Mosin Nagant

[kayak-man]

I'm thinking of buying one of the Mosin Nagant rifles from Big Five while they're on sale. It's probably going to be the M91/30 because that is what is on sale this week.

As far the different models go, what is the difference? also, what kinds of things should I be looking for, I'd like to make sure the one I take home is in good shape, so is there any specific lingo other than "I'd like to look at a Mosin Nagant... no, this one has poor rifling, do you have any others?"

Thanks a lot.

 

[hawmanai]

I have picked up a M44 and a 91/30 from Big 5 myself.

Check for a good bore that is nice and shiney. Don't have much more lingo for you.

Ask if they have any other rifles in stock that are in the back, they usually just open a box to put on the shelf and don't look at the conditon of the rest. They don't like to get cosmoline on thier hands.

The M44 I got was in unissued condition and the 91/30 had a new barrel and stock.

 

[Palehorseman]

Look for a counterbored muzzle. Not all with such have bad bores, but it does raise a red flag. Take a bore light with you, even though many will have hardened cosmoline in the bore.

 

[Brimic]

If you can fins one with a Hex receiver, it will be much better made than the wartime Mosins- no sticky bolt, hard extraction, etc. I'd still put bore condition as the first priority though.

 

[Deus Machina]

Good bore and smooth chamber.

I love 'em, but honestly anything other than that is just lipstick on a pig.

 

[Dodahdude]

No one can buy just one.......

 

[svaz]

Big 5 gets them in by the boat-load & the sales clerks usually don't know/care what they get in. While they may have one or two on the rack, they usually have several more in the back. Ask to see those too before making your decision. You might run into a M91 (pre-1931), which looks like a 91/30 but IMHO gets points for "cool factor". You might also check the receiver wall for the two or four filled in holes that likely indicate that it is a former sniper rifle (the holes being for the scope mount screws).

Check out 7.62x54R.net for a good little run down on what you might find interesting & what to look for.