Need Mosin guidance

[DustyVermonter]

Alright, Now that I'm a little older and can finally appreciate a gun that doesn't have a 30 rd magazine stickin off of it(big step BTW) lol... I'm gonna get a couple Mosins and make a project out of it. As I am not too familiar with Mosins and am relatively new to the world of guns I would greatly appreciate some guidance as for what to look for and what to get. From what I understand they are very cheap but also very rugged and reliable, cheap, rugged and reliable is something I am very interested in. I know I want one of those monte carlo stocks and an oversized bent bolt and scope mount. I just want some general information regarding ease of installation, fitting the action to the stock, putting on a different bolt, Cost, Etc... But most importantly I want to know where to get a mosin in the best possible condition with the shiniest bores and little to no wear on the action (the stock is not important as I am going to switch them out with a monte carlo stock) I guess what I need to know is how do I go about getting a quality mosin that I can make into an awesome tactical looking bolt gun? Thank you for any and all consideration on this matter. Dusty

 

[GD]

The best mosin to get for such a project would be a refurbished one. Many of these have shiney bores and are in pretty good condition.
I would not use any of the rarer mosins (Finnish models for example) for this project as you would be taking an expensive rifle and turn it into a less expensive rifle.
When it is all done, you will have as much money in this project as you would have in a new firearm so finding a cheap refurb is key to making this project as cheap as possible.
I understand what you mean by rugged - I went to collecting mosins because of this feature. Accuracy and cheap ammo added to the fun (I primarily collect Finnish mosins).

 

[Cosmoline]

I know I want one of those monte carlo stocks and an oversized bent bolt and scope mount.

How can you know this if you've never even used the Mosins as they were made? If you want a bent bolt, a monte carlo stock with great accuracy, get a Savage. You will pour time and money into trying to beat and hack some war rifle into a shape that is more familiar to you for no good reason. It will not be pretty.

Or you can learn to use and shoot the Mosin-Nagant as it was intended.

 

[AH-1]

+1.

pete

 

[Claude Clay]

I've had many and projected a few. my best shooter (<2moa w/ mil-serp; some 1moa with hand loads) looks stock but has mods one cannot see.

but as to what to do 1st---well, after you get the gun and some ammo & before you actually shoot it---get the name of a good chiropractor. your shoulder will appreciate it.

should read:
http://62x54r.net/MosinID/MosinHumor.htm

good luck to you

 

[Franco2shoot]

Been there done that... well not the Monte Carlo part. But I wanted a MN, wanted to accurize, and these old eyes couldn't hit the broad side of a barn from 10 yards with open sights.

Also, I wanted a nice finish, not a war replica. Here's what evolved

The Scope mount, and bolt are from ATI. I took the stock and wiped it down with gasoline, over and over until no finish was left. Then my paint guy looked at the color of the upper forestock and recommended mixing some stains to come up with the same color. Finally, I read where the snipers in Stalingrad took wine bottle corks, thinly sliced
pieces that went under and over the barrel. Prior to doing this my 91/30 pattern was holes about 2 inches apart. (using a sandbag rest and at 100 yards) After the barrel corking the pattern was under 1 inch.

Now granted, this is not a collector item anymore, (never was) but it is what I like. Ammunition is inexpensive, and power is up there. I started by looking for a really nice barrel, (good rifle'ing) and the whole project came in at 250 bucks. Wally world scope cost more than the rifle.

KKKKFL

 

[DustyVermonter]

Quote:" How can you know this if you have never even used the mosins as they were made"

Well, its pretty simple. I don't like the way they look, they look like they are about 250 years old and had I not seen one fitted to a monte carlo stock I would never have even given them a second look. I do want a Rem700 or a Savage, I guess I was under the impression that I could have a reliable bolt gun for under $200 that I could use as a 'Beater' gun. I have no interest in a mosin without the modern look, so I guess if what I'm being told is that I can't achieve this look without spending money equal to that of a Savage, than I don't have any interest in this project or learning to shoot a mosin as it was "originally intended". But for some reason I don't believe this to be the case, and may just be the opinion of a "traditionalist".

 

[Cosmoline]

If you don't like the way they look or shoot, spending money on Mosin-Nagants is a waste. With very accurate, modern and scope-ready bolt actions available for low prices these days, there's no reason to saw and bash a military rifle into some semblance of a modern scoped hunting rifle.

If you DO like the Mosins, but just need extra help for the eyes or just want to tweak them a bit, then it may be worth while. There are scout scope other options. Franco's is an example. That's still a Mosin-Nagant, though. If you hate the action and the lines of the rifle, you're still going to hate it with a scope. It really sounds like you really want a modern scoped hunting rifle, so that's what you should be getting.

 

[DustyVermonter]

Franco2shoot, old stock and all, that is a Nice lookin rifle. I may be rapidly changing my opinion of the "traditional" look based on that very rifle. Looks very, very capable. Maybe I misjudged

 

[DustyVermonter]

I didn't think there was too much to saw and bash, I just figured that I wouldn't have too much to lose having seen these rifles list for $60-$70. But based on Franco2shoot's rifle and all the good things I hear about Mosins and their ruggedness I may just pick one up and see where it goes from there. I have quite a few guns, just don't have any bolt guns and thought a mosin would be an interesting little project.

 

[Will_G]

Are you thinking about something like this Mosin sporter?

http://www.marksgunsearch.com/details/6514/ussr/

I have never seen one like this until today!

 

[Boba Fett]

How can you know this if you've never even used the Mosins as they were made? If you want a bent bolt, a monte carlo stock with great accuracy, get a Savage. You will pour time and money into trying to beat and hack some war rifle into a shape that is more familiar to you for no good reason. It will not be pretty.

Or you can learn to use and shoot the Mosin-Nagant as it was intended.

If you don't like the way they look or shoot, spending money on Mosin-Nagants is a waste. With very accurate, modern and scope-ready bolt actions available for low prices these days, there's no reason to saw and bash a military rifle into some semblance of a modern scoped hunting rifle.

If you DO like the Mosins, but just need extra help for the eyes or just want to tweak them a bit, then it may be worth while. There are scout scope other options. Franco's is an example. That's still a Mosin-Nagant, though. If you hate the action and the lines of the rifle, you're still going to hate it with a scope. It really sounds like you really want a modern scoped hunting rifle, so that's what you should be getting.

+1

If you want the rifle for the nostalgia and fun of what a Mosin Nagant is, then there are a lot of options and ranges of quality out there for you.

It really isn't worth it to try and make it into a modern rifle...you may as well just get a Savage and a decent scope.

Now, some of us like to buy and mod rifles just for the heck of it. If you want to do that, then a Mosin is a low cost way to just have fun modding. As long as you aren't expecting it to perform like a modern rifle, knock yourself out and have fun with it.

 

[DustyVermonter]

I'm not so sure now, pretty discouraged. Thanks

 

[sonier]

The mosin nagant is a dang good reliable rifle, I think if you handload I would consider this as a option, find a good gunsmith cause you will want to true the action and bolt face, if you get the action well built you should be able to shoot 1 MOA easly, 1 MOA is savages factory guarantee, cept now you have a one of a kind rifle, it may be pricy but it wont be found anywere or at any pawn shop or gunshop. true the action, replace stock and glass bed the action, free float the barrel, drill and tap a nice scope set up, id prefer a sideways scope so you can use the mosin nagant's iron sights I love those. NOW YOU GOT SOMIN, I know youd be chopping up a nice history surplus rifle but seriously it is probally the most produced and in numbers of any rifle in the world.
dont get discouraged and take baby steps, look for a nice old 100 buck rifle that hasnt been fired much, i was able to get a 1945 rifle that had no dings and appears to never have been fired, most likely a parade rifle, for 135 dollars a year ago. this was at my local gunshop.
good luck

 

[mgkdrgn]

If you can get one for $60, please let me know where. I'm an FFL and I'm paying more than that for them wholesale. (I've sold about 50 or so of the 91/30's so far)

 

[oldgold]

Bought a Nagant at a gun show this spring for $75. First group was somewhat disapointing. Eleven inches for ten shots, all way left. Monday I took it out of the stock and floated the barrel and bedded the action.

First two shots were right. Moved front sight back and shot five in the second group. Went to handloads for the third group but only had four rounds left. I'm fairly happy considering I'm 65 and don't see irons too good.

Pics;

 

[svaz]

You can go shopping here. Pity I lost the link on the story of that blue rifle.

Of course, you know, the most prolific sniper in history used a Mosin w/ iron sights - not tacticool, but certainly effective ...

 

[w_houle]

I've been contemplating doing something to my MN, although I can't seem to find a modern scope mount that allows me the ability to leave Iron sights on it. I like the look of Mojo sights, so those are why I don't want a scope mount replacing my Iron sight.

 

[Ignition Override]

With MNs almost a dime a dozen, it's very fortunate that so many people do this often to MNs, and leave original Lee-Enfields and Mausers alone.
If you are near Ft. Campbell, Clarkesville, TN, "TN Gun Country" sometimes sells 91/30s still in the cosmoline from a crate.

 

[Shadow 7D]

Cosmoline, I'm cutting mine up for S&G (other than the bolt, it's mostly reparable) because I want to. Should be interesting when I get done, I'd even let you shoot it at birchwood.

I found a solid side mount for a SKS that works well, not an original type or an AK type, but I still have LOS on the iron sights and room to operate the bolt.

 

[stickhauler]

Why anyone wants to tear up a war veteran makes no sense to me. Do you go down to the VFW and drag out a few WW-II vets a week and take a chain saw to their legs?

Why can't people just appreciate a military surplus rifle for what it is? I can't think of any milsurp that I haven't seen someone "bubba up" in some way, some slightly, some absolute monstrosities when they finished.

I've got an Enfield. Cleaned up the stock, got it to looking as good as an old rifle stock could go given her earlier abuse in combat, and she'll stay that way.

I've got a Mosin. I honor her in the same manner. I've got 3 M-1 Carbines, all cleaned up and retreated like they're supposed to be, and they'll stay that way.

You want a fancy shooting rig with a Monte Carlo stock? Buy a modern rifle with one, it will make you happier. You don't need to booger up a war vet!
All that accomplishes is that you'll tire of it, sell it off and eventually some person will buy it, take a look at it and say "yuck" and spend a lot of cash trying to make her look right again. I know, I have a lot of friends who rescue rifles after you folks screw them up and restore them to their original glory.

A stock Mosin, worked with a little is a great shooter. Show her respect!

 

[w_houle]

found a solid side mount for a SKS that works well

Does the axis of the scope line up with the axis of the barrel?

 

[ljnowell]

Why anyone wants to tear up a war veteran makes no sense to me. Do you go down to the VFW and drag out a few WW-II vets a week and take a chain saw to their legs?

Why can't people just appreciate a military surplus rifle for what it is? I can't think of any milsurp that I haven't seen someone "bubba up" in some way, some slightly, some absolute monstrosities when they finished.

I've got an Enfield. Cleaned up the stock, got it to looking as good as an old rifle stock could go given her earlier abuse in combat, and she'll stay that way.

I've got a Mosin. I honor her in the same manner. I've got 3 M-1 Carbines, all cleaned up and retreated like they're supposed to be, and they'll stay that way.

You want a fancy shooting rig with a Monte Carlo stock? Buy a modern rifle with one, it will make you happier. You don't need to booger up a war vet!
All that accomplishes is that you'll tire of it, sell it off and eventually some person will buy it, take a look at it and say "yuck" and spend a lot of cash trying to make her look right again. I know, I have a lot of friends who rescue rifles after you folks screw them up and restore them to their original glory.

A stock Mosin, worked with a little is a great shooter. Show her respect!

Why anyone would try to tell someone what to do with thier own gun is beyond me. Comparing sporterizing a Mosin Nagant to cutting the legs off a WWII vet with a chainsaw is pretty silly.

I appreciate the sentiment, as a car guy, I would never take a numbers matching classic and hot rod it, but some will, and its their money and car. Not my business.

As far as those expensive old 03s and mausers and whatnot, they wouldnt be worth nearly as much today if people hadnt cut them apart long ago?

I find your post condescending. Just because someone else wants to do some thing to a gun that you dont like doesnt mean that you should chastise them. Why even bother coming into this thread, if thats your intention? What did you contribute to this thread?

As far as the OP, I was looking at doing this same thing a while back, until I started looking at the prices of new bolt action rifles. My Mosin Nagant sits in my safe now in its original configuration. It is fun to take out and blast off 20 rounds or so, then stick it back into the back of the safe. Even if you go with a new gun, consider a Mosin Nagant also, as they are a fun piece of history.

 

[stickhauler]

As far as those expensive old 03s and mausers and whatnot, they wouldnt be worth nearly as much today if people hadnt cut them apart long ago?

So, that's a justification to do the same these days to eventually make a Mosin not screwed up by bubba an expensive rifle for future shooters? Show me the person who will take a numbers matching classic car and screw with it, OK? I've yet to see it, unless you're talking someone who bought a 6 cylinder classic car and tried to turn it into a muscle car. That action in at least a small way increases the value of the car.

So, I'm condescending? What did you add to the thread chastising me? I offered my opinion, as a collector of military firearms, and yes, admittedly a purist who likes to see these rifles heritage given a little respect, not see them made into Frankenstein versions of their former self.

Is it my place to comment? I'd guess opinions may vary, I'd bet folks who do appreciate classic milsurps for their history would agree, I'm sure the Bubba contingent would say no. But maybe if my comments stop one person from totally screwing up a good quality surplus rifle for a misguided attempt to change it into some "dream" (I'd say nightmare) firearm, maybe my less than approving response was worthwhile.

Truth be told, a Mosin, whether it's a fixed bayonet rifle (with the bayonet swiveling back like a M-44) or a 91/30 fires with best accuracy while the bayonet is extended, it was designed that way. I've yet to see a hunting rifle used that way, so the change the OP talked of doing will lessen the accuracy of the firearm.

As I said, I have friends who "rescue" these monstrosities that someone did a "bubba" to and restore them to their original glory. People change them from their original configuration and discover their master plan to make a hybrid was a dismal failure, and sell them off.

I offered an opinion, as did you. I saw several others try to persuade the OP to go a different route, and somehow only my response angered you? Maybe I didn't go a vanilla way to express my thoughts, but it's pretty clear you didn't practice much restraint either.

 

[Cosmoline]

I've seen a great many rare and valuable rifles hacked to death by idiots who *THOUGHT* they had just another useless surplus gun of no value. From a very rare Greek Mannlicher-Schoenauer turned into a useless pile of wreckage to more rare Mosin and Mauser variants than I can easily remember. Not to mention all the WWI and WWII vintage American rifles. They're pieces of history.

But it's not the loss of value or the waste of time or the destruction of history that irritates me the most, it's the closed minds. Why do so many American rifle shooters have this iron clad idea that the only useful or practical rifle is one that looks like a scoped Remchester? Open your minds! Try something new! And if you're going to cut up a surplus rifle, at least do something cool and unusual with it. The world DOES NOT NEED yet another scoped bent bolt rifle with YET ANOTHER Monte Carlo stock. We're lousy with them. Nobody even knows how to use iron sights anymore, or how to work a bolt fast. One of the great things about surplus rifles with cheap surplus ammo is they get you OFF THE BENCH and back into the positions. So at least give it a try before you get the hack saw out to make the "funny looking commie rifle" look as much like every other rifle as possible.