Gun Show this weekend. What Nagant to get?

[Redlg155]

Ok..

I've seen a few Nagants and I'm slightly familiar with the variants, but now I'm wondering what type to get based on your experiences.

#1 Priority is good shooter.
#2 Priority is historical significance.

The Russian M44s seem tempting right now, but I've heard a few things about the Finnish rifles.

Just looking at the Aim catalog they have these listed..
Model 91/59 Mosin Nagant
Russian M44 Mosin Nagant
Russian 91/30 Mosin Nagant
Russian 1938 Mosin Nagant

Needless to say this can be thoroughly confusing. I'd like to go to the show halfway armed with some knowledge of what I want.

Thanks!
RED

 

[cratz2]

To me, any of the rifles Finland captured during the Winter War or during the Continuation War would have a certain... anti-Communist value to them. Plus, many of them have beautiful wood stocks.

There are a bunch of Polish carbines on the market that are in unissued condition.

Reall, they're all such a good value and the ammo is so cheap, get a half dozen of them. Just remember, the carbines to have a bit of kick to them. The full guns are pretty tame.

 

[Cosmoline]

Most of the carbines I've seen are good fifty yard guns. Both the M38 Carbine I own now and the M44 I used to have were simply not very accurate at 100 yards. Four inch groups were typical. But to unleash some short-range whoopass they're hard to beat. The M38 I've got is my current trail gun.

The only semi-accurate Russian Mosin I've owned is my current 1936 91/30. It's an all-matching Aztec import. I can get 2" groups at 100 yards with it using cheap ammo. Oddly it does not like the hotter, better ammo as well.

To get MOA you'll either have to be real lucky with a 91/30 or get a nice Finn. For accuracy and good condition, the modern "Sneak" M-39's are really great. Most were made in 1968 to 1970 or so. Some of the old WWII Finn Nagants really went through hell and back, and are probably best kept intact and unfired to preserve for future generations. There aren't too many Finnish rifles, esp. compared with the countless millions of Mausers and Russian 91/30's out there.

 

[Oleg Volk]

M39 Finn is the best shooter rifle. Any other would do as a collectible, though I'd be leery of 1943-45 production.

 

[MonkeyMan]

My vote is for the M-39 too. I've a good friend that's a Mosin nut and I've shot his M-38 and M-44. I much prefer my "B" barrel M-39. The Finn's are scarce to start with and getting more so. Get some while you can.

 

[diyj98]

Your best chances of an excellent bore would be with a Finn, but you'll pay a higher price. If want affordable and history, go with a 91/30. With a wartime 91/30 you can just about be guaranteed that the rifle went through combat.

 

[Jack19]

If you're going to buy a M-N, buy the best, the Finnish M-39.

Look for a VKT or B barrel, they shoot just as well as the Sako, for a little less money; if that's a worry.

Sure it's more money than a 44, but I guarantee you will thank everyone of us who has suggested the 39.

Check out WG&A, the M-39 section. WG&A

 

[foghornl]

Still haven't shot it yet, but I have the Mosin-Nagant M-44 of 1954 Romanian vintage, and I have about 300 rounds of 7.62x54 ammo, of 1988 Albanian make, if the headstamp info I have is correct.

Interesting rifle, and I like that long flat folding pointy thing on the end...figure if I have to, I can use that to fend off 1 or 2 BG's while I reload...

 

[Cosmoline]

Many M-44's work better with the bayonet extended. It doesn't really improve accuracy, but it does allow you to run down range with a battle cry and skewer the target

 

[Redlg155]

Thanks for the replies guys!

Hopefully I'll have things narrowed down a bit more before Saturday. A finn is looking really tempting. What shocked me are the prices at that web site. Yugo SKS $115. Wow..that's cheaper than the Nagants!

But then the Nagants were arsenal refinished, something I'm not quite sure I want.

If I can't find a nice one I might have to settle for an Enfield. If I can find a Savage Lend/Lease No4M1 I'll be as happy as a bug in a rug!

Good Shooting
RED

 

[Tropical Z]

M44!