The Mosin-Nagant Rifle - Why Don’t You Have One Yet?

Human Events ^ | 6-21-11 | Richard Johnson

[dynachrome]

If I asked you to tell me what was the most important rifle ever used in Russia, what would it be? Many people might answer: “the AK-47.”

However, it was the Mosin-Nagant rifle that drove Nazis from the Motherland. The same rifle guarded the Czars, and later deposed them.

The AK may be the Cold War face of the Evil Empire, but the Mosin-Nagant was the backbone of a country when their very survival was in doubt.

In a great twist of historical irony, the former Communist country is selling the rifles that guarded the revolution to the very citizens once considered her enemies.

History

Let me introduce you to the Russian Mosin-Nagant rifle. Adopted in 1891, the Three Line Rifle was first carried by Russian troops under Czar Alexander III. Later, the gun would be known as the Mosin-Nagant rifle.

[Noumenon]

That’s why I’m glad I bought a brace of Ishapore Enfields in .308 back when they were $110 each. Cleaned up real nice. Shot even nicer.

[Fiji Hill]

I like the 6.5mm Carcano better

I have a 1937 Mosin Nagant, a 6.5 mm Carcano, and an Arisaka that still has its crysanthemum. With its folding bayonet, the Carcano makes for a good home defense weapon even when it isn't loaded.

[Sea Parrot]

I always get a kick out of reading that.

I have a ugly MN 7.62x54 got off neighbor for 25 bucks, it was bubbarized by someone in the past, only thing I have done to it is mount a cheap scout scope and make a lace up riser cheek piece.

But as my truck gun, I have fell in love with the misbegotten looking thing for cast boolits. My best boolit for it is the Lee 8mm (.324") 175 grn sized down to .316", it shoots like a dream come true with several rifle powders at around 1800fps. (from RL manuals, have not chronographed loads)

If anyone is interested in cast boolits, this is the go to place: http://castboolits.gunloads.com/forumdisplay.php?f=8

[NVDave]

No, that’s an accurate rifle.

There’s a difference.

For those of us who have the skills to do what ExpatGator does with a Mauser, there’s a world of difference, and we don’t tolerate ugly guns OR non-functional guns.

Here’s where I come down on “accurate but ugly” guns:

With some skills, very reasonably priced tools and diligent labor, there is no excuse to own an ugly gun just because it shoots well.

With some moderately pricey to spendy tooling, there’s no reason to own an inaccurate, but attractive rifle.

There’s no reason to own ugly guns unless they’re projects for future better rifles.

[longtermmemmory]

what is the most common riffle bullet in the USA? (given the recent shortages)

[Mount Athos]

sure is loud

[Palmetto]

I’ve got one and hate it. Yes, it’s got great accuracy, but the action is complete crap. It’s heavy, and the round is odd.

For the same money and ammo issues, I much prefer the L-E .303. It’s far better made, and much more pleasant to actually operate.

[MHGinTN]

You have obviously never fired an 1891 Mosina ... the rifle weighs enough and is 48 inches long without the sticker, so the recoil is quite manageable.

[Robert357]

Mosin Humor:

I have an old Tula and love it. I have free floated the barrel and worked up target handloads designed for maximum accuracy. Of course that was after spending weeks cleaning out the barrel and the cosmoline off the rifle. I also de-burred the chamber so I don't require any 2x4’s to cycle the bolt.

It is a pretty formidable weapon and highly accurate out to a very long range. Probably the best “inexpensive” military surplus rifle I have.

As

[ArrogantBustard]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. While there is no doubt beauty in polish, gloss, and artistic embellishment I also see beauty in function and functional design. To me, an accurate gun can't be ugly.

There’s no reason to own ugly guns unless they’re projects for future better rifles.

Stipulating (for the moment; I don't agree with it) your definition of "ugly" guns, I could not possibly be more strongly in DISagreement with your statement quoted above.

What you dismiss as an "ugly gun" I treasure as a piece of history. I wouldn't "beautify" my Mosins, Enfields, Springfields, Garands, Mausers etc for any amount of money. To do so would be to destroy them.

[ProfoundBabe]

Here,Here! Best Mother’s Day present ever. I’m a 5’3’’, 128 lb, 50+ yr old Grandma. I love my gun.

What recoil? I have get more bruises from the 12 ga. on the sporting clay range than from my “Commie Gun”.

[IYAS9YAS]

I am a reloader also but I get my 7.62X54R for $75 with shipping.

Where do you get it for that price? I thought I was doing good for $89 plus shipping for 440 rounds.

[DesertRhino]

Not when you consider that its era was 1891. Its a fine rifle for that era. And mine is as accurate as my swede from the bench. Gar more accurate tab the average 98k. But little clumsy handling.

[count-your-change]

A Moistened Nugget?

[IYAS9YAS]

Do I need a Mosin?

Need? Since when does that matter for boom-sticks? ;-)

[MHGinTN]

I’ll give ya $100 for yours. Wouldn’t want you to suffer any longer!

[MHGinTN]

Amen

[LizardQueen]

>>What you dismiss as an “ugly gun” I treasure as a piece of history. I wouldn’t “beautify” my Mosins, Enfields, Springfields, Garands, Mausers etc for any amount of money. To do so would be to destroy them.

I’m with you on this - once you bubbafy them you can never get that history back.

I actually am fascinated with the Mosins with the dings in the stock and the shot-out barrels (not mine, mine is a 1948 and probably came out of storage before being imported).

What poor peasant carried that thing? Was he at Stalingrad, and did he live through it? etc...

I wish these old guns could talk.

[dynachrome]

“don’t require any 2x4’s to cycle the bolt.”

Pshaw. A rubber mallet works fine.

[SVTCobra03]

When the SHTF I prefer these to museum oddities: