The M91/30

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While I was selecting my SKS, I saw three of these which looked like they were in good condition on the rack next to it. About $110. I've never really had much interest in such weapons, but my minds been achanging, and I think it could be fun to shoot. It would purely be a range gun for having fun. Not trying to win any accuracy competitions, but obviously some accuracy is desired. Its just not fun if I can't hit the broadside of a barn.

Classic Arms has them, and some are round receivers, some hex. What's the difference? Does it affect performance?

So I've tried the search feature, but didn't really see anything that told me about the rifle. So tell me about it. Please. And thanks.
 
Hex receivers are more rare and more desireable to collectors.

If you intend to "bubba" your Mosin, please don't buy a hex receiver.

I've got a round receiver 91/30 that will shoot 2-3MOA groups with hungarian heavy ball surplus and the stock ladder sights. I was drilling a pumpkin repeatedly at 300 yards with it awhile back, from prone - not a bench. I still haven't loaded a single round of handloads with match bullets to see what it can really do.

So yeah, they're accurate enough to be fun if you get a good one. And if you want accurate, the 91/30 has a better reputation for accuracy than the M44 or M38 carbines. Good choice.

Also makes for a good "poor man's" .300 magnum with that 28" barrel. The x54R really shines with 180gr bullets, IMO.
 
The hex versions are older model recievers and generally more sought after for historical value. the 91/30 is a great gun to have, I plan on buying one soon. Bought one for a buddy of mine for his birthday(hexagonel reciever w/ matching numbers), almost had to take it back cuz i liked it so much. you can find the round receiver mosins for about $88 or less, however, I would stick to buying the gun in person so you can inspect the bore and wood and stuff like that. good luck!
 
I would suggest you think twice about ANY Mosin. They are quite addictive and have been known to breed like rabbits! :) Like everyone else said, the hex are more desireable because they are older, look nicer IMO and are generally a little better built since they were not under war-time pressures. Although you can't go wrong with any Mosin. They aren't tack drivers and weren't meant to be but you can hit a paperplate at 100 yds all day.

Things to check for are matching numbers on the receiver and bolt (most importantly), mag plate and buttplate (not so important unless you want a little more collector value.) And yes the bore should at least be strong but mostly likely will not be shiny as corrosive ammo takes care of that. Check out www.7.62x54r.net if you want your head to spin on all the different variants. That site also has a rarity scale in case you become afflicted. I would at least have one so you don't look back some day and go.." I remember when I could buy a Mosin for $80 and now they are..." Good luck!
 
They are fun guns. I have two and as mentioned they tend to breed.
 

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Hmm.... not quite sure how to take that. Considering I just requested an application be mailed to me. :eek::uhoh:
 
I will probably buy at least two more before i have been satisfied. I have an M44 and an M91/59, both of which i will have refinished shortly. I really want a finnish one, but im not going to pay 400 for it.
 
They are cheap, fun to shoot, have a great history and ammo is still relatively cheap and available.

Whats not to love?
 
They can be had cheaper, but they are great guns. My one will hold 2-3MOA at 100 yards. You might want to check if they are counter bored. My 91/30 that isn't shoots the 2-3" groups and my counter bored m38 is more like 5".
 
Well, I know I can get 'em cheaper online, but I'd have to pay for shipping, and I'm assuming a FFL transfer fee even though they're C&R if I have it sent to a FFL right? (which I'd have to do, since I don't have a C&R). So I assume with shipping and a transfer fee, prices would be comparable. Unless I'm wrong about the transfer fee, but I assume the gunstore would want something out of it.

And its ok, I have no money anyway. So I might as well be poor but enjoy it! :evil:
 
Also, I like handling these sorts of things before I buy if I can help it. If you're looking for a special version, like a Finn or a sniper(even a repro), then online is often the only way to find em, depending on your area(I've seen one Finn and 2 sniper repros at gun shows round here, and maybe a handful of hex receivers. seen none of those in shops) The M44s and 91/30s are pretty common, so a little patience can go a long way with those, rather than hoping to get it good by ordering one sight unseen.
 
Chipperman said:
Whatever you do, DON'T get a C&R license.

You'll have milsurp rifles coming out of your ears, and no money in the bank.
Click to expand...
No joke. The day before my C&R arrived in the mail (July 3), I had zero rifles.

Three weeks go by and suddenly I have four. It's just so easy to send an email or click "Buy Now!" without dealing with the hassle and cost of an FFL transfer...

I have two arsenal refinished Mosins arriving on Monday: a round receiver 91/30 and an M44. Each cost less than a single day out to the range and came with a host of accessories, so I figured why not? If I like them, I'll probably grab a hex receiver 91/30 as well...
 
Non-collector

I wanted one that I could play with and not break the budget. I did a good deal of reading and paw'ing through racks til I found one with sharp rifle'ing. bore was pretty black. Here's what it looks like:
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While collectors cringe when you tell them you sanded or otherwise refinished the stock, I took it down to raw wood, and re-stained. Mine had the ATI bolt conversion and ATI rail, so I only needed to add a quality scope.

Then the tinkering began to improve accuracy.. Started at 2-3 moa, shooting from a bench. Once I corked the barrel, the accuracy improved significantly to where I can hold 1 MOA fairly regularly. and that's great for dime a shot ammo.

Matching numbers I originally thought were important, but if you think about it and want good performance, wouldn't you want one that had been inspected and upgraded prior to coming to your hands?

KKKKFL
 
No joke. The day before my C&R arrived in the mail (July 3), I had zero rifles.

Three weeks go by and suddenly I have four. It's just so easy to send an email or click "Buy Now!" without dealing with the hassle and cost of an FFL transfer...
Click to expand...


If you think the cost of milsurps is tough, wait until you're ordering ADDITIONAL safes. :neener:
 
Mosins are fantastic and fun to collect, you're in for it now.

The box stores often run them out the door for $89 in their monthly sales, it's a great chance to go hunt for hex's and Tulas. They are like potato chips though, you think you've got one, next thing you know you've got a dozen. And a die set for 54R. And Russian manuals. Then you're ordering the Russian CD's from Rosetta Stone...

Come to think of it, the MN rifle may be an integral part of a centuries long plot to convert Americans... hmmm.
 
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