Mosin Nagant Questions

[bennadatto]

Good afternoon all! Please excuse my ignorance and lack of search skills if this question is a dead horse.

If you had the choice between a hardwood Mosin and a laminated Mosin, what would you choose and why?

If you chose a laminated Mosin, would you prefer a laminated 91/30 hex receiver, or a laminated M44?

For reference, the rifle will be a for fun shooter, not a hunter, and 'm not terribly concerned about recoil differences between the two.

thanks in advance!

 

[sarduy]

If you had the choice between a hardwood Mosin and a laminated Mosin, what would you choose and why?

laminated, because they are better looking and stronger.

If you chose a laminated Mosin, would you prefer a laminated 91/30 hex receiver, or a laminated M44?

i would go for a laminated hex rec eiver, because they are harder to find, and i own a laminated M44


NOTE: if you can get both (hex laminated and M44 laminated) go for it, both are great rifles. but if you need to pick one, go with the HEX-laminated 91/30

 

[sarduy]

just curious... you got a link?

 

[jws527]

Laminated is generally considered more desirable. They look nicer when finished and laminated wood is (in theory) stronger and less prone to warping. Of course, they can also delaminate if the glue is exposed to certain chemicals or even water, but that shouldn't be a problem if the surface is properly finished.

I've always preferred my M44 to my 91/30 for some inexplicable reason (the M44 is better built but the 91/30 shoots better - if only I could combine them!), but I avoided the dilemma early on by simply buying both. They're so cheap - at least if you have a C&R and can take advantage of online pricing - that it's hard not to.

I wouldn't really worry about collectible value and unique features when buying one of the Soviet reworks unless you happen to like that sort of thing. A '44 Izhevsk has just as much history behind it as a comparable Tula or hex model - there are just a lot more of them out there. I was sort of excited to find out that both of my rifles were wartime production models (despite the fact that MOST are - for obvious reasons). People will tell you that you should look for hex receivers and Tula Arsenal this and that, but in most cases this will only alter the value by $20-30 - something most dealers already know and will attempt to capitalize on.

 

[Tarvis]

I also have a mosin question: Mine was from century bought at a local gunshop and came with a bunch of oddly shaped tools, any hints as to what they are for??

 

[jws527]

Well, the triangular looking tool has several purposes:

-It's a screwdriver so that you can disassemble the rifle and adjust the firing pin on the bolt (look at the rear of the assembled bolt and you'll see a notched disc).
-It has a notch for disassembling/reassembling the bolt: the largest notch fits over the thicker part of the firing pin so that you can unscrew the pin from the cocking piece and release spring tension - assembly procedure is reversed.
-It has notches for checking the firing pin protrusion.

Very useful and highly recommended.

The ammo pouches and oiler bottle are self-explanatory. The rest are for cleaning the bore - a muzzle cap for preventing damage to the crown and end rifling (cleaning rod fits right through it), the cleaning rod which should be attached to the rifle, and the cleaning rod handle pieces.

 

[Tarvis]

I think I need to see some pics to really understand. I don't learn very well by reading.

 

[jws527]

....

 

[TauZero]

I have both and prefer laminate only because i find it attractive.

I like the 91/30 because i love the look of the old long rifles.

I would get the hex if all other things are equal, but it's not a deal breaker. You can't tell the difference when you're shooting. The condition of the bore is WAY more important for a shooter.

 

[HoosierQ]

If you have to choose...go with laminate. Get both for crying out loud...they're the best bang for your buck on the American gun scene. Great gun, great round, cheap round, plentiful round (albeit corrosive). Ah, so the safety is odd. Fine gun. I have an Izhvek and love it.

 

[Igor_60]

Here is a good website for Mosin lovers!

Like myself! Love them Mosins!
http://www.7.62x54r.net/

 

[esmith]

laminated, because they are better looking and stronger.

Uhhh, no they are not better looking. You lose.

 

[Crazy Fingers]

Refinish the hardwood stock and it will look better than the laminated anyways.

 

[AmishFury]

for a hex receiver? i'd personally rather have a prewar stock (hardwood, screwed in sling slot escutcheons, brass endcaps on handguard) than a laminate which is a late to post war stock

 

[stubbicatt]

One of the contributors suggested that bore condition was more important than some of the other considerations. I agree. Take your time and look at several to find the one with the best, cleanest, bore. It will shoot better (typically) and give you greater joy as the rifle goes to the range.

 

[rangerruck]

laminated 44, then remove the pegleg, which throws off accuracy, no matter what.
the lam 4, would be better for channeling out the stock, and the top pieces, if you want max accuracy.

 

[sarduy]

Uhhh, no they are not better looking. You lose.

are you sure?

 

[rondog]

Sarduy, that top photo is sweet!!! I have a 1938 91/30 that I'm fixin' to refinish, what's the details on that rifle as far as stain/finish, etc.?