I went to 7.62X54.net the official web site and they treated me like a POS and sent me to time out. All I asked them was the same question and they said they don't even talk about alterations or bubbified pieces of art. Heck this gun had PUs mounted on them in WW2 so I have no idea why they got their underwear all knotted up? Right now I have 8 Mosin-Nagants which is probably more than most of them have so I am doing my part to conserve history.
Ahh, our dear friends at 7.62x54.net.
I love that website. It is a wealth of valuable information for anyone interested in buying, collecting, shooting, maintaining the Mosin Nagant rifle.
But if you ever attempt to post on their forums, be warned: Those forums are only for very, very SERIOUS collectors.
The first time I posted there, I made the noobie blunder of using the abbreviation "Izzy" to refer to my Izhevsk rifle. Within moments the owner of the forums swooped in to rescue me. He pointed out my flagrant disregard for the dignity of finely crafted Russian weaponry, and reminded me that "The use of "cutesy" and improper terminology negatively impacts our standing as a group among our fellow collectors." (from Forum Rule #4) I shudder to think of the hordes of Mauser collectors huddled around their computers, sniggering to each other about those silly, childish Mosin owners.
The forum owner gave me the following instruction, to help me along in becoming a more mature, refined collector of surplus rifles:
"First, remove the cleaning rod from your rifle by unscrewing, and pulling straight out from the stock.
Next, unzip your trousers and allow them to fall to your ankles.
Then, place the cleaning rod behind and beneath yourself, assuming a "squatting" posture. Carefully align the cleaning rod wtih your rectum, and lower yourself toward the floor until the rod is fully inserted. Using a chair or table for balance will aid in a smooth insertion.
The last few inches can be problematic. Depending on your build, it can be difficult or awkward to bend over far enough to tap the rod home with a rubber mallet. If you find yourself unable to achieve complete insertion, just go as deep as you can, and use a little locktite to prevent the rod from backing out. The rest of us will do our best to overlook the resulting deficiency in your character and moral fiber."
I followed the directions carefully. Sure enough, the rod hung up a little with about an inch sticking out. I didn't have a mallet handy, but luckily, I also shoot black powder, and there was a wooden bullet starter on the work bench that I was using for balance. Just a few light taps and the rod slid firmly into place.
Now I am totally free from the debilitating burden of whimsical and immature posting. Having gained the recognition and approval of my fellow collectors has helped me to become a more useful member of my community, and I'll be darned if I don't *feel* like more of a man.
I know this post is a little long, but I hope that it has helped you. Please do re-post it to anyone who finds themselves in a similar circumstance, needing to speak with very serious collectors of historic rifles, but lacking the maturity to do so.
Good luck!
Aaron.
