Finnish M39 Mosin Nagant

[R005t3r]

After four pages, someone had to do it.

 

[firebat]

Is that a marksmanship rifle from the 60s?

 

[Old Ranger]

That is an absolute beauty!!

 

[Trunnion]

I realize it's your personal opinion that Mosins are "utilitarian" but I disagree with that opinion.

At the time of their introduction, they were cutting-edge tech and influenced a lot of firearms designs around the world.

The bolt is complex when compared to most others but absolutely functional and reliable when it's properly maintained. The actions are strong, well-designed and smooth as glass.

They were designed to last for decades of hard use, then able to be torn down, have worn/broken components replaced/swapped/salvaged, and put back into reliable service for more decades.

Utilitarian instruments aren't designed for such use for the most part.

I have a Mosin M91 with an 1898 date on the chamber. It's been through a couple of refurbs but still maintains its original design features.

It still shoots very well with just about any milsurp or commercial ammo. It still does everything it was designed to do and does it with reliable consistency every time I shoot it.

The Mosins we normally see are in military garb. They appear to be "utilitarian" but are IMHO anything but

I've seen several Mosin sporting rifles that were purpose-built as such, and they wouldn't look the least bit out of place with any other fine sporter of the period.

I can tell you appreciate and like Mosins, but I get the idea you see them as "cheap" shooting alternatives, rather than the fine pieces of workmanship they are.

Mosin actions are usually smooth as oiled glass, which can't be said about other bolt action rifles of the period.

Interesting. I have 2 Tikka M695 rifles. Both single-stack magazines with hex receivers. I guess the influence trickled down through to that rifle.

 

[Tudenom]

I owned an M39 before the new batch came into canada (paid a whopping $350 for it at the time). The sights and triggers and stocks are much better than your run if the mill M91, however at it's core it's still a Mosin Nagant and has all of the pro's and cons that come with that.

Are they 4 times they rifle that a M91 is? In my opinion, No.

 

[bearhunter]

I owned an M39 before the new batch came into canada (paid a whopping $350 for it at the time). The sights and triggers and stocks are much better than your run if the mill M91, however at it's core it's still a Mosin Nagant and has all of the pro's and cons that come with that.

Are they 4 times they rifle that a M91 is? In my opinion, No.

I don't agree with your method of assessing value.

When you buy a low-end scope for your rifle, in the mid $500-$600 range it's usually a very good scope that will work flawlessly for 99% of what it will be used for.

If you insist on getting the other 1% out of a scope, to extend the last shooting light another five minutes, that scope is going to cost $1500=$2000. Is it worth 4X as much? Some people think so, or they wouldn't build them.

Same with rifles, even military rifles. The Finns, Swedes, and Norwegians went to great lengths to get that last 5% out of their issued rifles. Mostly because their troops were for the most part avid rifle shooters and knew what was needed and how to utilize it when they got it.

They knew they were going up against an overwhelming enemy and gave their fighters everything within reason they could.

 

[big bear]

I don't agree with your method of assessing value.

When you buy a low-end scope for your rifle, in the mid $500-$600 range it's usually a very good scope that will work flawlessly for 99% of what it will be used for.

If you insist on getting the other 1% out of a scope, to extend the last shooting light another five minutes, that scope is going to cost $1500=$2000. Is it worth 4X as much? Some people think so, or they wouldn't build them.

Same with rifles, even military rifles. The Finns, Swedes, and Norwegians went to great lengths to get that last 5% out of their issued rifles. Mostly because their troops were for the most part avid rifle shooters and knew what was needed and how to utilize it when they got it.

They knew they were going up against an overwhelming enemy and gave their fighters everything within reason they could.

Mike drop.
Well said and on spot!