mosin nagant pu sniper

[marc_j]

Molot rifles were legit - refub'd snipers.

These recent Tulsky markings use original components but my question is are they old refurb'd snipers or newly refurb'd for the commercial market? Any of these new imports have the scope mount serial number scrubbed off the proper location (left barrel) and re-stamped on the left receiver (forced matched). Why and when? Original PU, PE and PEM all had the mounts matched to a serial number stamped on the left barrel. As stated these recent rifles have had those markings removed - so probably legit snipers but forced matched. When and why? Who knows - but I think they are finishing off rifles recently from parts.

The number on the receiver is the rifle serial number reproduced to allow them to be legally imported into the US. The scope number on the left of the barrel is somewhat controversial. There are legitimate examples with the scope serial number, and those without. Many/most Tula examples do not have the serial number. There are examples where there are two or even 3 lined out serial numbers so there is no question that the practice of adding the serial number is an old one.
Unlike M91/30s, PU snipers were in front line service well after WW2. In some applications they we replaced by the SVD but there is evidence that they remained in service far beyond the 1960's. Practices change over time and what is for sale now is the result of that evolution.

 

[mkrnel]

The number on the receiver is the rifle serial number reproduced to allow them to be legally imported into the US. The scope number on the left of the barrel is somewhat controversial. There are legitimate examples with the scope serial number, and those without. Many/most Tula examples do not have the serial number. There are examples where there are two or even 3 lined out serial numbers so there is no question that the practice of adding the serial number is an old one.
Unlike M91/30s, PU snipers were in front line service well after WW2. In some applications they we replaced by the SVD but there is evidence that they remained in service far beyond the 1960's. Practices change over time and what is for sale now is the result of that evolution.

They were still in military use up until the Chechen crisis at least -

 

[bp2626]

The number on the receiver is the rifle serial number reproduced to allow them to be legally imported into the US. The scope number on the left of the barrel is somewhat controversial. There are legitimate examples with the scope serial number, and those without. Many/most Tula examples do not have the serial number. There are examples where there are two or even 3 lined out serial numbers so there is no question that the practice of adding the serial number is an old one.
Unlike M91/30s, PU snipers were in front line service well after WW2. In some applications they we replaced by the SVD but there is evidence that they remained in service far beyond the 1960's. Practices change over time and what is for sale now is the result of that evolution.

All Izhevsk rifles will have the scope number on the left side of the barrel shank. Only some Tula rifles have original numbers there, it's a small subset but I can't recall at the moment.

The overwhelming majority of refurbs that have a stamped scope numbers that are unpeened were restamped during refurbishment. Look for signs of polishing on the shank, missing turning marks from the lathe, etc.

As for the bases, Tula will be stamped (all cases, some cases? I don't remember) and Izhevsk will be void of any stampings. No original issue rifles had electro penciling anywhere.