Mosin Nagant

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

I kind of stumbled over this rifle recently and wanted to know if it is any good. I don't know much about it other than it looks kind of like an 03 springfield to me, but its extremely extremely cheap....I mean dirt cheap.

The ammunition seems to be ok at about 40 cents a round.

Anyway if I purchased one it wouldn't have any particular role other than range shooting.

[baron555 934]

I kind of stumbled over this rifle recently and wanted to know if it is any good. I don't know much about it other than it looks kind of like an 03 springfield to me, but its extremely extremely cheap....I mean dirt cheap.

The ammunition seems to be ok at about 40 cents a round.

Anyway if I purchased one it wouldn't have any particular role other than range shooting.

Yes very cheap but very nice. Hold it properly and tight to your shoulder.

Mosin-Nagant website

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Standard Russian military rifle 1891-WW2. It was the "enfield of Russia" for lack of better term. Made in rifle and carbine models and also sniper models with scopes. Sturdy, reliable, well made for the most part. Some made during the war were crudely finished. A lot of them were made in New Jersey by Westinghouse under contract with the Russians. Early models had the rear sights graduated in "Arshins" using the old Russian imperial measurement system, an Arshin is roughly equal to 30" and is supposed to be the standard marching pace of a Russian soldier. Later, Soviet, models graduated in meters.

Cartidge is the 7.62x54R Roughly equal to a US .30-06 in power and performance. The cartidge was also used in later model rifles and machine guns. Bore diameter is actually .310 so it is really a 7.65mm but in most cases .308 bullets can be used for reloading with satisfactory accuracy. Cast bullets can be sized to .311"

They never became popular in the US as a sporting rifle because of a number of issues which have nothing to do with reliability. They do not easilyaccept scope mounts, but they can be mounted with a scope. They use a Belgian magazine system which requires a "clip" which is ejected after the last shot. Without the "clips" the rifle is a single shot.

But they are a bargain in terms of what you egt for your money. Some rather uninformed people often refer to them as "junk" No major military has ever armed its soldiers with "junk". The Russians were no different.

Alla was disappointed to see them sell so cheaply at local gun shops. She thinks a Russian rifle should be worth more. She may be biased.

[slim 1,525]

Hands down the best rifle you can buy for the money.

Accurate, powerful, robust, reliable. Great at the range but if you're looking for something "fun" to shoot, go with a .22LR. It's smaller, cheaper to shoot, and you can shoot it all day without anything hurting tomorrow. The Marlin 795 can be had for $125 and .22LR is $15 for 500 rounds. If you're shooting 100 or so yards, you can't go wrong with a .22.

The Mosin is going to kick your butt! The recoil isn't horrible but it is a big, robust platform and it's not as smooth as many bolts and, simply put, you have to "man handle" the thing. I don't want to overhype it (because it's really not all that bad) but unless you're a "manly man" you're probably not going to have much fun shooting the Mosin as just a casual shooter. It's a lot of work to heave that big ol' rifle around and even carrying the ammo is no small job.

If you want a vintage "big gun" go with the K-31 Swiss. It's about $200 more but it's a lot easier and smoother to operate. For someone just looking for something "bigger" to shoot and have fun with at the range I'd recommend a SKS. They can be found for around $250 and ammo is a lot cheaper, lighter, and since it's a semiauto, it's a lot more fun to shoot.

I don't know how far you're shooting but for anything in the 500 yards or less category, you can't go wrong with the SKS. If you just kind of clicked a link and said, "Holy #######, those Mosins are only $100." then get one. Try it out. It's a great rifle. But, if you're a casual shooter and just looking for something fun... I don't know if the Mosin will fit that bill. They're big, slow and heavy. But, with practice, they can be a lot of fun! And, if you get good enough, you can make 1,000 yard hits all day long with those things.

Please stop back and tell us what you decided to do. Pics too!

[visaveteran1 33]

My issue with the Mosin (aside from the rough bolt action) and the SKS is you've got to use those Fking stripper clips. Nice way to loose skin off your hand. You can manually feed for fun shooting which is probably the best use.

[slim 1,525]

My issue with the Mosin (aside from the rough bolt action) and the SKS is you've got to use those Fking stripper clips. Nice way to loose skin off your hand. You can manually feed for fun shooting which is probably the best use.

SKS can be outfitted with detachable magazines.

Only good place for strippers is in a gentlemen's club!

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

Basically I went into a few stores here in the Bay Area looking for black powder (I think the entire area is dry of the stuff- guess I buy online) and I happened to pop into this little sporting goods store where they are on sale for 109. Didn't have a chance to ask about it as I was in a hurry. Anyway, I think i'll go back and see if they have more than one and check out their condition. I'll check for condition and matching serials etc. My guess is that the store probably has a pretty poor collection so.....

I'll probably buy from Cabela's and submit a C&R application first so I can have it shipped directly. 30 dollars for 3 years seems like a good deal and the red tape doesn't seem too bad - primarily just a log book for inspection.

Yeah I'm definitely not a "manly man" lol at 6'1 and only 160 but I still want it. Is it worse than a 12 gauge?

Also noticed the ammo is generally corrosive, but I guess thats not any different then black powder - i.e. clean the same day if possible.

Anyone here apply for a C and R license?

[Leatherneck 693]

Hands down the best rifle you can buy for the money.

Accurate, powerful, robust, reliable. Great at the range but if you're looking for something "fun" to shoot, go with a .22LR. It's smaller, cheaper to shoot, and you can shoot it all day without anything hurting tomorrow. The Marlin 795 can be had for $125 and .22LR is $15 for 500 rounds. If you're shooting 100 or so yards, you can't go wrong with a .22.

The Mosin is going to kick your butt! The recoil isn't horrible but it is a big, robust platform and it's not as smooth as many bolts and, simply put, you have to "man handle" the thing. I don't want to overhype it (because it's really not all that bad) but unless you're a "manly man" you're probably not going to have much fun shooting the Mosin as just a casual shooter. It's a lot of work to heave that big ol' rifle around and even carrying the ammo is no small job.

If you want a vintage "big gun" go with the K-31 Swiss. It's about $200 more but it's a lot easier and smoother to operate. For someone just looking for something "bigger" to shoot and have fun with at the range I'd recommend a SKS. They can be found for around $250 and ammo is a lot cheaper, lighter, and since it's a semiauto, it's a lot more fun to shoot.

I don't know how far you're shooting but for anything in the 500 yards or less category, you can't go wrong with the SKS. If you just kind of clicked a link and said, "Holy #######, those Mosins are only $100." then get one. Try it out. It's a great rifle. But, if you're a casual shooter and just looking for something fun... I don't know if the Mosin will fit that bill. They're big, slow and heavy. But, with practice, they can be a lot of fun! And, if you get good enough, you can make 1,000 yard hits all day long with those things.

Please stop back and tell us what you decided to do. Pics too!

I agree, of all the rifles I own, I enjoy the SKS tremendously. Got it in 1998 for a mere $89.00 and now I want to kick myself when I see them going for $400.00 +/-, wishing I would've picked up 3 or 4 at that price. I would walk into a local gun store and see multiple crates of them, those days are gone.

[slim 1,525]

I'll probably buy from Cabela's and submit a C&R application first so I can have it shipped directly. 30 dollars for 3 years seems like a good deal and the red tape doesn't seem too bad - primarily just a log book for inspection.

Before you buy from Cabela's check out AIM surplus dot com. They almost always have them for $89 and should take your C&R with no problems.

Anyone here apply for a C and R license?

I don't have one but a buddy of mine does. To my knowledge he's never used his other than to gain entry to the "dealers only" shows. They should come in handy for buying Mosins over the net.

I agree, of all the rifles I own, I enjoy the SKS tremendously. Got it in 1998 for a mere $89.00 and now I want to kick myself when I see them going for $400.00 +/-, wishing I would've picked up 3 or 4 at that price. I would walk into a local gun store and see multiple crates of them, those days are gone.

The Mosin is now that $89 rifle.

Inflation. What are you gonna do?

[Leatherneck 693]

Basically I went into a few stores here in the Bay Area looking for black powder (I think the entire area is dry of the stuff- guess I buy online) and I happened to pop into this little sporting goods store where they are on sale for 109. Didn't have a chance to ask about it as I was in a hurry. Anyway, I think i'll go back and see if they have more than one and check out their condition. I'll check for condition and matching serials etc. My guess is that the store probably has a pretty poor collection so.....

I'll probably buy from Cabela's and submit a C&R application first so I can have it shipped directly. 30 dollars for 3 years seems like a good deal and the red tape doesn't seem too bad - primarily just a log book for inspection.

Yeah I'm definitely not a "manly man" lol at 6'1 and only 160 but I still want it. Is it worse than a 12 gauge?

Also noticed the ammo is generally corrosive, but I guess thats not any different then black powder - i.e. clean the same day if possible.

Anyone here apply for a C and R license?

The Mosin is a beefy weapon with noticeable recoil and the round is equivalent to the .30-06, which won't beat you up too badly, (unless you put a significant number of rounds down range) if you don't keep the weapon firmly against your shoulder, in that case you'll get a reminder to do so for the next round you put down range.

[baron555 934]

Anyone here apply for a C and R license?

I've got one.....big mistake.....now I'm constantly (lessening now that I have a family to feed) purchasing new military surplus this or that.

You'll then be acquiring all these weird diseases.....Mosinitis, etc. My first disease was Garanditis....still have it!

Actually once you purchase one arm with it, it pays for itself on transfer fees.

Edited February 6, 2012 by baron555

[slim 1,525]

Part of the reason I don't have one. I already have enough diseases. (And I recently caught black powder fever!)

I completely forgot to address the recoil issue. I don't think there's worse recoil than a 12ga (other than something huge like a .338, .475, .50, etc.) for average joes (like those of us looking at $100 rifles, anyway) so as long as you can bear the brunt of that, the rifle calibers aren't all that bad. I wouldn't want to shoot one all day long, but as others have said, tuck it tight and hold on for the ride. You'll be fine.

It's loud as hell though!

And I can't believe nobody's talked about the bayonet yet. They have awesome bayonets that turn them into a pike. Supposedly they're more accurate with the bayonet on (harmonics vs. balance is a debate amongst Mosin shooters that rivals the auto vs. revolvers debate the rest of us have) so you should definitely get one of those with your rifle.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

My issue with the Mosin (aside from the rough bolt action) and the SKS is you've got to use those Fking stripper clips. Nice way to loose skin off your hand. You can manually feed for fun shooting which is probably the best use.

The Mosin uses an en bloc clip like the M1 Garand. The SKS uses the stripper clip but it is not needed to function, for the Mosin it is required for the magazine to function.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Basically I went into a few stores here in the Bay Area looking for black powder (I think the entire area is dry of the stuff- guess I buy online) and I happened to pop into this little sporting goods store where they are on sale for 109. Didn't have a chance to ask about it as I was in a hurry. Anyway, I think i'll go back and see if they have more than one and check out their condition. I'll check for condition and matching serials etc. My guess is that the store probably has a pretty poor collection so.....

I'll probably buy from Cabela's and submit a C&R application first so I can have it shipped directly. 30 dollars for 3 years seems like a good deal and the red tape doesn't seem too bad - primarily just a log book for inspection.

Yeah I'm definitely not a "manly man" lol at 6'1 and only 160 but I still want it. Is it worse than a 12 gauge?

Also noticed the ammo is generally corrosive, but I guess thats not any different then black powder - i.e. clean the same day if possible.

Anyone here apply for a C and R license?

Recoil is .30-06 class, not bad at all and no worse than a 12 ga. Corrosive ammo requires thorough cleaning after shooting

[Leatherneck 693]

Before you buy from Cabela's check out AIM surplus dot com. They almost always have them for $89 and should take your C&R with no problems.

I don't have one but a buddy of mine does. To my knowledge he's never used his other than to gain entry to the "dealers only" shows. They should come in handy for buying Mosins over the net.

The Mosin is now that $89 rifle.

Inflation. What are you gonna do?

Inflation and an increased demand for a rifle that, dollar-for-dollar was a helluva bargain and buy for the money.