Milsurp After Hours

At the moment this is a 'SUPPOSE' situation but it might change to a 'JUST BOUGHT' situation.

What advice would you offer about buying a Mosin? Bear in mind that I live in FRANCE. Information on history, marks, calibers, quality, availability, what to look for, pitfalls etc. would be interesting.

Sites that cover the mark as well.

Any input will be appreciated guys.

Duncan

Here's a great place to start:

http://www.surplusrifle.com/

Just click on the links on the left.

My Mosins are all Russian, tho the guys that have the Finns swear by them. My favorite is the 91/30. Just like the heft and feel of it, and the front sight waaay out there is great for old eyes. Also have a couple M38s and M44s.

Here you go

http://www.mosinnagant.net

http://7.62x54r.net/

Should assist

Tuco is the internet leader in information about the Mosin Nagant. Do check out his information and complex site. And as also suggested by Tuco.. check out http://7.62x54r.net/ which offers a lot of well organized information.

If you can find a copy of The Mosin-Nagant Rifle, by Terence Lapin... a bit dated in some information, but the original discriptive information is well worth a look too.

Thanks for all the info, very interesting indeed. One question that I WOULD like answered is:-

What should I look for as being 'DON'T BUY' fault(s)?

Guess all the obvious things... like take a look down the bore with a bore light. See if it looks to have all the parts, and the parts that move, move as you would expect.

One thing that might be a stopper on another rifle that shouldn't be on a Nagant is the serial number matching thing. On the 91/30's and older, the chances of finding one with all original matching numbers is pretty remote. Force matched by factory refurb is pretty likely though.

I'd look for one of the older ones just the same. Find one with some character. Maybe one with a New England Westinghouse marked receiver or a Finn marked receiver.

.

May I suggest you do the following to rebuild your collection without buying at the high Internet prices:

1) Go to all the local gun shows

2) Go to all the local pawn shops

3) Run an ad in the newspaper

4) Let all your friends and family know.

5) cruise all the estate sales

The search is half the fun. Besides you can save up to 1000s of dollars buying this way, depending on the size of your collection.

An 1891/30 is now a real possibility and so I am staring to make some inquiries around France to see what is available.

So far, Nemrod Frankonia in Alcase seem to be the best bet and so I shall be telephoning them tomorrow to see what is on offer.

I find I like the 91/30 better than the M-44. I think it is more comfortable and more accurate than my M-44.

Dave