Range report Mosin M38

[Balddragn]

Picked up a 1942, M38 from Big 5, $90.00, matching serial numbers all around. The rifleing looks good, has been recrowned and counterbored.

Bought a battle pack of Chek surplus, took it all to the range for a little bench rest. omg... I didn't know a rifle could miss a 3'x3' target and 50 yards.

As best as I could tell the sight line was right, once every 20 rounds or so a bullet would hit within a inch or so of point of aim, but I swear I saw a couple hit 6' high at the 100yd backstop, and I did draw a complaint from the varment shooter next to me (Yes I hit the target next to and down range from me) I'm greatfull for his good sence of humor 'cause I wasn't in the best of moods at the time.

Maybe It's for the best. This deffinatly cools the urge to go by a buch of Mosins. Except for the 800 rounds settin in the locker.

Any sage advice on this little delima? 'cause I'm thinkin band saw about now (yes history buffs, I'm just kidding)

 

[zamboxl]

if u want a mossin to shoot longer distances with stay away from the 38 and the 44, do get the finnish 91/30 or finnish m39, and if u cant find those well get a Russian 91/30 not as good but deff better than the 38, and the 44 versions, since these where cut down carbine versions of the full size 91/30.

Just as a point of refference, i am a new shooter bought my first ever rifle(Russian 91/30) and when i taken it to the range, wich has only been 3 times, i can put a pack of 20 rounds into the black area with iron sights at 75 yards. Wich might not sound that great untill u remeber that this is my first ever rifle, and i am sure i am reaching my limits long before the rifle. O and did i mention i only pay $110 for the rifle with tax, and backround check fee.

 

[Jackal]

Mosins are known for shooting high. Try shooting about a foot low. My M44 had the same problem. Nagants really do have horrible sights. I installed a good scout mount and mounted up a cheap 2.5x pistol scope and have no trouble getting 2" and less groups at 50yds with Barnaul sp ammo.

 

[zamboxl]

o one more thing i am not sure about the 38 but i do know that the 44 was sighted from the factory with the bayonet extended, and firing it with out it might trow your shots off, so your 38 might be suffering from the same problem. Once again i am not srue if the 38 came with a bayo but might wana check into it.

 

[monsternav]

Let's see here:

1. No bayonet.
2. Check the action screws. If they are loose they will cause inconsistent shot placement.
3. Check front and rear sights for damage (bent front sight post).
4. My M38 front sight is way over to the left, but it is also marked that way. There was a line stamped across the front sight and front sight base indicating the correct windage adjustment. Make sure it hasn't moved over the years.
5. Did you take it apart and clean it thoroughly?

 

[Koobuh]

Monsternav brings up some good points.

First of all, the biggest accuracy killer for new Mosin shooters;

Tighten those screws down. The two screws that hold the rifle receiver and magazine together must be screwed in fully, and as hand-tight as you can get them. Tighten the forward one first, then the rear, as tight as you can. Make sure the inside of the stock matches closely the profile of the barrel and receiver- look for damage (which may have been caused by shooting a loosely screwed rifle!) and remedy it.

Since it is shooting so erratically, that is the most likely cause. If that isn't the issue, you may have a real problem. Check the crown for damage (which is unlikely, being counter-bored), and consider letting up some of the wood inside the barrel channel of the stock if it is touching the barrel unevenly. Uneven is the most important worry, don't try floating the barrel right off the bat. It can be a lot of work and you may not get good results for your trouble.

What is your local climate? Has it been raining, or has the air suddenly dried out? Disassembling and reassembling the firearm will help allay these affects, as the wooden stock changes geometry and size based on humidity and temperature, usually subtly but sometimes wildly. Reseating everything will usually solve any issues.

After everything has been done, go back to the range and try to get a pistol bay. Start working at ten yards if you can, twenty five yards or so if you can't get shorter. Work on sight picture foremost, and then proper form while shooting. Likely this rifle is kicking you quite a bit, and you may be flinching without realizing it. Try shooting a .22 several times just to get into the groove, then move on the Mosin for a few rounds- switch back and forth a couple times just to train your body to expect .22 level (basically no) recoil.
If you get good groups while concentrating on the basics at short range, then you can start working up to longer ranges.

One more thing:
Try out some commercial ammo loads, maybe one box of each- Wolf, Wolf Gold, S&B (never buy Winchester, it's just S&B in a W. box), in softpoint and FMJ. You will likely find the rifle likes a particular type of ammo, and you can then look for surplus ammo that roughly matches the bullet weight. That is a kludge method of choosing cheap ammo, but ultimately cheaper than buying bulk surplus ammo just to find out your rifle hates it.

Oh, and don't forget; clean that bore and bolt-face thoroughly with either hot water or a water-based cleaning solution, then clean thoroughly and oil the bore and bolt face to prevent rust- all surplus Mosin ammo contains salts in the primer mixture that have to be washed out.