PSL vs. Mosin Nagant build

[Flea]

Ok...

The 7.62x54R is my favorite cartridge. I cut my long-range teeth building a Mosin Nagant 91/30, and I changed a numbers-matching but counterbored '42 Izzy from 4" high and left from POA at 50 yards to a 6" grouping dead on at 400 yards.

I've come across the opportunity to purchase a PSL with all the original accessories, 2 magazines and the original 4x POSP optics. It is $859 + tax, and in excellent shape; bore is good and shiny and rifling is very pronounced.

However, for $859 + tax, I could very easily build a second M-N in the low-budget sporter I've been wanting to do:

91/30 action cut to 16.5", proper muzzle brake
Monte Carlo stock in Flat Dark Earth, reinforced barrel channel
Scout Mount w/tri-rail, long-relief 2-7x scope, laser sight
Trigger work, shimmed & bedded action
Rifle stock shell holder, simple plastic barrel clamp bipod (for easy removal)
A good nylon adjustable sling
Money left for at least 880 rounds
​

I know these two rifles are completely different and serve two different purposes. I'm just kinda up in the air on doing another M-N build or going to a semi-auto DMR-style weapon.

Thoughts?

 

[WardenWolf]

It's up to you. The PSL will be more accurate than your average Mosin Nagant, and they're very nice guns. The problem with the PSL is that it only takes 150-grain or lighter ammo, and that's very hard to come by in the US. Wolf and PRVI Partisan both produce it, and AIM Surplus occasionally stocks it. Surplus is also available, but it's corrosive and cleaning it out of a semi-automatic gun is NOT fun.

That being said, the PSL is nice for what you get: a light recoil, hard-hitting, long range, accurate rifle.

 

[stubbicatt]

The PSL will in fact shoot the heavy ball ammo. Or at least mine did, with no issues at all.

Corrosive ammo is no big deal. Just clean the rifle, and you'll be fine. No different than your Mosin Nagant when it comes to cleaning the firing residue. Just one more part to clean... the gas tube.

The PSL I owned is not as accurate as the Mosin Nagant sniper I own. But then I suppose each rifle is a law unto itself.

 

[Palehorseman]

The only Mosin Nagant I have is a rather odd Russian marked 91/59 I got off my neighbor for 25 bucks. It had been bubbarized at some point and has no import makings.

As it was already about the right size, I rigged a cheap scout set up for it and have come to love it with cast bullets. Is extremely accurate, my favorite truck and ATV knock about piece.

Can see rifle here: http://hstrial-rchambers.homestead.com/early.html#

 

[WardenWolf]

The PSL will in fact shoot the heavy ball ammo. Or at least mine did, with no issues at all.

It will shoot it, but it will eventually shoot it loose. The rifle will lose its accuracy, or even be permanently damaged to the point where it does not function or is unsafe to shoot. It tends to damage the bolt lugs.

 

[grimjaw]

I found the M91/30 sniper replica more satisfying than the idea of the PSL, if for no other reason than cleaning the PSL is an order of magnitude more time-consuming than the Mosin Nagant. I never had to clean my M91/30 anywhere other than the range, took all of 10 minutes with Windex, didn't develop a speck of rust.

No question about whether or not the bolt action will handle heavy ball ammo, or any other type of 7.62x54R for that matter.

Something about working the bolt on that gun was more satisfying than my semi-autos.

I wouldn't personally go to the trouble of all the modification you suggest for your rifle, but it's your business.

jm

 

[SimpleIsGood229]

I would suggest a Mosin PU replica. To me, it's not worth trying to make a Mosin into a Remchester.

It's like when people mount carbon fiber hoods, wings, aerodynamic vents, and 5" exhaust pipes on Honda Civics. The Civic is great for what it is, but it doesn't make a great sports car IMHO. Besides, those exhaust systems make them sound like their rubber power bands are a bit over-wound!