Range report on M53 7.62 x 54R...

Before I start, I just like old surplus weapons.

The M53 is the Chinese made carbine version (M44) of a Mosin Nagant 91/30. I bought it for $125. It was full of cosmoline but the parts were there and functioning. The stock was total trash so I replaced it with the ATI Monte Carlo stock. So, I have about $200 total in this rifle.

It has sights with elevation out to 1000 meters but through the iron sights, you're just guessing beyond 300. I shot it at 50 and 100yds, set for 100m. The bore is dark in spots and the best I shot were 2" groups at 100 and 1.5" at 50 in 5 shot groups. It had a surprisingly crisp trigger break and a noticable recoil, but managable with the ATI stock since it includes a scorpion butt pad. Believe it or not, it does group much better with the bayonet extended. I fully expected to be mocked about that but the range officer told me that everyone did it and it seemed to help. I've read some things about harmonic balance and such but I have my doubts about that in a mass-produced platform.

Fun to shoot, cheap, and I guarantee I could take an elk with it.