Thinking about a Mosin...

[Avenger]

Another thing to remember is that they come with a sling for a REASON, and it ain't to make it easier to carry around. Wrap the sling around your fore hand and use it to PULL the rifle back into your shoulder. It's called a "hasty sling" technique, and it WORKS.
I didn't get a sling with my M44, and didn't use one with it until I got a "bonus" one with my 91/30. Last week at the range, I was about 75 rounds into the day when I realized that my shoulder wasn't hurting nearly as badly.

 

[nobody_special]

So, I just ordered an M39 ...decided I like the Finn stocks much more than the Russian ones, and I can be more confident of getting an accurate shooter this way. I know you people like to see pictures, so here it is courtesy of gunsnammo.com:

VKT, 1941, 80% original blue, new bore, matching bolt, war time stock with initials "SR" on the butt. There doesn't appear to be a cartouche, just the initials. I assume it was re-barreled at some point if it has a "new bore." With a 1941 production date, I'll bet this gun saw some action. Makes one wonder... if rifles could speak, what stories could this one tell?

I couldn't justify a really nice one since I'm going to actually use it. That said, would it be considered bad form (or otherwise undesirable) to sand and refinish the stock, and perhaps touch up the metal finish? Or should I leave it as-is?

 

[Cosmoline]

Excellent choice!

Technically, all Finns have been re-barreled. The Finns never made receivers, they just used old Russian receivers--mostly from M-91's. So to make an M-39 they would combine an old receiver with a custom brichwood stock with a new barrel often made by Sako or Tikka. They did not really rearsenal rifles on the scale the Soviets did, so you don't find them with expanding bores. They used non-corrosive ammo and never had the problem of accelerated bore wear. So a "new" bore may well have seen some action. "SR" looks like trench art. There's a lot of that on Finnish rifles. I've seen some with distinct kill notches.

That said, would it be considered bad form (or otherwise undesirable) to sand and refinish the stock, and perhaps touch up the metal finish? Or should I leave it as-is?

That one looks like it's in very good condition. I wouldn't mess with the wood unless it's badly dry or saturated with grease. Usually they aren't. If you want to be accurate about it, the current theory is to use a pine tar wood finish to give it that Finnish black look. Old down east finish, for example. Like they use on boats. Or you can just use BLO if you like the look of the wood.

Any steel that's lost blue will likely have picked up a nice grey/brown patina. This actually works as well as blue and I've never had problem with rust on Finns, even when they're 40% or less blue. Rebluing will look terribly wrong. They used their own process and I'm not aware of anyone who can duplicate it. You'll either get a way too shiny blue or a dull blue that comes off when scraped.

You will likely find the M-39 heavier than a Soviet Mosin. It weighs near nine and a half pounds. The advantage to this heavy construction becomes apparent when you start capping off hundreds of rounds at the range. The barrel is heavier than a Soviet and designed for sustained shooting.

If you open it up you may find little brass shims at the stock/wood contact points. These were put there to tune the rifle for accuracy, and generally work very well. Just make sure your receiver screws are hand tight.

 

[Texas Colt]

I finally had time to stop by my friends ranch and test fire my 91/59 today. I was running errands with my better half, so I only fired four shots, but wow! I can't wait to put some more bullets down range with it. Tons of fun and I had no trouble hitting my 12" gong at 50 yards with the first shot!

I have read on other threads about how addictive the Mosin Nagants can be... now I understand. I definitely see more Mosins in my future. And since I have two pickups, I certainly need at least one more - one for each truck

 

[Nameless_Hobo]

The biggest problem I see with other shooters is the way they hold the old military bolt guns. I've found that they are much more controllable if held more parallel to the torso, i.e. a right handed shooter is standing looking 90 degrees to the right of the target, with the rifle pointed right at the target, turns his head to the left and kinda lays the head down onto the stock like you were bad in class. I'm not sure I explained that as well as I could, but I see guys at the range all the time standing straight on to the target like they are staring it down or something.

Excuse my MS paint (lack of) skills, but is this what you mean?

http://img502.imageshack.us/my.php?image=howtoshootnagantuh6.png

I suck, I can't get it to post the image, but it should hotlink to it

 

[Hoppy590]

for a mosin, stated simple. Square up to the target son!

 

[Mauserguy]

Mosins are beautiful rifles. Just check the general condition, and the condition of the bore.
Mauserguy

 

[aaronrkelly]

You want the Russian 91/30 (around $70). Longer barrel means better accuracy and less muzzle blast. Extra weight means less recoil.

If your wanting even more accuracy, better finish and more collect ability then score a Finnish rifle. You can score a SAKO rifle for $300ish and a Match Grade gun for around $350. These will be your best bet for accuracy.

This is my $60 91/30 from SOG.

 

[PAPACHUCK]

I finally got a chance to go shoot my M38 yesterday and let me tell you, it's a thumper! I like that, though. After 25 rounds, I moved on to my other new toy, a Siaga .308. I'm very impressed! I wish I would have bought one of these sooner.

I like big booms!