A little help with Mosin Nagants

100-130 is what the 91/30's are going for. The M44's are going for more as well as 91/30's that are equipped with the original scope (sniper rifles).

They are several factories that made them in Russia most of the your 91/30's are about the same grade. The earlier models had an octogan receivers these are a little more rare and go for a higher price.

I look for good condition of the wood and barrel and I look for all numbers matching.

Other than that there is not much to think about when buying one unless you want to really become a collector of them and go after the few rare makes and models.

I got one for Christmas from my wife. I'll be honest I don't really know much about guns, but I want to start collecting older guns and I figured for the price this would be a good one to start with. I have a lot of fun shooting it and it's great because if I ding it up it's nothing to cry over. I think we paid around $175 from Cabelas and to have it shipped to a FFL in town (probably a little over, but didn't want my wife to have to go through too much trouble to get it). I always heard they kicked like a mule but I have not noticed it at all. Like I said I'm by no means an expert or anything close. Get one they are fun

$89

Get one made in the Tula factory. (will usually have a star)

The very best ones have an octagon-type receiver, whereas the others are rounded.

Also, look at the dates. Avoid most made during WWII. Many pieces of crap (but there are some good ones).

I like ones stamped pre-1925.

I bought a 91/30, manufactured in 1939 at the Izhevsk plant (making it one of the most common Mosins), with all the gear - tools, ammo pouches, pig sticker, sling, and spam can of 440 rounds for $180. I figure that's about $90 for the rifle and $90 for the ammo.

These guns are fun to shoot, I wouldn't worry about trying to get one with collector value. You definitely want to clean ALL the cosmoline off/out of the bolt, even if the gun has already been cleaned.

A friend of mine picked up the carbine version with the folding bayonet, but he paid a premium, and it doesn't shoot as well as mine - plus felt recoil is substantially heavier in the carbine.

I have a '42 Izzy 91/30
Love it. It shoots great and is accurate. I can shoot Minute of Pie Plate with it at 300 yards no problem.
It was imported by Century. At some point the barrel was re-crowned. The bore is dark, but the rifling is in good shape.

Copper fouling for days though... I have put so many patches soaked with Hoppe's #9 down that thing...still comes out green. It doesn't seem to affect accuracy though, just annoying that I have never got a clean patch out of the gun. Ever. LOL

The wood is even in very good shape, in terms of Mosins anyway.

I gave $89 for the gun and $89 for a 440 round spam can. I haven't opened the spam can yet, I mostly shoot Brown Bear when I can find it.

If you get a Mosin, get a good, one piece, long cleaning rod and a bore snake. Most of the ammo you find for it is corrosive and you will need to clean it well after each range trip.

Some folks pour soapy water or Windex down the barrel to neutralize the corrosion but Hoppe's #9 will work as well.

If you can find one of the imports from Century, it will come with the sling, an oil can, a few ammo pouches, bayonet, a firing pin tool, etc.

Wow....very informative info in this thread. Thanks a lot fellas, learned alot.

I'm still on the hunt though, I'll let you guys know.

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The very best ones have an octagon-type receiver, whereas the others are rounded.

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Hex isn't "best". It is just rarer and therefore seen as more collectable. Probably mean there are a few million of them where there are tens of millions of the rounded receivers.

Nothing makes it better than a rounded receiver.

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Classicfirearms had some 91/30s for $150

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I'm thinking about pulling the trigger on this one....

LINK


What do you guys think?