PU sniper serials

[Philthy1]

I apologize if this has been covered already, but Im wondering if any of the Mosin experts can clear this up.

Are there differences between Tula and Izzys? Specifically the markings on the scope mount. I see the Izzys with the scope and rifle # electro penciled on the mount, but on many of the Tulas there is nothing or perhaps just one number. Is this correct/original?

 

[bp2626]

Original Izhevsk mounts have nothing but the Izhevsk logo and some proof marks stamped on them. All electro penciling was done during refurbishment to keep the mounts paired with the rifles, as zeroing is done via the mount and is a time consuming process.

Tula mounts had the rifle serial number stamped on the mount and electro penciling was again only done during refurbishment.

Original Izhevsk sniper barrels have the scope serial number stamped on them, on the left side of the shank.

Original Tula sniper barrels have no scope numbers stamped on them, they were added during refurbishment.

 

[Horilka]

I just want to add that all above is about original rifles that we almost don't have in Canada. Most examples we see are either refurbished rifles that could have any and sometimes very strange combinations of stamped and EPed numbers, or reproduction rifles with mount and scopes being replica and rifle being "restored" ex-sniper.

 

[bp2626]

I just want to add that all above is about original rifles that we almost don't have in Canada. Most examples we see are either refurbished rifles that could have any and sometimes very strange combinations of stamped and EPed numbers, or reproduction rifles with mount and scopes being replica and rifle being "restored" ex-sniper.

Yes, I only know of 4 complete / original PU snipers in Canada. A couple non-refurbs with mismatched bolts and a couple 'light' refurbs that are original but have had the stocks dipped in shellac for long term storage / possibly reblued and issued for Police service or something like that.

As Horilka said, a refurbished rifle can have any sort of electro penciled numbers on the mount. Some have both the scope and the rifle serial number, some just have the rifle serial number. Some rifles got new scope serial number stamped on the barrel during refurbishment as well, some even look like original stamps but they are not. The "reproduction" PU snipers made at P&S actually have electro penciling on the scope mounts but it's in a different style. Most (99%) of sniper rifles you find without electro penciling on the mount will be a butchered ex-sniper or a fake sniper, rather than a truly original one. It took me years to find a matching original one and I had to look through lots and lots of fakes first.