Mosin Nagant 91/30 Questions

[matai]

Hey I'm thinking about getting a Mosin Nagant 91/30. I plan on putting the modern stock on it but was wondering; is there an easy way to mount a scope on these? Or will I have to drill and tap it? Also does the angled bolt handle help much?

Thanks

 

[matai]

Oh, also is there any benefit of the hex receiver over the round one?

 

[VHSBD]

There are a few scout scope kits around that non-permanently replace the rear sight, I would imagine the bent handle would be easier to operate.

 

[Franco2shoot]

Check out ATI...
You do have to tap and drill, but it is fairly easy, and I believe they offer drill guides.
I got my 91/30 with the holes already drilled, and hex nuts in their place. The bent handle is a must, but overall its a good way to go.

Love mine with its refinished stock.


KKKKFL

 

[Cosmoline]

The scout mounts are pretty easy to rig but most don't want to stay put in reacoil. Receiver mounts are more difficult and require bolt modification. There's not a lot of point to doing it anyway, as you will just end up with the worst of both worlds.

 

[highbrow]

I have Darrell's scout mounts on 2 of my mosins. They have been perfect so far. Easy to install and stay solid.

 

[rondog]

If you remove the rear sight assembly on a 91/30, you'll find there's a 3/8" dovetail rail milled right on top of the barrel. This will readily accept 3/8" .22/airgun type scope mounts, the best seems to be made by Leapers. http://www.opticsplanet.net/leapers...set-optimum-profile-mount-rgpmofs38-25h4.html Combine this with a long eye relief scout scope, and you're set.

To remove the rear sight, you'll have to drive out two pins, and the sight base is usually lightly soldered on. A little heat from a propane torch and some gentle tapping will drive it off. For LOTS of info on scoping 91/30's, go to www.gunandgame.com and search through the Mosin Nagant forum. There's several very long threads there about this, covering just about every kind of mount you can think of. With a LER scope, the bent bolt handle isn't necessary, as the scope will mount far enough forward to not be a problem.

Hex receiver rifles are generally considered more collectable, and they're pre-war so the machining and finish is usually better (war year Mosins, especially late-war, can be pretty roughly machined). No real advantage to the hex receiver, just a higher cool factor. My 91/30 is a 1938 Tula, a very nice one for the $69.95 I paid for it at Big 5 Sporting Goods.

 

[Nicodemus38]

actually the hex reciever is important to the original design. when the rifle was designed, they new that is was possible for substandard steel to be used. its still a risk with all products. however they designed the bolt body/bolt handle to be the third "oh crap" locking lug in case the real two lugs failed, the bolt would not leave the reciever and kill the soldier using it.
thus the hex design puts extra steel for the bolt handle to bear against. i believe the bolt handle "lug" has more cross sectional area then the true lugs do. so in theory the only lug youd need is the bolt handle. but dont try that at home. please dont even try.

 

[stubbicatt]

Bravo Nicodemus38.

The bolt of the Mosin Nagant is unique in sharing the Murata action with additional front locking lugs.

This photo I took at the Winchester Firearms Museum in Cody, Wyoming last summer. It shows the Murata action, which is solely locked by the bolt handle lug, uncannily similar in operation to the M-N in the respect described by Nicodemus 38. Notice the split receiver bridge on the rear ring, and the general profile of the bolt handle "lug." The camming surface on the front receiver ring is identical, near as I can tell. Even the cocking piece bears a more than passing resemblance.



The evolution of firearms design is a fascinating topic, and designs seem to borrow more than they contribute.

 

[RonE]

There are lots of web resources for sporterizing the 91/30 rilfe, including this forum (search "snipper rifle"). They are easy to work on and easy to make easier to shoot and more accurate. I recommend the "Rock Solid" scope mount but unless you go with a "scout" style scope and mount, you will probably have to alter the bolt handle. This is easy to do with not much more than a drill press and hacksaw.

The nice thing about the Mousin-Nagant 91/30 is that it is cheap, easy to improve and if you screw something up you haven't lost much.

Sporter stocks are available for $59, adjustable trigger (do it yourself) about $7.00 including a drill bit, tap and screw. Rock Solid base is about $100 and easy to install with a drill press, also about the best out there. Turning down the bolt handle, perhaps $5.00 for a grade 8 bolt and a plastic knob.

Look around and you will find everything you need.

Have fun with your project.