Need advice from Mosin Nagant Collectors

[Sapper771]

I went gun shopping today and found an interesting Mosin Nagant rifle. It is a Izhevsk 1905 1891 rifle with Finnish Army mark (SA). The finish looks to be about 85% with some light surface rust that could probably be wiped off. The sights and bands are intact, but the rifle is missing the cleaning rod. Stock is dark and in rough condition(no cracks) with Finnish sling swivels . The bore looks to be in good condition with no pitting. The muzzle end of the bore has been counterbored.

The dealer wants $275 for it. The rifle is screaming my name, but i dont know if it is worth what he wants for it. I collect Mosins, mostly Finns and am always looking to add to the collection. The dealer seems stuck on $275, so haggling with him isnt an option.

Is it worth $275 ??

Thanks to all for the assistance.

 

[Vaarok]

Worth is subjective- location, scarcity, personal appeal. Market value on a nice M91 seems to hover between $200 and $300, so it's not an unreasonable cash price if it speaks to you. Personally, I would pass, it's higher than I'd like to pay. But if it's matching, or just plain speak to you, it's not grossly overpriced.

 

[Cosmoline]

It sounds a little high given the condition, but the prices are going up. As a collectors piece it isn't worth that much. Maybe $200. There were a lot of SA stamped 91's. Other than the Chatellerault's they don't usually fetch a premium. But as a shooter it's a nice rifle, and it's likely been tested and approved by the Finns.

In short you'd probably be paying more than you could find one for on gunbroker, but there's the convenience and lack of shipping costs (quite a bit for that long beast) to factor in.

 

[Powerglide]

I would offer 225 and start towards the door, see what he does.I've been known to beg for a price while laughing inside.

 

[Phaethon]

Have you got any picture of said rifle, and are you sure it's not an M24/M27/M28?

It sounds like it has some interesting history, and if it has some fetching looks and clean stampings, I might pick it up myself. However, I'd talk down the price a little first...

Even though the counterboring isn't really a bad thing (they did it in order to improve accuracy), it is undesirable in the eyes of a collector and should give you some haggle room, amongst other things.

 

[frankenstein406]

I would offer 225 and start towards the door, see what he does.I've been known to beg for a price while laughing inside.

Works pretty good to.

 

[Sapper771]

It is a M91, no doubt about it. I already own one Finn M91 and a Finn M27, i can distinguish between the different models. I didnt get any pictures of it, but I wish I did. I may attempt to make an offer on it. I really want it, but i also dont want to lose my tail either. For the same money, I can get a decent Finn M39.

Thanks to all for the replies. Any other info/opinions would be appreciated.

 

[neededausername]

If you already have a Finn M91, and don't have a Finn M39, get the M39.

 

[jobu07]

Sounds like a great rifle but a little high for your average run of the mill Izhevsk M91. Too bad it isn't a Chatellerault, Remington, or N.E.W., as for one of those i'd probably pay that price.

That said, I don't think you can ever have too many SA marked M91's around