Obrez. How long should I make it?

[buckshotbandit000]

Taking the leap and going down NFA highway. Chose an Obrez because I have 5 Mosin Nagants of varying make and model. The Obrez and sniper variants are all I need to complete my collection. Thus brings me to my question. How long would you make it?
Plus if you have any other suggestions, they are appreciated!

 

[MasterSergeantA]

Wow. My recommendation would be DON'T...but I gave up self-abuse a long time ago. The Obrez, much like the Liberator, was a weapon of last resort.

But if you must...give yourself a couple inches in front of the bullet as a minimum. If it were mine, I might even consider threading the barrel for a muzzle brake.

And give us pictures when you are done!

 

[buckshotbandit000]

True enough. I figured I'd at least have eight inches of barrel. I'm not going to get all chop happy. Pictures will be provided! Plus I have a YouTube channel, so if I survive the experience, I'll have a video as well.
But I have the long wait for the paperwork. So it'll be a while!

 

[MasterSergeantA]

I look forward to seeing it. Truth be known, I have a number of Mosins and have considered it myself.

 

[Ian]

FWIW, here are a couple authentic historical ones I photographed in Brussels (one Mosin and two Mausers):

 

[Carl N. Brown]

Obrez. Introduced in Russian Revolution by irregular forces, also used in Russian Civil War that followed the Revolution, also used by partisans resisting the German occupiers in WWII. Sometime, often, always (depending source) used with reduced charge cartridges.

Photo at Wikipedia posted by George Shuklin under share-alike license agreement. One of the Russian captions reads: ""Some samples of firearms used by the Polish patriots fighting the German Nazi invaders" (Bolt and magazine floorplate are missing)



I would rate the NRA collector condition rating as Poor.

 

[YZ]

I have to introduce a small correction. There was no such thing as reduced charge loads for 7.62x54 Russian. The Obrez, which translates as Cutoff, was indeed the weapon of rebels and the poor. How short the barrel would be depended on the need to conceal it. Typically enough to wear under a heavy overcoat or a loose jacket. It was similar in size to the Mares Leg, carried on foot or kept in the cabin.

If you have ever fired a Mosin carbine, you noticed how much louder it was than the rifle. Still a regulation weapon. The Obrez, I predict, will be such an earful that will require extra protection. The muzzle flash will be spectacular. The muzzle jump will be extreme. If that's your gig worth a federal stamp, Godspeed. You will command attention anywhere you go, including Internet forums. Unlike the WW2 partisans or the peasant rebels in Russia, you probably could hand load reduced power ammo.

 

[YZ]

duplicate deleted

 

[Medusa]

Hah, 2-in-1. First kill the target AND then set it on fire to cover all the traces.

 

[buckshotbandit000]

You will command attention anywhere you go, including Internet forums.

This quote. When I make the video, its in it. Sorry for not replying. Thanks for the pictures and extra information. More than anything I'm making it for historical accuracy.

I'm almost certain its going to be 8-ish or 9-ish. Mostly I'm going to cut it to be flush with the wood where the first metal band is on the carbine version. I don't see any reason to leave any excess extending from the wood. But I'm uncertain about this... Which is why I haven't filled out the form yet.

 

[Jim K]

Sounds like a two-stage process.

1. Shoot enemy.

2. Roll around on ground, holding ears and screaming.

Jim

 

[Steve2md]

if you cut 2 receivers in 3 pieces each and assemble one pistol out of the parts, you won't need NFA paperwork, as it will be considered a new pistol, by BATFE standards. Just a thought, if your welding skills are up to the challenge.

 

[TRX]

Cut it to whatever looks good. Worst case, a used barrel can be had for $25 or so if you decide you went too short.

Recoil should be no problem. I ran a box of .308 through a 10" XP-100, it kicked about like a .357. It did have a proper pistol grip, though.

Richard's Microfit and Boyd's have Mosin thumbhole stocks for $100-$150, depending on the style. You could cut off the parts you don't need for a pistol. It wouldn't look like an Obrez then, though.