Bought my first rifle

[ahtoxa]

Recently I bought my first rifle, a Mosin Nagant. It's in good shape - action is smooth and barrel looks good as well.

Yeah, these are cheap, yeah they are surplus; my dad was born outside of Moscow in 1938, my g-dad and g-ma were military during WWII and to me this was a piece of history. I have no delusions, and I didn't buy it for its non-existent collectability. I bought it because I've always loved military rifles.

Every man needs to remember where he comes from, and this rifle was a part of that for me.

It's a 1938 (same year as my dad's birth) numbers-matching and in good shape. It's humbling to think of its potential history and where it may have been.

That said, I can't wait to take it out to the range this weekend!

Yeah, I know there's paint on my patio floor.

 

[LAGS]

@ Ahtoxa
Like you said, there is not much true connection to your family, but it can like you have explained be a Visual Aid in keeping the family story alive for future generations.
Good for you.
You can't know where you are going, until you know where you came from.

BTW
You call those drips paint,
Come to my garage an I'll show you paint on the floor, and epoxy, stain, grease and who knows what else.

 

[Noah]

Awesome! I love Mosins, I hope you really enjoy yours and I am glad to hear the connection to your family.

 

[barnbwt]

Makes every bit as much sense as an old Civil war rifle or Revolution-era flint lock over the mantle for someone with distant American roots, except you can actually fire this one easily and it is much more affordable. Hopefully it will lead you far down the rabbit hole of milsurp-ship. Have you shot it yet?

"Come to my garage an I'll show you paint on the floor, and epoxy, stain, grease and who knows what else."
And blood. Don't forget the blood.

TCB

 

[ahtoxa]

I haven't shot it it. With work and all (always gets in the way, right?) I've not gotten to the range; I've not had this more than a couple days yet.

I was at the range last weekend with my handgun, but I'm hoping to get out there this weekend as well with the Mosin.

I guess I should clarify that the previous tenant was an artist, not a commercial painter.

 

[LAGS]

@ahtoxa
Did the artist at least sign his work.
Who knows, your floor might be worth big bucks someday.

 

[HisStigness]

It's great that so much history can be had for 100-200 bucks. It's fun to look up the markings and find out about its history. My mosin was the second gun I bought, and although it isn't as versatile as my first gun (mossberg 835) it is tons of fun to shoot. Just consider where the butt is contacting you before you pull the trigger. I really didn't like the shot it gave my collar bone when I shot it prone. Good buy and welcome to the obsession!

 

[fpgt72]

That is very cool....pre war are some of the nicer more well finished flavors....and there are many MANY different flavors....some VERY collectable. Before you wright it off as just a run of the mill Mosin find out as much as you can about it. I bought an American made mosin for < $100 because it was just a cheap commie gun that kicked like a mule.

And be careful with that mosin....they tend to multiply like rabbits.

 

[PJSprog]

Awesome, ahtoxa! I love old military rifles, especially the bolt action stuff. whether you have a personal or family connection to this particular rifle or not, you seem to have found a gun you want. That's all that matters.

And, as fpgt72 already said, prepare yourself for the onslaught of desire to expand your collection. It's merciless.

Enjoy your new rifle, and get back to us with a range report.

 

[ahtoxa]

And, as fpgt72 already said, prepare yourself for the onslaught of desire to expand your collection. It's merciless.

Too late for that.

 

[chicharrones]

Recently I bought my first rifle, a Mosin Nagant. It's in good shape - action is smooth and barrel looks good as well.

Yeah, these are cheap, yeah they are surplus; my dad was born outside of Moscow in 1938, my g-dad and g-ma were military during WWII and to me this was a piece of history.[/URL]

Congrats on buying your first rifle!

 

[ahtoxa]

Took 'er to the range today and she shoots good! Groups were OK, most of which is me being unfamiliar with the rife and needing more practice. I did notice the lands are slightly worn off towards the ends of the muzzle, which I'm sure contributes some to the accuracy, but I'm also sure it's not drastic enough to really matter to me. This isn't a hunting rife for me, but an inexpensive way to shoot some cheap surplus ammo.

 

[LAGS]

@ Ahtoxa
Don't worry, your next M-N will be better.
These things Breed Like rats in your closet.
Before long, you will be standing there looking at your collection of them and trying to decide which one to take to the range today.
Been doing that for 40 years now.

 

[Sam1911]

my dad was born outside of Moscow in 1938, my g-dad and g-ma were military during WWII and to me this was a piece of history. ... Every man needs to remember where he comes from, and this rifle was a part of that for me.

Wow ahtoxa, that is very cool. The Russian people stepped up when their country called, nobley. I hope you got to hear about it from them.

Enjoy the rifle and your connection to history!

 

[Scoped]

Took 'er to the range today and she shoots good! Groups were OK, most of which is me being unfamiliar with the rife and needing more practice. I did notice the lands are slightly worn off towards the ends of the muzzle, which I'm sure contributes some to the accuracy, but I'm also sure it's not drastic enough to really matter to me. This isn't a hunting rife for me, but an inexpensive way to shoot some cheap surplus ammo.

Don't fret young patawog. I believe thats the case with most Mili surps, expecially mosin nagants. Thats why some of them are counter bored. However, mine has the rifling worn off near the muzzle too, but I still manage to hit 1 inch groups at 50 yards. With practice you can easily take it as a hunting rifle with out tall the trims and whistles.

- Sc(+)ped

 

[Scoped]

Too late for that.

isnt that the truth. Once I buy a k98 and Arisaka I'll have the complete set of Axis/Allies bolt action rifles.

 

[newglockguy]

I don't know if you plan on refinishing the stock or not but I love that color. You have a very good looking rifle

 

[35Remfan]

Great Buy and Great History.

I own a few hunting rifles and have had a few old military rifles. My Great-Grandfathers German Mauser is a family favorite (and a good deer rifle as well).

My next fun rifle will be a Mosin-Nagant. I know I can pick up surplus ammo and will eventually get dies for it if turns into an instant favorite(probably will).

 

[Trent]

Congratulations on getting your first long gun! May it be the first of many.