Considering a Nagant Sniper reproduction, pros and cons.

[Deano]

I would like to get a Mosin Nagant 91/30 sniper rifle. Are these readily available or should I be looking at buying a repro scope and mount and having the bolt bent and doing up a reproduction.

What are the approximate costs of such a project, versus the going rate for a Nagant sniper rifle.

 

[Tanis]

I would personally recommend getting an authentic 91/30 sniper. I got mine a while ago and havn't regretted it. Though be forewarned that sighting in the PU scopes can be an absolute horrific job at times.

As far as if they're readily available... that's debatable. I know in the years I've been collecting I've seen two, one of which I currently own. Now, obviously they're out there. It's just a matter of finding them and then convincing the person to sell.

A repro is... an option I guess. I havn't heard of anyone making repro PU, PE, or PEM scopes and mounts though I havn't really checked that hard. Bending the existing straight bolt handle would also involve some woodworking, and I personally find them to be absolutly ugly to the nines. There is a guy in the States though that does repro sniper bolt handles, does a very good job of them at that and they sell for about USD$60. Just pop off your straight bolt handle and replace it. I seem to recall him also giving USD$10 off if you sent him your original bolt handle as well.

As far as costs go, I'd say about $150 for a good quality Nagant, and I'd recommend trying to find one of the de-commisioned, factory refinished snipers. A quick look on eBay shows up a PU scope, and the corrosponding mount for USD$200 each, so about CDN$500 there, then, depending on if you want to have a gunsmith put the scope on and cut the wood and all that, another $100 or so. So, anywhere's from $650-$750 should get you set up with a re-assembled 91/30.

Which is actually cheaper than what I find to be the going rate for original 91/30 sniper rifles. Makes me think I overpaid for mine...

 

[Hitzy]

Kalinka optics has repro mounts and scopes. Might as well buy the real deal though as it will retain it's value and you will never get back what you sink into a repro, might be lucky to get half......
Check out valleyguns auction site, there is a hungarian 91/30 sniper on there.
Other than the looking cool while watching Enemy At The Gates, the actual performance of these things is nothing special.

 

[Tanis]

Other than the looking cool while watching Enemy At The Gates, the actual performance of these things is nothing special.

Oh, I wouldn't say that. Maybe the two I've seen are exceptions, but both will do 1.5" groupings with old surplus heavy ball. Havn't actually tried handloads through mine yet, so I can't comment on that.

 

[Hitzy]

Oh, I wouldn't say that. Maybe the two I've seen are exceptions, but both will do 1.5" groupings with old surplus heavy ball. Havn't actually tried handloads through mine yet, so I can't comment on that.

I've got garands, M1917's, K31's, and mausers that will do that with the irons....
The PU scope is more of an optical aiming device to get off faster, accurate shots at short/medium range. Not really intended for long range precision......like a sniper rifle is meant to.

 

[Tanis]

Well, none of the optics of the era were exactly what I would call good. Techincally, they're not even scopes, just telescopics lenses. And even then, most World War II sniper rifles only did 1.0-1.5 MOA with regular military ball ammo. Anything under that was a rarity.

Anyways, I like my 91/30 sniper, and I regularily take shots at the 900 metre gong at my local gun range, take it hunting, etc, but to each their own.