Mosin Nagant 91/30 Advice

[tinroad37e]

I own alot of milsurp rifles from Mauser to Garands. However, my collection is lacking any Mosin Nagants. A local gun shop has 91/30s for $149 and they seem to be in excellent shape. I am going back tomorrow with a bore light and maybe purchase two.

As with all my military rifles, I keep spare parts in hand. What parts are a good idea to keep on hand for the 91/30? The basics, extractor, ejector, firing pin? What about a bolt body?

Is commercial (Winchester) ammo safe to shoot in these old guns? Any other advice will be helpful.

 

[jpwilly]

The rifles are built very simple and robust. You probably won't shoot enough need a spare part for it because most of the worn parts have been taken care of during the refinishing process they have already recieved.

I think $149 is too much - J&G sales has them for $69 to $99 depending on laminated or not laminated, hex reciever vs standard etc. I've shot Winchester and Seller Bellot + all kinds of surplus through mine just fine. Safe is a matter of your headspacing not the ammo. Here are mine:

 

[Cosmoline]

I should compile a general list, but here's a brief rundown:

--Ideally, bolt should match or be Finnmatched. But this is nowhere near as critical as it is with Mausers.

--The bolt should be somewhat loose and "floppy" when dry cycled. But it should lock up tight when dry fired.

--The crown should be free from nicks and scratches. Lands should still be visible and any wear should be uniform.

--Look for the [SA] property stamp of the Finnish Army

--Look for hexagonal receivers, as this indicates an earlier build

--Look for rifles not fitting the basic 91/30, M-38 and M-44 patterns. There are dozens of other types, all generally more difficult to find.

--Look for any sign that the rifle has been bubbaized or messed with.

--Grasp the barrel with one hand, around the sight, and grasp the stock with the other. Then try to move the barrel back and forth. If it moves that's a sign of poor fit and that the receiver screws may be loose.

--Check for mealy or substandard wood on stocks

--Check for dark stained wood.

 

[trueblue1776]

For an excellent condition gun, $149 isn't a stretch, there are much cheaper Mosins to be had, but it is a TOTAL crap shoot what you will actually get.

To me, seeing/handling the actual gun is worth at least 50 bucks. Unless you are a collector with no intentions of shooting, or just want a pop gun that can't hit a peach from the pit...

My favorite 91/30 cost $129 when 91/30's were still selling for $50 online. Worth every penny! '27 hex receiver and a sharp, shiny barrel, never counter bored, good wood and straight sights. Don't be afraid to pay $149 for a good example, but approach it as you would a modern used rifle, if you want a good shooter.

BTW I almost dropped $259 on a 1915 Westinghouse 91/30 the other day, just because it's cool.

 

[tinroad37e]

I didn't know they sold for that cheap. J&G and AIM have them for alot less. I'm going to see if this guy will drop his price. He has about 20 of them. I like being able to inspect and cherry pick.

 

[Cosmoline]

I almost dropped $259 on a 1915 Westinghouse 91/30 the other day,

Do you mean a 1915 M-91?

 

[trueblue1776]

I meant a 91/30, but as you point out, I'm no expert.

 

[mp510]

I didn't know they sold for that cheap. J&G and AIM have them for alot less. I'm going to see if this guy will drop his price. He has about 20 of them. I like being able to inspect and cherry pick.

Remember, when you buy from one of the wholesalers, you need to factor in the fact that you need to pay transfer and shipping- which can add up pretty quick. And by spending a few bucks more, you get to inspect the weapon before purchase. Also remember that your local guy has rent and lights to pay for, a wife and kids to feed, and business expenses- all while doing a lot less volume than AIM, Century or J&G.

 

[tinroad37e]

I have a C&R license, so all I need to pay for is shipping. I made my mind up earlier I am buying one from a local dealer. Like I said, he has around 20 91/30s, and he'll let me pick the two I want. They all look excellent, but I'm going back tomorrow with a bore light.

I have a good friend who owns a pawn shop. It started out as a gunshop, but he couldn't make a living competing with internet prices and wholesalers. He can make alot more money cashing paychecks and loaning money with high interest rates.

I own 8 garands and buying them can break the checking account. I have a gun disease and must buy, so it looks like Mosins are next on the list.

 

[KI.W.]

I have very new Finnish gunmagazin. Prices are truli ****ty: Mosin Nagant 91-30 1942 300€ = $420. 28-30 1940 600€ = $ 840. Must be "world record "prices. www.asekauppa-lahdeniemi.com Käytetytaseet/valitse tästä/kiväärit.

 

[Hoppy590]

cosmo it was probibly a upgraded m91

 

[Cams29er]

You will like the mosin. The only ammo I have had problems with is the Czeck silver tips. Cleaned it pretty good and still those silver tips make me struggle to open the bolt. Barnaul, brown bear and Polish surplus all work great.

 

[oneshooter]

91/30 Mn

91/30 with bayonet, oiler, dog collar sling, and ammo pouches. Tight headspace, clean bore and all matching numbers. Dated 1941 on the reciever. CAI marked on the left side of reciever.


Best part !!! $155 including tranfer fee, headspace check, and test fireing!

Found it on Auction Arms, just keep looking.

Oneshooter
Livin in Texas

 

[trueblue1776]

One shooter, the price doesn't mean anything until you see the bore. 1941's are war production too, the ones I see have noticeably more rough in machine work starting around the time of the great war.

 

[oneshooter]

The bore is shiny!! The entire rifle looks like it just came from the factory. The bluing and stock are really nice.

Oneshooter
Livin in Texas