MOSIN CH MARKED

[berserks9]

Found a 1943 Tula with the CH(sniper) markings in a crate I had purchased.
It is not drilled for a scope mount or has any noticeable plugs in the
receiver.There is no telescopic sight serial number.Searching for information as to what the original intended use for the CH(sniper) marked rifles that did not have optics.I have a number of theories but I am unable to verify any through my search of the internet.

[Marcus von W.]

Ah, one of the famous and mysterious, sniper proofed and accepted but not drilled and tapped for a scope mount, "accuracy rifles".

These were purpose-made rifles, but what exactly that purpose was - and/or who exactly they were made for - isn't known.

Most likely the Soviet Mosin version of a U.S. National Match or other target version of the '03 Springfield. Perhaps as marksmanship/sniper training rifles, or for use in situations and environments (cold, wet, rough, all of the above) where a scope was not desirable or practical.

There is a lot of nonsense out there about these being excess or rejected snipers, or similar such b.s.....ignore it.

That small Tula star like marking below the serial number is rather unique - don't know what it stands for either, although similar markings do show up from time to time.

[Emdawg]

Well you don't see one of those everyday.

[berserks9]

@Marcus von W.
Very interesting information.

[berserks9]

How much would you think it is worth?
I had it listed for 160$ on the marketplace for a day
with a vague description but no local buyers.
-Matching numbers(including bayonet)Force match floor plate.
-Period correct stock
-Strong rifling
-Clean bright bore
-Non counter bore

[Marcus von W.]

I just sold my last one for $600 to a friend and fellow Mosin sniper collector. Of course, it was a 1938 Tula - one of 3 Finn captured examples known to exist.

In a world where ordinary run-of-the-mill refurbs are bumping the $200 mark, I would value it at significantly more than that.

Value would probably be in the same range as a '43 Tula ex-sniper....these aren't real rare, but are a little less common than an ex-sniper from the same year and arsenal. I don't think $250-$300 is out of line for someone who knows what it is and needs or wants one for their collection.

The stock is a 1942-43 Izhevsk item, and being from the same WW2 period as the rifle does add more value than a post-war refurb stock would.

Sadly there is sometimes a "fraud factor" that is attracted to these "cn", Hn", and "CH" marked accuracy rifles. Dishonest and unethical individuals sometimes will take one, convert it to sniper configuration, and attempt to pass it off as a real sniper. Which, other than the obvious criminality involved, is kind of sad because these rifles are very collectable and historical in their own right.

[Emdawg]

If you use some of what Marcus just said, I am sure you can find someone who will pay about $250 for it.

[berserks9]

Indeed that will help with selling the rifle and is much appreciated.

[durandal]

Keep it!

[Bobby Ricigliano]

How much would you think it is worth?
I had it listed for 160$ on the marketplace for a day
with a vague description but no local buyers.
-Matching numbers(including bayonet)Force match floor plate.
-Period correct stock
-Strong rifling
-Clean bright bore
-Non counter bore

I would call $160 for this fine rifle to be a flat no-brainer

[berserks9]

Besides Tula is there known rifles from Izhevsk?

[Emdawg]

As far as I know Tula has the only known examples. Izhevsk was making rifles throughout the entire war, while Tula had to move the location of its factory, so that probably affected what rifles they could produce. With a new factory that wasn't at full production I am sure the Soviet munition ministry had Tula focus on more refined models as Izhevsk was at full capacity to pump out as many standard issue rifles as they could.

Also, Tula marked their rifles as sniper rifles with the special markings. Izhevsk only marked them with the serial number from the scope and its mount. That is the only real way to tell if an Izhevsk is an ex-sniper. If it was made for a sniper, but was never fitted with a scope there is no way of telling.