M91 - Should I buy this?

[offthepaper]

I was strolling around this morning and stopped in a local pawn shop. While standing at a distance from the rifle rack (well behind the customer counter) I saw what I at first thought was a Russian M91/30, but was actually a Finn M91. Decent condition, metal looks good, all matching #'s, no cracks in the wood, bore is dark but with deep lands and grooves. Definitly ready for a cleaning. The wood is very, very dry. I asked the guy how much, he said $200. I tried to bring him down, but he wouldn't budge.
I love the MN history and have several M91/30's and M39's. Should I go back and get this? Is this a good/ok/or not so good price for the '91?

P.S.
Anyone familiar with how the M91's acuraccy compare with a Finn M39?

 

[WardenWolf]

The Finns are usually exceptionally good. I'd consider it strongly at $200. Just remember it likes 7.62x53, not 7.62x54. The x53 uses a smaller diameter .308 bullet (versus the .311 used by x54), so they are NOT interchangeable.

 

[atblis]

Uhh

Unless it had a nice bore on it, I'd pass. I am seeing more and more of the Finn M91. Passed on a couple last gun show (for <$200) because the bores didn't look too hot.

 

[offthepaper]

The Finns are usually exceptionally good. I'd consider it strongly at $200. Just remember it likes 7.62x53, not 7.62x54. The x53 uses a smaller diameter .308 bullet (versus the .311 used by x54), so they are NOT interchangeable.

thanks for the info MTW.
I thought all the MN's were 54R.
If that were the case, I would have plenty of ammo for it, but if it's going to be a another caliber, then it's likely a deal breaker for me.

 

[GD]

The Finns designated their ammo as 7.62x53. Except for a few M28/30's and M28's which were not D stamped, pretty much all Finnish mosins will fire 7.62x54 just fine. I have over 30 Finnish mosins and fire Soviet and other surplus through them.
$200 is a decent price for a Finnish M91, especially if it is M91/24 or any of the rarer variants (P26, early Tikkas, etc.). If it is a Soviet captured M91, then $200 is a bit high but not too much. They are getting harder to find.

 

[Deer Hunter]

All fins are 7.62x54R....

They felt like naming it something else to be different (Happens quite often).

It's a good price if the bore is nice.

 

[finfanatic]

The Finns are GENERALLY more accurate and have much smoother actions than the Mosins, especially the WWII produced Mosins. Or that has been my experience.

And all of the Finns I have shot fired 7.62 X 54 just fine.

Depends on condition, but $200 is not that bad for a Finn in good condition.

What was it? Sako? Valmet?

 

[offthepaper]

It was a VKT.
If it shoots 7.62X54R, then I might be tempted again. The bore was dark, but with strong rifling. It might clean up well. The whole rifle is pretty dirty.
How about accuracy compared to a M39?

 

[manthegun]

Apparently, the 1915 edition of this rifle made it to Russia, as it was 2 years before the overthrow of the tsar. I just picked up a 1915 model 1891. The stock and bore are in very good condition and the finish is lovely. On the left side of the hexagonal carriage is a little square containing the letters "SA". It has no modifications and looks to be a well-kept version with all original parts. Apparently, it's original soldier(s) was/were very meticulous, although there are minor battlefield scratches.

Are there any opinions as to the worth (monetary or rifleworthiness) of this weapon. Any details I am not familiar with would be of help.

 

[manthegun]

I am sorry...forgot to mention it is a New England Westinghouse version.

 

[.45Guy]

I envy you sir....

 

[GD]

My M91 VKT is among the most accurate rifles I own. All the Finns are great but this one shoots under 1.5" groups at 100 yards.
As far as a Westinghouse SA stamped M91, one in great condition could easily be worth over $300. Otherwise, an origional one probably about $200-225. A bubba modified one is not worth much. My Finn Westinghouse is counterbored and shoots 2-3" groups at 100 yards regularly.