. But really, for a sub $150 rifle, a nice bore and a smooth (as thralldad mentioned) are all you really need. It won't be a collectors item, unless you come across Vasili Zeitsev's personal rifle (which is probably in a museum), so don't worry about banging it up, modding it, personalizing it, or whatever.

 

[stonecutter2]

Of my two, I prefer to shoot my 1953 Hungarian M-44. I find it easier to wield, love the fireball and it's quite obviously a Mosin-stein, not a single serial number matches. My 1925 Ivhezk M91/30 has all matching serials and is in great condition. But really, for a sub $150 rifle, a nice bore and a smooth (as thralldad mentioned) are all you really need. It won't be a collectors item, unless you come across Vasili Zeitsev's personal rifle (which is probably in a museum), so don't worry about banging it up, modding it, personalizing it, or whatever.

I just got a 1925 Ivhezk Hex M91/30 from AIMSurplus - it's got all matching serials, too! Bolt, Barrel, Buttplate, Magazine. Haven't taken the action out of the stock yet. Cleaned up the bolt really well last night and it's pretty darn smooth without any grease applied.

The bayonet has a different number, though - but the rifle is in amazing shape. It looks brand new.

I paid for the $10 hand pick. Figured what the heck.

The wood on the stock looks beautiful - can't wait to really clean her up and let her shine (and blast!).

 

[USAF_Vet]

My bayonet had a different serial number too, but thats common. Rifles were with a bayonet but not with identical serial numbers. In fact, I kinda have to suspect anyone who claims their bayonet SN matches that of their rifle. Either complete dumb luck in the rarest of extremes, or the bayonet was altered to match.

I got mine about a year ago from Gander Mtn. and it looked (and still looks) brand new. My '53 Hungarian M-44 is another story, looks like hell but love shooting it.

 

[stonecutter2]

Took my Mosin apart, and the tang matches the barrel - 1925 Izhevsk.

When taking the barrel bands off, I scraped up the shellac a bit on the wood. I don't see any way around that, they're on there pretty snug.

The bore is nice and shiny, and the rifling is awesome. I can't wait to shoot her - time to get some ammo on order!

 

[35 Whelen]

I am planning to buy a Mosin Nagant rifle. Not because I need it, but because I want it.
I have surfed Gunbroker & marvelled at the wide range of options and prices.
Is there anything I should be aware of or avoid when buying a mossy?
What I am looking for is advice and suggestions on what not to do or what to look for.

Most important question is: What are you going to do with it? If you are wanting a collectible Safe Queen, go to www.7.62x54r.net and get some info.

If you want a shooter, doesn't really matter. They're all pretty much the same. Semi-crude. I will say that if there are any Big 5 stores in your area, you can be really nice to the salesman and get to handpick your own. I did thid and woulnd up with a couple of fairly desireable Mosins. And when I just wanted a shooter, I could pick one with a nice bore.
35W

 

[towboat_er]

Dunhams also has em.

 

[stonecutter2]

I agree, most of the shooters being sold are all pretty darn good, just depends on whether you're looking to collect or not. I wanted a shooter, but something interesting - and I got both. It's just neat to have matching numbers and a rifle in excellent shape. The stock has very nice grain, with some flame to it. It's hard to really capture it with a camera, but I tried.

Oh, and after cleaning last night, the bore is beautiful - strong rifling, nice and shiny. And the crown is beautiful.

Pic of mine from AIM:

 

[velocette]

Cabellas was having a sale. $89.95 complete with bayonet and other kit parts.
It's due to be delivered to my FFL today. Just looking for a shooter, hopeing the bore is good. Supposedly they are filled with cosmoline. Well, today will tell.

 

[stonecutter2]

Cabellas was having a sale. $89.95 complete with bayonet and other kit parts.
It's due to be delivered to my FFL today. Just looking for a shooter, hopeing the bore is good. Supposedly they are filled with cosmoline. Well, today will tell.

Cool, don't forget to post some pics!

 

[USAF_Vet]

wow stonecutter, that stock does look nice.

 

[stonecutter2]

wow stonecutter, that stock does look nice.

Thanks - yeah I think I got a good one! I can't wait to see it under the light of a full summer sun - it should shimmer quite nicely with that shellac and wood grain! Although, we're supposed to get several inches of snow tonight, and I think that's more the Russian rifle's speed

 

[velocette]

Picked up the rifle today from my FFL. Came with two leather ammo pouches, firing pin protrusion tool, solvent / oil container, muzzle protector and cleaning accessories to fit the cleaning rod. Oh yes a long and wicked looking bayonet.
Rifle is a 1939 Tula with a Russian star on the receiver. Cabella's salesman said that they were Rumanian.
The nice part is that the rifle appears to be new. New like in never issued, never used.
Not a mark on the stock, metal, no wear marks chips, dings etc. New. All of the accessories and bayonet appear to be new and unissued, again, not a mark or scratch, no dirt or grease either.
All of the serial numbers match, including the bayonet.
Barrel is shiny bright inside (after cleaning out the cosmoline) No rust anywhere that I could find.
Midway delivered 40 rds of boxer primed ammo, the reloading dies for the 7.62 x 54R and a slip-on recoil pad yesterday. Therefore, my next order of duty will be to fire off the factory ammo and start reloading. I know its tough duty, but someones gotta do it.
Photos will follow when all the cosmoline cleaning has been completed and I have a target to gloat about (or ask for sympathy for)

Roger

 

[thralldad]

Great job! You will love it!

 

[USAF_Vet]

All of the serial numbers match, including the bayonet.

Wow, it's a rare find that the bayonet serial matches the rifle. Might even add $5 to the value

 

[velocette]

USAF vet;
Nawp; I still only paid $89.95 for the relic and all its accessories. It goes into the safe alongside the Garand, '17 Enfield, '03 Springfield, and a '98 Mauser. I paid $189.00 for the Garand 20 years ago from the DCM, worth a little bit more now. In time all the prices go up. All I wanted was a shooter, thats what its gonna be. It do have a nice Roosky star on the breech that says that Ivan was there.
Hey, I'm an AF Vet too. '63 ~ 67.

Roger