Mosin Nagant

[jeepster]

Thinking of picking up a mo nag, they are pretty cheap, my buddy just got one, but they look like decent guns overall, if ya pick through and get a good one.... 7.62x54 has a more thump than my 30/30, pretty close to my 300 savage... Way cheaper ammo....I think it would make a good utility gun/deer/black bear woods gun

Any opinions

[Duffer]

There are many awesome web sites on the Mosin. Do some reading first. This will increase your chance of chosing a 'good one'

Accuracy opinions are all over the map on these things. I have not shot mine yet but some are said to shoot really nice while others talk about the rifling being 'shot out' or problems with counter-bored barrels on some; those whose accuracy is more comparable to a muzzleloader!

and then there's the possible quality losses when these things were being cranked out during the wars.

Everyone seems to agree that the Finnish units shoot the best. That explains why they are so much more expensive 

Speaking of muzzleloaders, also know that the cheap surplus ammo-in-a-can stuff uses a corrosive powder. It shoots fine. Just don't leave it after shooting. Clean it like you must for a muzzleloader.

[slm9s]

I bought my two when big5 had them for $79!  A lot of fun for very little $$$, not many other examples of this in the shooting world.  I think JG sales dot com had ammo for like $160 for 880 rounds.  Should last me quite a few years as I don't take them out often.

They are solid rifles, but have HEAVY triggers with a long pull; very basic iron sights, a bolt that makes mounting a scope tough (who would do that tho?), and the steel buttplate gives no relief if you shoot 20 rounds.

Buy it.

[chef bama]

Unless you are dead set on a Mosin for historical reasons, get a Mauser 98.
Much safer if you have a pierced primer or a case rupture from what I have read.
(I'm still new at the toys that go bang, someone else may have more info)

[lokidog]

I bought my two when big5 had them for $79!  A lot of fun for very little $$$, not many other examples of this in the shooting world.  I think JG sales dot com had ammo for like $160 for 880 rounds.  Should last me quite a few years as I don't take them out often.

They are solid rifles, but have HEAVY triggers with a long pull; very basic iron sights, a bolt that makes mounting a scope tough (who would do that tho?), and the steel buttplate gives no relief if you shoot 20 rounds.

Buy it.

I've got two, a long one, and a carbine, both of them shoot bowling pins at 200 easily.  I read another thread that mentioned a replacement trigger with a trigger safety.  This would be nice since the original pull-bolt safety is horrible.  As far as shoulder relief, I never noticed much of a kick, they seem to shove back more than slam on the shot.  I've shot one deer with mine, but it was not much of a challenge at 12 yards back in WI.

Unless you are dead set on a Mosin for historical reasons, get a Mauser 98.
Much safer if you have a pierced primer or a case rupture from what I have read.
(I'm still new at the toys that go bang, someone else may have more info)

Do be careful on the surplus ammo, I got a batch that I noticed had a couple of split steel cases when I went to pick them up.  The gun didn't seem to have any issues though.

Here's a website with lots of info:   www.7.62x54r.net

[FC]

There are aftermarket triggers available or you can do a poor man's trigger job that makes a big difference. I got a rubber recoil pad for mine online for like $15 I think and it helps quite a bit. I have put 200+ through my Mosin in a day without issue. My rifle actually needs re-crowning to get some of it's accuracy back but it will do about 3 inches at 100 yards with surplus ammo.

The Finnish guns are by far the most accurate, mine is a fairly ordinary 1933 hex receiver Russian. Fit and finish on the Finnish rifles is superb with improvements made to stock bedding etc for accurizing. If you have plans on replacing the stock etc, don't get a Finnish.

[wafisherman]

My dad grabbed me one a few years ago - likely from Big 5.  Spent a lot of time looking for one of the better 'quality' ones.  I've only fired it a few times and the recoil is nothing.  It is the longer, heavier version, so I guess that probably helps reduce recoil.  But even my kid shoots it like nothing (other than being heavy).  Only issue I have with min, besides needing to pick up a few clips for it, is the bolt can stick at times.  Maybe after more use, it will wear in better, but can be a wrestling match at the range to eject the casing after a shot.

[yakimarcher]

there are a few at cabelas in Yakima for 129, which is an outrageous price. You should see about a mauser 98, I think they're a little less expensive to sporterize but don't quote me on that.

[jeepster]

Oh, we all know the k98 is a far superior rifle.... No question about that... What about the yugo mausers? If I had the 5-600$ I'd order one from Mitchell's

But as yakimarcher said, 129 at cabelas.... For the mo nag...

I will have to do some research on what stamps are Suomi/Finn

[FC]

I will have to do some research on what stamps are Suomi/Finn

They are easy to find, just look for the Mosins that have price tags that starts with at least a 3 if not a 4 or even 5. 

[hillbilli]

the guys nailed most of the issues.. steel buttplate, crappy safety design, bolt handle gets in the way of scope mounting unless you change it, produced for 70 years in the days of corrosive ammo= lots of variation in accuracy and bore condition, sights are not easily adjusted if they arent 'on'. If the purpose is to have a basic beater, truck gun , or spare rifle, AND you can get it for 120$ or less.. then yes, they work and have plenty of power. Several guys mentioned the mausers- and yes they are better, but I dont think you'll find one anywhere near the Mosin's price range.. and if you end up spending 300$, then you will probably be better served with a savage or ruger American, or even a used .30-30..(better safety, scope mounting, accuracy, etc..)

[Jekemi]

Here's my Mosin. There are lots of aftermarket accessories for them. They sporterized pretty well. The only thing you have to worry about is the condition of the barrel. No way to know that unless you shoot it. Fun to work on and fun to shoot. Ammo is cheap and also easy to reload in case you want to go that route. Check into Rock Solid industries for great parts. Also a Timney trigger is a must because it has an integral safety and a very crisp trigger.

[lokidog]

Sweet rig there Jekemi.   

[mountainman]

First big buck, 300 yards, mosin nagant.1974!

[lokidog]

Nice, that gun cost what. $15 back then?