Sestroryetsk Mosin Nagant M91's - Years?

Drachenblut

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Hello,

I have totally refocused my collection on the Sesroryetsk made Mosin Nagant M91 rifles. I understand they were made between 1892 and 1917 (some in 1918 but many are post war builds so I've heard).

What years are most common? Which are most uncommon? What special features, if any, do these particular M91's have that Izhevsk and Tula made rifles do not?

Please post pictures of any you have, earlier dated (1892-1900) are especially welcome!

Sincerely,
Drachenblut
 
Drachenblut - try 7.62x54r.net. You might have to dig around a bit. I believe they rate the 1918 production the most rare of the Sestroryetsk Mosin Nagant M91's.

If not there then try posting in the Collector's Forum on Gunboards.
 
I have totally refocused my collection on the Sesroryetsk made Mosin Nagant M91 rifles.

Go for it, comrade. Acquiring milsurps is one thing but acquiring them to form a special collection with a unique purpose in mind is a whole another experience and well worth it too.

I understand they were made between 1892 and 1917 (some in 1918 but many are post war builds so I've heard).

I would say 1918 is the rarest as I think the factory was shut down by the worker strikes in St. Petersberg.

My second guess would be the pre 1900s, how many of those do you expect to run into in their original configuration ? I imagine many were rebuilt to the later M91 specification or parted out to service other rifles.

You may want to keep close eyes on any Imperial Russian M91s that went to Finland, they are probably the only source for your Sestroryetsks now. They also have nice "campaign badges" for their extended service with Finland.

What years are most common? Which are most uncommon?

I would say wartime years, 1914-1917, would be most common. That has been my experience with Gewehr 98s at any rate. I think Sestroryetsk had the lowest total output of the Imperial Russian arsenals so finding all the years will be a difficult task.

What special features, if any, do these particular M91's have that Izhevsk and Tula made rifles do not?

The very stylish and beautifully crafted barrel marking, Tula and Izhevsk cannot compare to that.
 
Nabs,

Da Comrade! I am very happy to now specifically collect Mosins that have family historical significance, and also are very beautiful.

I have seen wartime 1914 to 1917 marked rifles most commonly as well, and 1918 rifles, to my knowledge, are extremely rare as the Russians closed the factory and "moved" it as it was too close to the Finnish border and they were worried the Finns would take it in the midst of the Revolution. The strikes were a part of this.

The markings and Finnish/German/Austrian history in addition make these Mosin Nagants very attractive in my eyes, and I look forward to collecting them!

For the record, I have read 7.62X54R.net and mosinnagant.net as well.
 
I have a Sesky, they are interesting old rifles to collect.

sesky.jpg


That's somewhat the rare rifle if its 1918. Is that strictly Russian Imperial or does it have some Finn stamps?
 
7.62x54r.net rates a 1918 Sesty as being an 8 out of 10 on the rarity scale. Considering the amount of milsurps in the U.S., it is probably an 10 + in Canada.

You "should", :D, take lots of pictures and send them to Badger at milsurps.com forum so he can make a photo album for everyone to admire and enjoy.
 
My first 91 was a Sestroryetski, a 1907 with Finn in its background. The chamber marking I found really attractive, so started looking..... and they are hard to find. Got a Tulskiy 1906 so I guess I have to find an Izhevski. And then the Peter the Great Varieties.......

And another truckload of brass........

Oh, it's frustrating. No fair, that's what it is: they got a 100-year headstart on me!
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WOW! That is a rare and beautifully stamped M91 Sesty... hmmm... if you are ever interested in selling, I would be interested in buying, and offering more than the common market value in combined money and trade. Feel free to PM me if you feel so inclined.
 
Thank you for the compliments on the Sesky, Gentlemen.

Funnily enough I simply bought it as a nice Finned M91, long before I knew anything about the various factories/markings etc.

"Back in the day" on the US forums (Gunboards.com) it was gospel that the last Sesky's were produced in 1917. Then a sporterized 1918 showed up in the US and was discussed at length and I had a Finned one as well. As usual with milsurps never say never, there are no absolutes !
 
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As there seems to be an interest, here is my 1918 Sesky, in all her glory.

Other than when I snapped the pic of the markings earlier and this shot today, she has not been out of the vault in 9 years ! Spam can of sniper ammo...you kids are giving me evil ideas !!!!
 
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Yes, the masses are revolting.

That was one of my very favourite WIZARD OF ID cartoons: Sir Rodney runs into the throne room and announces to the King, "Sire! Sire! The masses are revolting!"

And the King says, "I agree!"

(A smile is just an upside-down frown, anyway.)
A few more pictures of that lovely Sestroryetski Vintovka obrazets 1891-goda would not come amiss, either. I would especially be interested in seeing a good close-up or 2 of the rear sight, mine being modded on account of the 1908 ammunition change. Thanks.
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