Question on Pawn Shop Find

[Langenator]

Was in a pawnshop here in town today to pick up a new AR lower (they're the only FFL on file with Eagle Firearms) and I happened to spy what looked like a MN 91/30 behind the counter. I asked if I could take a look at it and the guy handed it to me. Much to my surprise-due to the wood's very light color-the rifle was a hex receiver, SA-stamped VKT 1942 Finn capture. No Russian arsenal markings. All original stain on the stock is gone, but the wood is in great condition otherwise. Good bluing on the barrel and receiver, almost none on the trigger group and magazine. Some pitting on the outside of the bolt. Barrel shiny inside with sharp rifling, but there looked to be some reddishness on the surface of the chamber.

So:

1) What might that reddishness be?

2) What's a good price to offer for this rifle?

 

[countertop]

Rust?

 

[FilJos]

Ummmm

The last owner liked to use wolf ammo? Lacquer?

 

[confinedbythecurtain]

Wolf Ammo!!!! HA HA HA ^^^^^^^

its so true its funny.

 

[GigaBuist]

Saw a MN 91/30 in a pawn shop once. Hex receiver, didn't look at it TOO much though. They wanted $400 for it.

I should check back in sometime.

 

[g56]

You can choose your preferred transfer dealer, you just need to send the paperwork to Chris at Eagle Firearms. I ordered a stripped lower from him about a year ago, he didn't have anyone in my area so I stopped by the FFL, picked up a copy of his FFL for the transfer, mailed it to Chris and had the lower in my hands one week to the day from the day I mailed the paperwork. Recently ordered another stripped lower, there was a new guy just starting out, so I decided to give him a little business to help get him started, picked up the copy of his FFL, dropped it in the mail, and had the lower in my hands exactly one week from the day I mailed it! I really like his service!

 

[Cosmoline]

Ah, if it's a VKT with no Ruskie markings it's not a capture but a true Finnish Mosin-Nagant. The light wood stock (esp. if it has a joint mid-way through) is a giveaway. Are you sure it's not a Finn M-91 late model?

 

[armoredman]

Didja buy it? Finns are good shooters!

 

[Langenator]

Ah, if it's a VKT with no Ruskie markings it's not a capture but a true Finnish Mosin-Nagant. The light wood stock (esp. if it has a joint mid-way through) is a giveaway. Are you sure it's not a Finn M-91 late model?

I am not familiar with those. I just thought someone had gone and started a refinish job they never completed. But yes, it does have a very nice light wood stock. I also forgot to note the lack of a hood on the front sight.

Didn't buy it-he didn't have a price yet when I was there. He was waiting for the gunsmith who owns the shop next door to come in. If he still has it next week, I'm definitely going to pick it up.

 

[GD]

VKT

What you have found is a Finn M91 VKT. These are not at all common. I have been looking for one for some time. I do have a Finn M91 Tikka that somewhat similar. In the condition you described, $125 to $150 would be a fair value. As Finns grow in popularity, I would expect the prices to dramatically increase.

 

[ScottsGT]

Good find! What pawn shop??

 

[Langenator]

You live close enough to steal it out from under my nose. I ain't tellin'.

 

[ScottsGT]

Naa, I'd never do that! Besides, my rifles are already stacked in the cabinet like firewood. I really need a bigger safe!
If you ever get any free time on Sat. mornings, take a drive up to the pawn shop in Elgin. Last time I was in there, (last year) he had a good selection of some old military bolt guns. Even had a Winchester '98 shotgun. I was just broke at the time. Hell, I'm still broke since then..........
He closed up somewhere around 1 or 2 in the afternoon on Sat.
I've more or less decided no more long guns until I can buy a bigger and better safe.

 

[Langenator]

Well, I managed to free up some time today, and the rifle is now safely (until my wife finds out, at least) mine.

Fuller report when I've had a chance to examine it more thoroughly.

FWIW, it was Crown Pawn in W. Cola. I really wish there was an FFL besides Wally World closer to where I live. But the gunsmith next door to Crown Pawn is a hoot. I'm not sure, but I think he might have been building a Brown Bess or Kentucky long rifle in there.

 

[Yowza]

I've never been in Crown Pawn before. Do they have a decent number of guns there? All the pawn shops in downtown Columbia suck for firearms.

I guess since you just got a "new" toy, you're not going to the gun show this weekend?

Rick

 

[Langenator]

They didn't have much of a selection. 2-3 dder rifles, half dozen or so non-descript shotguns, a few other rifles of various types, maybe half dozen pistols. Only reason I was in there at all was the Eagle Firearms had them already on file for transfers, and I was there to pick up a new AR lower. (Which I haven't assembled yet.) The Mosin was just seredipity. When I was there the first time, he had just gotten it-didn't even have a price on it yet.

I won't be going to the show this weekend because I have to work-both days-not because I've already got a new toy. At any rate, I think there's a show in Charlotte this weekend, too. If I wasn't working, I'd be going there. Definitely worth the drive compared to the Cola fairgrounds shows.