Part of the point was to do it myself, not to get one already done. Also, I chose a Mosin simply because, while it is collectible, it isn't so valuable that modifying it would ruin a piece of history. At that, from what I've seen, due to the amount of original Mosins out there, you can increase the value a lot by converting it. (not that I plan to sell). It was more of the challenge of doing it versus just buying something.
I apologise if I sounded like I was trashing you, I was just suggesting you could get a rifle that was already converted into something else instead of using an original military 91/30. BTW, you might want to think about mounting your bipod on the stock instead of the barrel for better accuracy, and free-floating the whole barrel instead of bedding it.
I take exception to everything Ozzy wrote. First while Mosin Nagant rifles are old and a truly historic there are millions and millions of them in circulation. If several million were converted to sportsters there would still be several million more at least for those of us who wanted an original.
There are lots of good reasons to convert one. The ammo is incredibly cheap for a full power cartridge. You can still buy a sealed metal can with 440 cartridges for less than eighty bucks. Sure they are corrosive, but it only takes a couple extra minutes to swab them down. I actually have a couple hundred reloadable cases that I put a reduced charge and smaller cast bullet in for even cheaper and quieter fun. Kids and wives like them better.
I love my Mosin Nagants. The first one I bought at Big 5 had a worn barrel from poor maintanence, but the last three I had shipped were in very good shape and are all good shooters. They kind of remind me of an old balloon tired bike as compaired to a new light weight racing bike. They will both get you from point A to B. One will take a little less effort, but as far as longevity and durability goes... my bet would be on the balloon tired bike.
So thanks for the guide.