Article about: My first purchase of 2019.... a well-used example of a PU scoped Mosin Nagant model 91/30 rifle. I deliberately avoided calling it a sniper rifle, as there is no evidence that it was ever pu
My first purchase of 2019.... a well-used example of a PU scoped Mosin Nagant model 91/30 rifle. I deliberately avoided calling it a sniper rifle, as there is no evidence that it was ever purposely built as a sniper rifle. It is a 1939 dated IZHEVSK production weapon, the date alone should rule it out as a PU sniper weapon as they were only produced from 1942 to 1944. But there are certain aspects of the weapon which (for me) rule it out as a complete fabrication for the collectors market.
The rifle carries the Finnish property marks of 'SA' within a box that can signify both captured and purchased weapons. The rifle is all-matching, although the receiver has been force-matched... the original serial number appears to perhaps have been three digits. So the stock could be from a later rifle, which might also explain the cut-out for the scope clamp. Modern 'made-up' guns usually have poorly done cut-outs, and on this weapon it is properly machine cut - and looks to have been done many years ago. Note how close to the wood the bracket fits. I removed the scope clamp from the receiver, and this also showed evidence of being in situ for a very long time - although not really evident from the picture. This might be a Finnish captured weapon which has been recaptured by the Soviets... but this is pure speculation on my part. The rifle is deactivated, but the person carrying out the deactivation work did a bit of a butchers job when drilling and pinning the receiver, why on earth do they not drill below the wood line to hide their handiwork? I have managed to tidy the botch job up, but the drilling and filing carried out by the 'gunsmith' resulted in the almost total obliteration of a serial number on the left of the receiver just above the wood line... just the last digit shows. Even deactivated guns deserve to receive a decent standard of workmanship during the deactivation process!
The bolt has been modified by removing the original cocking handle and drilling the bolt, and screwing in a replacement 'bent' handle - but again this is not a recent modification. Who did it and when is impossible to say. The scope bracket and 'NVK' (Progress) manufactured PU scope carry the same stamped serial numbers - but not to the rifle, and the scope is also marked with a 1961 refurbishment date.
There is a very small German proof mark on the underside of the bolt, and also a set of British proofs on the right of the receiver. There are other proof marks, but I have yet to determine for which country. All in all it is a very nice rifle which shows signs of considerable use. Click on pictures to enlarge.
A very nice display piece, even if there are aspects of it that are questionable.
Deactivation work is hit or miss, unfortunately. I find that some dealers are better than others when it comes to keeping their handiwork discreet. Maybe something to do with the new EU deactivation specs? It really is a shame that bolt actions can no longer cock and click!
An iconic rifle of the 19th and 20th century, a classic example of if it works leave it well alone. As you know Steve i've fired a few rounds through one of these in Poland and they kick pretty hard, some people complain about the bolt action on these but on the example i fired the bolt was like butter.
A very nice display piece, even if there are aspects of it that are questionable.
Deactivation work is hit or miss, unfortunately. I find that some dealers are better than others when it comes to keeping their handiwork discreet. Maybe something to do with the new EU deactivation specs? It really is a shame that bolt actions can no longer cock and click!
Regards, B.B.
Strangely enough, although it was deactivated in November 2018, it cocks and dry fires - and the bolt is removable. It has NOT been modified, and I have absolutely no idea how it got through the proof house like this. I forgot to mention that the trigger pull is much better than your average military rifle.
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