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I was going to buy a cheap shooter this week. I have been eye balling a 91/30 mosin nagant for quite sometime and figured I would gift it to myself for christmas. Right before I ran out and bought one my father asks if I want one his. Apparently he bought it at big five nearly ten years ago for all of $40. It is a '43 model, and has not been refurbished in anyway either by an individual or arsenal. It has the tale tell poor machining marks from a world war II production rifle. The gun was obviously put together hastily in an effort to arm someone. The lands and grooves are very strong and everything function checks fine. There is no corrosion on the rifle to speak of. My only issue is that none of the serial numbers match on this rifle. Quite frankly I am fine with the appearance of rifle and its non matching #'s as I think it has more character in its rough state and a true piece of history. I just want a fun, inexpensive shooter. What if anything should I be worried about? And what is a good way to make sure this thing works safely? Am I being too paranoid about headspace and just go shoot it? Also it is missing the cleaning rod and I can't seem to find any place that sells one as a replacement. Thanks in advance.
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-There is a fine line between stupid and clever. -
I could be wrong on this but the fact that there are no matching numbers should point to a high probability of arsenal refurbishment. Someone else should chime in and correct me if Im wrong shortly.sigpic
ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ -
cleanign rod:
head space gauge:
all you need to worry about is headspace basically."If the American Left wanted to decrease interest in shooting, they should have the government make it mandatory like they do here in Switzerland. Nothing makes you not want to do something like when the government makes you do it."
"I'm over you." -Citadelgrad87
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If rearsenaled the numbers are normally force matched. The original number on the bolt will normally be ground off and a new number stamped or electropenciled on the bolt. The mag floor plate and butt plate would have new stamped numbers to match the bolt number. All numbers would be force matched to the serial number on the receiver. This is one of the ways that the Mosins were refurbed. That's not to say its the only way. Also the OP could check the stock to see if it has a stamp that is a square with a diagonal line through it. The square is about 1/2" on each side. That indicates a Ukraine arsenal refurb. I have a 1943 Izzy that was marked in this way. I also have an M38 that has all matching original numbers and was refurbed in the Ukraine. Go figure.
Suggest checking on 7.62x54r.net for more info on refurb marks, etc. Be careful there, no posts about modifications or owner refurbs allowed. Very strict. Read their rules if you are going to post on that forum.Comment
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I wouldnt worry too much about the numbers. also i have a cleaning rod i will sell you cheap...sigpic
Ruger KSR9 9mm
Remington 870 Wingmaster 16GaComment
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Make sure the bolt firing pin is adjusted properly . I think surplus rifle forum has an article on how to do this. Check headspace. FWIW ,every Mosin - nagant I've ever owned has been within spec.Comment
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Same heresigpic
Ruger KSR9 9mm
Remington 870 Wingmaster 16GaComment
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The rifle has no refurb markings on the stock or the action. It seems to cycle fine and function checks ok. I just need to get the firing pin protrusion gauge at the moment. This thing is abit rough but with a little work I am pretty confident it will be a great shooter. I think I am just super paranoid about this blowing up in my face sadly enough.
cryoguy: PM Sent.-There is a fine line between stupid and clever.Comment
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a pretty tough gun to blow up. I have five coming in this week. probably keeping two and "disposing" of the rest. all will probably be ww2 vintage"There's no way to rule innocent men. The only power any government has is the power to crack down on criminals. Well, when there aren't enough criminals one makes them. One declares so many things to be a crime that it becomes impossible for men to live without breaking laws" From Atlas Shrugged by Ayn RandComment
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"If the American Left wanted to decrease interest in shooting, they should have the government make it mandatory like they do here in Switzerland. Nothing makes you not want to do something like when the government makes you do it."
"I'm over you." -Citadelgrad87
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Last edited by Mssr. Eleganté; 01-21-2010, 1:32 PM.__________________
"Knowledge is power... For REAL!" - Jack AustinComment
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WHY NOT?
The danger of having a C&R, figured I would be able to pick 2 and "dispose" of the rest. The recent ones have been ww2 vintage, mostly Izzy, typical mosin bores, nice blue, rough machining, good wood. And of course they come with bayonet, pouches etc.
I electrically clean the bores, check headspace, add them to the armory.Last edited by coop44; 01-21-2010, 7:12 AM."There's no way to rule innocent men. The only power any government has is the power to crack down on criminals. Well, when there aren't enough criminals one makes them. One declares so many things to be a crime that it becomes impossible for men to live without breaking laws" From Atlas Shrugged by Ayn RandComment
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Maybe he is on a budget. Maybe that's all he has room for in the safe. Not everybody is made of money and can afford to buy Mosin-Nanants in the standard 12 pack.
They look sooo clean, looks like a lotta work!! Yes I am on a budget, almost bought a crate of 20 though, then common sense took overLast edited by coop44; 01-21-2010, 7:13 AM."There's no way to rule innocent men. The only power any government has is the power to crack down on criminals. Well, when there aren't enough criminals one makes them. One declares so many things to be a crime that it becomes impossible for men to live without breaking laws" From Atlas Shrugged by Ayn RandComment
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Don't worry about not having a cleaning rod, it's just for decoration anyhow, you should get a carbon fiber cleaning rod or aluminum... anything but steel!!NRA Life Member - CRPA Life Member - NRA Certified RSO - USN Veteran
I collect Military Arms and enjoy shooting in local matches. I also collect older Lever Actions, especially those chambered in odd/old cartridges. If you have a nice old Winchester or Marlin in 25-20, 32-40, 38-55, 40-60, 45-70, etc etc, please PM me and we can work out a deal.
Originally posted by TheExpertdoucheComment
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