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.

[SIDENET]

I wish I had grabbed an Ishapore Enfield when I had the chance.

[Poser]

"You have obviously never fired an 1891 Mosin"

Right you are. I apologize for not including a /s. In any case, here's the 03 Springfield that I do shoot regularly.

And here's a 200 yard target shot with that rifle.

[ExpatGator]

Fair Play Trading Post on Facebook. I have some pics on there.

[deoetdoctrinae]

You described the Mosin as a formidable and accurate weapon. Comrade Zaitsev and I agree with you.

[Vor Lady]

My 1920 Mosin is the best Valentine’s Day gift I’ve ever gotten.

[x]

Why Don’t You Have One Yet?

Because I don't think Ed Harris/Major Koenig is after me?

[dynachrome]

Hex receivers rule!

http://www.7.62x54r.net for all things Mosin!

[MHGinTN]

Looks like the one I own, except I keep the sling attached. BTW, have you seen ‘Brest Fortress’ yet? It’s available on youtube, all 2 hours 13 minutes of it. Lots of Mosina work in that movie.

[DuncanWaring]

I don’t have one only because I don’t want to deal with another rifle cartridge. It’s the same reason I never bought a .303 Enfield. I’ll stick with the 30-06 and .308.

I don’t have one only because I don’t want to deal with another rifle cartridge. It’s the same reason I never bought anything in .308. I’ll stick with the 30-06 and .303 Enfield.

[ArrogantBustard]

A A DCM Garand, whether in as-manufactured condition or as re-built configuration is by definition 100% correct. It is "as issued" by the US Government. Those arsenal rebuilds in the 1950s and 1960s are part of the long and interesting history of the US Rifle, Caliber .30, M1. Garands with, for example, 1940s receivers and 1950s are no more or less "correct" than unissued Garands with all matching parts. The latter are simply more rare, hence more costly.

As for your sporterized Mauser ... To each his own, I suppose. I wouldn't pay a red cent for it. If I want a tricked out precision rifle, I'll start with a modern action. The only interest I have in historical arms is if they haven't been tampered with.

[Lurker]

I got two when they were running $110 a copy. I love them.

[MHGinTN]

From the CMP definitions of grades:

CORRECT GRADE: (Very Good to Excellent)
Correct Grade Rifles are similar to the Service Grade (above), but will show less wear and use. Correct Grade rifles will have all correct parts for the date of manufacture with 80% or better overall original metal finish. The stock and handguards will be of walnut and correct for the rifle but will have some dings, dents, scratches and marring of the wood finish. Stocks will have the appropriate original inspector's cartouche. The rifle bore will be very good with no significant defects and with a throat erosion of less than 4 and a muzzle wear of 2 or less. Very good to excellent condition. Limited quantities are occasionally available.

[MileHi]

I don’t have one only because I don’t want to deal with another rifle cartridge. It’s the same reason I never bought a .303 Enfield. I’ll stick with the 30-06 and .308.

Me too. I would rather more rifles in the same chambering.

[ArrogantBustard]

I got my M1 from an outfit called the DCM ... it catered to shooters.

I understand that its successor, now called the CMP, caters more to the professional collector.

Whatever grading scheme the CMP may now use, I maintain that if the M1 is in the condition that it was put in by a US Government arsenal, for the purpose of issue to troops or sale to civilian riflery competitors, then it is "correct". It's certainly "authentic", and anybody who kept his DCM papers has the wherewithal to prove it.

IMHO.

[deoetdoctrinae]

Funny you should mention the sling. I just put the sling on mine yesterday. Took a little work. The slot in the stock was too snug for the dog collar to fit, so I had to do a little work with some 220 grit sandpaper, but it worked out fine. As soon as my shooting mat from Midway comes in, I'll be all set for the next vintage rifle CMP shoot out at the range.

Go Vols!

[MHGinTN]

I’ve been planning a trip down to the CMP in Anniston, AL. I want to pick out a few Service Grade M1Garands before barry the bass turd destroys them all. CMP also still has the Greek spam cans of ammo, in clips! For right at $100 for 440 rounds.

[MasterGunner01]

With the old bolt guns BRASS is more like — Breathe, Relax, Aim, Slack (2 -stage trigger), and Squeeze. The old M1917 has far better sights than the M1903 (adjustability, protection for the front blade, and sight radius), but either of the different models has better sights than the old M1891 Mosin-Nagant. On my Springfields, I use the irons with the front sight cover because I think it enhances the sight picture.

[AZ .44 MAG]

If they weren’t so darn expensive I’d buy one.

[cayuga]

I wish I had grabbed an Ishapore Enfield when I had the chance.

I picked up three of them several years ago. Someday I'll take them to the range and try them out.

[Lurker]

I picked up three of them several years ago. Someday I'll take them to the range and try them out.

I can pretty much guarantee that you'll find them to be one of the slickest bolt actions you've ever fired and that you'll be absolutely shocked at how accurate they are for an 80 year old rifle.

I wish I'd bought a dozen when I had the chance.