looking to buy my first Mosin.... which kind????

eltorro

eltorro

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As my taste in Mausers is getting to where I can only buy rifles that will stay in the safe, I thought about diversifying the array o Milsurp I know.

So here comes the Mosin - Nagant as the winner. (time for the Enfield has yet to come). I'd like to get the "feel" of them, shoot them, learn more and if I will enjoy it as a shooting rifle, start a small collection - according to timely finances.

The first one doesn't have to be a highly collectable, but I dislike bubba-ed ones. I looked at the Finns, but I got the idea that they are expensive.

What do you recommend I should begin with? My thoughts led me to 38 and 44 models. Remember, it would be my first, so I intend to shoot it. Which are more accurate? what about counterboring? Are thee any with bent bolt, or those are exclusive sniper model?

Please educate a wannabe Mosin lover.
 
oh my where to start.

easiest way is just jump right on in, get a 91/30 finn and then go from there :)

Prices on nagants are still reasonable,

but the way Claven has been buying them you would think that the supply is going to dry up next week :D
 
I like the Imperial era Mosins, they seem to be better made in some ways and they are starting to get expensive. I have a 1915 Sestroyesk that shoots very well and has Bulgarian acceptance marks. Part of the old Imperial crest was scrubbed by the Bolsheviks.Any of the refurbs would be a good first time mosin I suppose. The carbines are fun but lots of muzzle blast. Joe
 
woodchopper said:
Prices on nagants are still reasonable,

but the way Claven has been buying them you would think that the supply is going to dry up next week :D
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I don't think they're going to be gone very soon, but I build collections while the getting is cheap ;)

Even mosin prices are on the rise. In 5 years.... hell, in 2 years we'll be talking about the good old days when 91/30's could be had for $175 and decent M38's were only $200 for a really nice one ;)

And besides... I'm still missing a few models/makers...
 
PS: Hard to go wrong with a non-import marked M38 with a good bore. If you can find one, step up and get a laminate stocked one or a Tula made carbine, etc. The rarer ones will appreciate much faster. ANY Tula carbine (M38, M44) is rare. When supply dwindles this will become more evident in their pricing.

For shooing though, you might want to look for a good M91/30 with a nice bore.
 
I only own 91/30's and 91's. Not by choice but just fate. If I were to pick a first...I'd go for any Mosin, all matching or a mis match bolt, no import marked and not counter bored.
 
I'm an Imperial Russian myself. The only mn's I have outside of that are a few Finns, M39, M24, M27's. No Soviets though.

I suggest getting one, anyone, is a good start.
 
If you are looking for something to thump away with at the range, I'd ask you a question first...

Do you like recoil or no? While I personally don't see any real difference in recoil (possibly because I am friggin' huge,) some other folks claim that the little M38s and M44s have some pretty big recoil, as they are chopped down.

If you want to be a bit easier on the shoulder, get a full-length 1891/30. A great one can be had for $200 give or take, and these things are well-nigh indestructible when properly taken care of.

Good place to get one would be P&S. Jean has a MASSIVE selection of them, including pictures of each one, so you can match wood to the rest of your collection, if you like :D
 
6'1" 205# says I can take it.
I shot 375 H&H with no problem (actually felt recoil was less than my 308 HE).... but that's another story..

I'm more worried about the noise. I have sensitive ears. Would a longer bbl help? I shoot with plugs/ muffs @ the range, but knowing me, I'll take it hunting too.
 
There ya go. While the recoil would be negligible for you, the noise IS something else. The carbines have one HELL of a bark. A longer barrel will be easier on the ears.

At the range with earplugs the noise isn't a problem, but you will find yourself wincing in the field when you cook off a round with an M38 or M44. Very loud.
 
The Polish M44s are fairly cheap and readily available. They can be found in like new condition, dark bluing, good wood and very little to no barrel wear.
Good starter Mosin!
 
I heard all the talk of big recoil .Hell thats why i wanted one , I picked up a 1927 Nagant. I guess that would be a dragoon being prior to 1930, with an imperial proof mark on it for $100 from a guy at work . although its finnish . its all really snug and for a gun of its age shoots really well . i was out with it today -15 Die hard enthusiast or what . found little difference to the recoil from me new Nork m14 which i was also playing with today
 
Bittermansbro said:
I'm an Imperial Russian myself. The only mn's I have outside of that are a few Finns, M39, M24, M27's. No Soviets though.

I suggest getting one, anyone, is a good start.
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:D you have a M24 ???


that would be the third one I know of in Canada

Mine, Claven's, and Yours :dancingbanana:
 
I have an M-24 also, unfortunately someone cut down the stock. The rifle is otherwise unmolested. Need to find that trigger spring (and a stock) though...
 
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woodchopper said:
:D you have a M24 ???

that would be the third one I know of in Canada

Mine, Claven's, and Yours :dancingbanana:
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It was sold to me as a 'Finn'd M91 Mosin' for cheap, was mightily impressed when I got it. Its a SiG non stepped barrel. Finish is pretty much gone, but hey, its a rara M24 either way!

M24sigshank.gif
 
762Russian said:
Do you like recoil or no? While I personally don't see any real difference in recoil (possibly because I am friggin' huge,) some other folks claim that the little M38s and M44s have some pretty big recoil, as they are chopped down.
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Some people are wusses, and need to hit the range a little more to get used to it.


eltorro said:
I'm more worried about the noise. I have sensitive ears. Would a longer bbl help? I shoot with plugs/ muffs @ the range, but knowing me, I'll take it hunting too.
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Don't worry about the noise, they are no worse than any other similarly configured rifle, mind you I do the muffs and plugs as well.
I'd forget the hunting part in truth, if looking at a 44 or the like. I have used them, a 44 in particular (one very handy feature when the bayo is removed...but thats another story), and have known others who used them as well. Usually you need to adjust the sites to get them anywhere near on target enough, and if you don't get the site adjuster as well its a PITA. On top of which most good hunting ammo leans towards 308 and mosins bores are all over the place. To top it off the safety blows for hunting.

I would honestly suggest either a cheap klunker, and not worrying about counterboring etc, and then beat it into the ground, or try for a good model and spend the extra 50-100$s and try to find a 28/30 or the such. They are bigger, a bit more unwieldly, but the quality tends to be a little higher, and the 28/30 and a few others have very easily adjustable sites.

If you want a reasonable klunker a 1959 or Polish 44 would fit the bill. The Pole 44s can still be found in minty shape from time to time, are great quality, and shoot pretty well.
 
Yes, the Polish M44's are nice shooters. Watch the EE forum. I've seen them listed for $250 or so in like new condition. They definitely are good buys.
 
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