Need Quick Mosin Input

[emgee00]

Hello

My son who is about to turn 15 wants to buy a Mosin Nagant now that he has seen one at the rifle range. We know nothing about them but know that there is basically 3 sizes that I am aware of. He is looking for the short or mid sized model. Anyways, any quick comment of what to not get or what to specifically look out for? Your help will be much appreciated. Thanks, mg

[mauser98k]

there are many different sizes, variations and countries of manufacture. price will vary depending on what you want

i'd recommend looking at this site:

http://7.62x54r.net/

[RudyN]

Big 5 has 91/30s for sale right now for about $120.00. However, I agree with mauser98k and go the 7.62x54r site as they will have all the information you need. I have spent quite a bit of time there.

[cruddymutt]

Your going to get as many opinions as there are posters to this thread. I will offer my opinion, and thats all it is.
If your planning to get only one Mosin Nagant, I would recommend looking into the Finnish M39. It is longer than the carbines but shorter than the M91 and M91/30. Accuracy is normally much better although it is abit more money. Expect to spend $250-$350.
Again, just my opinion, take it as you will.

[Flyin Brian]

+1 on getting an M39, you won't regret it.

[SoCal Bob]

I agree that 7.62x54r.net is a great resource. The short versions are the carbines. The M38 is the carbine without a bayonet. The M44 is the carbine with the attached, folding bayonet. Search the "firearms for sale" section here to see what they are selling for.

When buying one you want to make sure the numbers on the receiver and bolt match, if they do then head space should not be an issue. It's great if the magazine plate and the butt plate also match, but it's not critical.

The bolt may have cosmoline inside and should probably be taken apart and cleaned. Youtube has a bunch of videos on how to clean them and then adjust the firing pin height, too low and no boom, too high and you may pierce the primers.

Google "cosmoline removal" and "Mosin sticky bolt" to see some other issues. Google "Mosin fireball" for fun.

The M38 & M44 are both Curio & Relics so they can be sold face to face in a person to person deal without going through an FFL.

Oh, and you're going to want to get a recoil pad, unless you normally wear a thick Russian military coat to the Range. I bought a Winchester Slip-On Recoil Pad: Small at Walmart for about $20, it was a great investment.

[C&Rtrader]

+2 on the M39. look for a Sako or a Tikka over the VKTs.

if your son is set on the shorter carbine length either the m38 or the m44... just depends if you want that bayonet or not. I hope he is a big 15 year old. The recoil is very sharp on those shorter rifles.

[Vlad 11]

For a starter Mosin i'd say just go to Big5 when they are on sale for $99 and grab a 91/30.
Easy , cheap and readily available to purchase.

[emgee00]

Thanks so far for all the input! I will check out the "other" site

[emgee00]

My son wants to stay away from the 91/30. He wants the shortest he can afford

[IrishPirate]

i scored a great 1939 Tula made 91/30 from Big 5 for $99. Probably going to grab an M44 from there too when they're $130 again. The carbines kick pretty good so either grab a muzzle brake, or hand him a bottle of vodka, a crate of ammo and tell him it's a test of manhood...if he can raise his arm over his head the next day, he's strong like bull!

[ChrisToad]

I got an M38 (shortest model) from Big5 for $139. I didn't really care about getting a Finish model that shoots better, I just wanted a short model cause it makes a HUGE fireball out the front.

[Stryfe76]

How does one under 18 go about owning a rifle. I bought an M44 for my son when he was 12 but I keep it with me and he only has access to it when we go to the range or if he is here visiting. I figure he can have it when he get's his own place but if she who shall not be named was more open to the idea would he be allowed to legally own the carbine before he turns 18?

[proudamerican831]

In case you don't know, long guns over 50 yo can be sold out right to someone over 18, no gun shop, no DROS and no tax. Keep your eyes open the the for sale section. You will have to buy it no matter what because of his age. The 44's are going for 35 to 75 dollars more than the 91/30.

http://www.jgsales.com/product_info.php/ammo-for-rifles/7-62x54r/p/7-62x54r-comm-bloc-light-ball-fmj-ammo%2C-steel-case%2C-440-rd-tins-/cPath/12_42/products_id/4431?osCsid=dbbc25853a6bf108675447e4245091f6

[Dirty506]

my mosin was my first rifle i got it at about 15 and i love it still shoots like a champ. glad it was my first rifle