Mosin Nagant 91/38: what's it worth?

[fort_maceo]

I recently traded a scope for a Mosin Nagant. Knowing next to nothing about them (old Mausers are more my thing), I decided to figure out which model it is. Little did I know that, considering all the countries of manufacture, years of production, arsenals, stock variations, barrel lengths, etc., etc., etc., there are about a million different possibilities.

Here's what my research revealed. It is a M91/38 carbine, a hex-receiver Russian M91 with the barrel later cut down by the Czechs to the M38 length (hence the 91/38 designation). The M91 was made in 1904 according to the date stamp. It was made in the Izhevsk arsenal based on the receiver markings. The stock is a blond-colored Czech stock in M44 configuration.

The rifle is in good shape. The finish on the metal is great. There are some handling marks (little dents) on the wood. Numbers on all parts match. Below is a picture:



As far as value, there's not a single Russian 91/38 on gunbroker or auction arms currently. There are lots of 91/30's and some M38's and 91/59's. So I'm asking for you all's help. Any ideas on value?

Thanks in advance for any information you can provide.

 

[RIATAC45]

Its not much help as to the value, but some cool info none the less.

 

[lencac]

In real good shape WITHOUT a counter bored muzzle and a clean uncorroded bore, $200 tops

 

[minutemen1776]

I think $200 is probably correct for a maximum price point for this rifle, and you might get a good bit less than that. Good-condition, non-counterbored M38s are in the same ballpark.

 

[akolleth]

91/38's are much more rare than your average Mosin (91/30, m44, m38, or even 91/59's) as you have seen in your research.

Its worth a bit more than a low ball $200 price to a collector of Mosins. Given its rarity, its condition (excellent shape), and a nice 1904 hex receiver base I would put it at $300+, maybe even higher.

Remember this isn't just another M38 or M44, its another variation all in itself. The numbers produced are very low, and there are lots of us Mosin collectors who want one of every variant.

 

[fort_maceo]

Thanks to all for the replies. It's reassuring to learn that my difficulty in determining its value is shared by folks more knowledgeable about these than I am.

In case it isn't obvious, I'm looking to sell this rifle. I've got too many old rifles laying around, and this one is a good place to start.

 

[Cosmoline]

Fort--I don't think everyone understands that this is not your typical Mosin carbine or cut-down 91/30. This is the problem I mentioned in the other thread and it lowers their sale price.

Here's one that went for $375

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=206242993

 

[kis2]

The Imperial Russia markings on these are gorgeous I think. I've never actually seen one. Good luck!

 

[Rancho Relaxo]

You've got a real special piece, I agree with others saying it's worth much more than $200.

 

[Onmilo]

It would be worth a lot more if it was still a 1904 dated M91 long rifle.
I don't feel these "carbinized" rifles are worth any more than a genuine Model 38 short rifle.

 

[Caliper_Mi]

I don't feel these "carbinized" rifles are worth any more than a genuine Model 38 short rifle.

I disagree on that point. The conversion gives the rifle a more interesting history.

Try this forum: http://7.62x54r.net/Forums/ for an answer or a potential buyer...