choice between new shotgun or mosin nagant

[shotgunsrfun]

I was looking at a shotgun for some time, I can't find a good price range on one at the time being. I just remember about mosin nagants. I saw some for $130-$170 but I notice they where dark wood, is there anyway to stain it lighter color so it doesnt look like an old item? I really want like the m44 because they are shorter and not as heavy.

Really the question is can you stain the wood to look bright? not old dark wood.

Also do these things hold up? I heard people have had their mosin nagants break, the bores crack. Is this because poor cleaning? or they are cheap?

 

[John Wayne]

I have never heard of anyone breaking a Mosin Nagant. If someone has been shooting corrosive ammo through it for the last decade and packing it in rock salt, then the bore could rust out...but otherwise you'd be hard pressed to find a more durable design.

Mosins in average condition, with accessories, can be had for $100. $170 ought to buy you a darn nice one with attractive wood, finish, and bore. The M44s and M38s usually go for $50 more than the 91/30s in similar condition.

I'd look for a matching bolt and clean bore rather than pretty wood if I were in the market. There are a lot of things the Mosin does well; being pretty isn't one of them.

It would also help if you tell us what you want to do with the gun...a shotgun and a centerfire rifle are designed to do two completely different things.

 

[shotgunsrfun]

range gun. I was looking for something cheap to shoot and mosin you can get surpplus ammo cheap.

 

[Mr. Bojangles]

You really can't go wrong with a Mosin. They can often be had for about $100-$150 for a nice one. Some of the M44s have a blond stock, but they are somewhat rare. You will have a tough time finding a more durable and reliable rifle, and as was said earlier ammo is relatively cheap and plentiful. The gigantic sidefolding bayonet on the M44 is also a plus.

 

[deadin]

I was looking for something cheap to shoot and mosin you can get surpplus ammo cheap.

For now.
I would imagine when the retail supply of M-Ns runs out, so will the supply of cheap ammo. The current ammo availability is being used as a loss leader to encourage the sale of the rifles.
Do like I did and stock up on ammo now. (I am slowly running out of 7.5 Swiss, but have a few hundred boxer primed cases that I can reload.)

 

[wishin]

Really the question is can you stain the wood to look bright? not old dark wood.

Go to this site on bleaching wood to lighten the stock:

http://antiquerestorers.com/Articles/jeff/using_wood_bleach.htm

 

[NMGonzo]

Mosin for fun gun.

I also use it as an indoor-workout training aide

 

[Cosmoline]

Some of the Polish M44's have blond stocks. But the idea of buying a vintage rifle and then worrying that it looks old leaves me scratching my head in bewilderment.

 

[loose cannon]

mosins are gr8 if thats what you want.they will definately out range a shotgun by far.

so unless your enviroment involves very close quarter urban shooting get a mosin some striper clips and plenty rounds.

very close is 12guage territory.

 

[espanola]

I'd go with the Mosin...tough gun, last forever if cared for even a little...more versatile than a shotgun...when out of ammo it can be an effective club, anchor, hammer, oar, tent stake, jack handle, firewood, etc., etc....

 

[Schofield3]

when out of ammo it can be an effective club, anchor, hammer, oar, tent stake, jack handle, firewood, etc., etc

hahaha firewood