The mosin nagant 91/30 (7.62x54r)
Mosin nagant rifles were used in many conflicts all around the world, and for some time were the main battle rifle for the Soviet Union; it is a
bolt action rifle similar to the .308 in power, with a 5 shot internal magazine
that is loaded using stripper clips. The gun is rugged and crude in
construction, and as such millions were made and they are still relatively
cheap today. The 91/30 is the long barrel model. The length of pull on this
rifle, like most Russian guns, is short compared to most rifles made in the US,
so that it can be comfortably fired whilst wearing a winter coat, as it is cold
a lot in Russia. The surplus 7.62x54r cartage is corrosive so if you are in the
market for one of these rifles check the bore and chamber carefully, as a
pitted, dark or rusted barrel will make the gun way less accurate, and if real
bad dangerous.
I had read online about a gentleman in texas who liked to
buy old beat up rifles and restore them. I am a somewhat handy guy, and thought
the idea was a good one, so with some of the money from the galil sale I bought
one from a gun store for 119.00+ taxes. They had a whole rack of them so I got
to pick the best one. I brought it home and tore it apart, then had it covered
in in heavy duty oven cleaner in no time. I also raided my wife’s nail polish
remover to take out all the Cosmoline (she is great). Then I refinished the
stock in red RIT dye and wipe on polyurethane sealer. I am no wood worker but,
it looked good if I do say so myself. I also cut off the bolt handle and made
it a bent bolt because I like the feel better. I shot it maybe 100 rounds in
the 6 months I had it, and it shot ok; it was not scoped so shooting 100 yard
groups never really worked. I could usually shoot a 6 inch steel plate at 100
yards from a bench, but honestly the sights on a mosin really suck.
I liked the 91/30 some but it was almost 5 feet long with
the bayonet attached, so I started looking around and at a gun show I bought a
model m44 mosin nagant as well.
THE GOOD
I doubled my money on the resale
It was a fun project.
THE BAD:
This was bought as a project;
once it was done I got bored with it.
Mosin nagants are not sniper rifles, and not really hunting
rifles, but they are still a bit of fun.
It was almost 5 FEET LONG!
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Refinishing an old rifle is a fun thing to do, use chemicals
carefully and take your time. You’ll love the result, and sense of
accomplishment.
