With the possible exception of the Crimean War, there had been no major long war since the Age of Napoleon. However, a Mosin Nagant in decent shape can still be relatively accurate on dinner plate-sized targets to silhouette targets depending on range, ammo, and shooting conditions. The Russians attempts to seize Istanbul (Tsarsograd) were stymied, in part, by superior firepower from the Turks. The M27rv was the mounted forces version of the M27 rifle, with a cut-down stock to reduce the length of the rifle to a carabine. Year stamps are quite visible. Manufactured through a joint collaborative design by Capt. The years of production in the chart are from several different sources. Several companies also make scope mounts for pistol scopes that can be mounted to the rear sight of the Model 91/30 without drilling or tapping. The rifle itself became a symbol of unification during the battles of Operation Barbossa with the German invasion of Russia in 1941. It served quite prominently in the brutal urban battles on the Eastern Front, such as the Battle of Stalingrad, which made heroes of such snipers as Vasily Zaitsev, Lyudmila Pavlichenko, Ivan Sidorenko, and Roza Shanina. One more detail is the form of the interrupter, a specially designed part within the receiver, which helps prevent, Inclusion of a reinforcing bolt through the finger groove (due to the adoption of a 147-grain pointed '. The Mosin-Nagant: Russia's Other Legendary Service Rifle The front sight had a globe guard. Plus, the price of the rifle offers the best value, considering it is a historic and legendary rifle. The features loved by most buyers is its accuracy, cheap ammunition, aesthetics, price, and its contribution to history. This allowed infantrymen to engage targets accurately at increased ranges. Some details were borrowed from Nagant's design. Introduced earlier in 1932 with a turned-down bolt and scopes made in Germany. In essence, the M44 is an M38 with a slightly modified forearm and with a permanently mounted cruciform bayonet that folds to the right when it is not needed. The Finnish Mosin Nagant Rifle-Carbine Production Information It is not interchangeable with other Mosins. The Three Line Rifle, Model of 1891 (bore diameter, a 'line' equaling one tenth of an inch) is the official name. In Russia, the 91/30 was further simplified in 1935-36 by switching from the octagonal receiver (often called hex) to the round receivers. No matter whats wrong with it, if it still works, it aint broke! Proof of these adages is offered up in the trusty 1891 Mosin Nagant Rifle. The bolt and the receiver were modified. However, a two-piece bolt body for ease of maintenance and a specialized stripper clip proved to be proud national contributions. Originally, they were built with half-octagonal receivers known for some reason as hex receivers. Winston Churchill supposedly said that Russia is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.. Go with a hex rifle if at all possible. The Dragoon model was for the Dragoons (mounted infantry) of the Russian Army. Meanwhile, Carcanos and Arisakas were the pass overs of snooty collectors a decade or two ago. This M44 is in extremely good condition and comes with a bayonet attached to it. The name Mosin, much less Nagant, was never associated with it within Russia where it and successive models were labeled by their model or model year suffix. In 1882, Russia founded a commission to find a new design as well as consider models of other nations. Thus, affecting the handiness of the carbine. Where two or more sources conflict I have tried to use the one that in my It was supplied together with a model of the cartridge and bullet but without the primer and the smokeless powder. If you dont have one in your gun safe yet, you should strongly consider it. In addition, in 1938 a carbine version of the MosinNagant, the M38, was issued. The manufacturers mark is on the chamber or the stock. They required unhindered access through the Dardanelles to the Mediterranean. Inspecting the barrel is one of the most important parts of finding a decent Mosin Nagant. Due to the large surplus created by the Soviet small arms industry during World War II and the tendency of the former Soviet Union to retain and store large quantities of old but well-preserved surplus (long after other nations' militaries divested themselves of similar vintage materials), these rifles (mostly M1891/30 rifles and M1944 carbines) are inexpensive compared to other surplus arms of the same era. The M1891 clearly combined features, either by happenstance or discrete design, with its international competitors. At the start of the 20th century, it was experimenting with modernization while trying to maintain a feudalist society. Another explanation is perhaps the supplies of the most mass-produced bolt action service rifle in history are finally drying up. The stock is thicker and more robust than any other variant. Many of the New England Westinghouse and Remington MosinNagants were sold to private citizens in the United States before World War II through the office of the Director of Civilian Marksmanship, the predecessor to the federal government's current Civilian Marksmanship Program. [14], The Russo-Japanese War (19041905) was the rifle's first major conflict. However, in spite of the payment, Nagant attempted to use the situation for publicity, resulting in the name "MosinNagant" appearing in the Western press. During the Russian Civil War, infantry and dragoon versions were still in production, though in dramatically reduced numbers. Additionally, Russia ordered a strange hybrid from Winchester in the form of the 1895 Musket. Each model has its specific qualities and place in history. Elimination of the steel finger rest behind the trigger guard. By the time the war broke out in 1904, approximately 3.8 million had been built,[15] with over 1.5 million in the hands of the Russian cavalry and all of its reserves when hostilities commenced.[13][16]. This is not a guide to marks. The bulk of the orders remained in the US and when the Russian Revolution broke out the orders were either flat out canceled or defaulted. ? The rifle is positively accurate at 100 yards for a rifle of this caliber, size, and age. The idea was to issue the M38 to troops such as combat engineers, signal corps, and artillerymen, who could conceivably need to defend themselves from sudden enemy advances, but whose primary duties lay behind the front lines. It is an absolutely perfect rifle for casual shooters and militaria collectors. Collectors find the hex models more desirable as originals.. An undeniable advantage on the Russian Steppes. Nicole Krenze, *Competitive Shooter of the Week* In 1943, they forced them back at Operation Zitadelle. Mosin Nagant Serial Numbers - Thinline Weapons Developed from 1882 to 1891, it was used by the armed forces of the Russian Empire, the Soviet Union and various other states. Soviet manufacturing focused on the mass production of already proven firearms. Russia would then withdraw under concerted counterattacks. The Chinese employed an M38/M44 variant, the Type 53. Same thing happened with 1940 "Tula" M38's - they were not produced in Tula. Russian casualties in that conflict demanded a new rifle. The Mosin uses interchangeable bolt heads like the LeeEnfield. Daniel Squ, Brass-cased ammo generally outpaces steel in every, *Competitive Shooter of the Week* In spite of its age, it has been used in various conflicts around the world up to the present day. The Izhevsk Arsenal began production of the M44 in 1943, with 50,000 carbines built for combat testing. Albeit, with a few modifications borrowed from Nagants design. Now, have slowly crept up in price and demand as everything else has become priced out of reach. Add to that, an industry that could not adequately equip the waves of conscripted and undertrained soldiers. The Russians re-evaluated their rifle in terms of field use as well as industrial simplicity. The Soviet sense of pride and nationalism in WWII hinged on the greatness of its battle rifle. Planning to hit targets beyond 100 yards with your surplus rifle? : Nauka, 1988. Finland also employed the MosinNagant as a sniper rifle, with similar success with their own designs and captured Soviet rifles. It featured a hex receiver and a curved rear sight with adjustment markings. [citation needed]. It is one of the most mass-produced military bolt-action rifles in history, with over 37 million units produced since 1891. The weapon we're looking at here is no exception. Like the Mauser, the Mosin uses a blade ejector mounted in the receiver. In some ways, the astronomical prices of Garands, Mausers, and Enfields generated an increased demand for WWII-era pieces by younger collectors. This M38 was intended for behind the lines support troops, but with a common cartridge and training. John McClain, *Competitive Shooter of the Week* Finnish Mosin Nagant Rifles, A Brief Introduction Designed to meet or exceed contemporary cartridges. If you dont have one in your gun safe yet, you should strongly consider it. They remain active service in the Middle East and the Orient. Various weapons were acquired and tested by GAU of the Ministry of Defense of Russian Empire, and in 1889 the Lebel M1886 was obtained through semi-official channels from France. The rifle was widely used by all belligerents in the civil war. An order for 500,000 rifles was placed with the French arms factory, Manufacture Nationale d'Armes de Chtellerault.[10]. In 1889, three rifles were submitted for evaluation: Captain Sergei Ivanovich Mosin of the imperial army submitted his "3-line" caliber (.30 cal, 7.62 mm) rifle; Belgian designer Lon Nagant submitted a "3.5-line" (.35 caliber, 9mm) design; and a Captain Zinoviev submitted another "3-line" design (1 "line" = .mw-parser-output .frac{white-space:nowrap}.mw-parser-output .frac .num,.mw-parser-output .frac .den{font-size:80%;line-height:0;vertical-align:super}.mw-parser-output .frac .den{vertical-align:sub}.mw-parser-output .sr-only{border:0;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);height:1px;margin:-1px;overflow:hidden;padding:0;position:absolute;width:1px}110in or 2.54mm, thus 3 lines = 7.62mm). At least three versions were introduced. Mike has a passion for innovation and education across the industry to create great content, training, and insights from the best and brightest. Sergei Mosin and Leon Nagant, this rifle was a big upgrade for the Russian Army. Apart from the above mentioned models, there are other versions of the rifle. The original version of the gun is the M91 or M1891. [26] [27]. A large number of Obrez guns were manufactured in Russia (some in the US as well). These interesting cases are worth covering in a separate article, but this will be done later. - M . The main features are the flat rear sight design, and the inch gap from muzzle to the front sight. It was originally designed to replace the older single shot rifles then in use by the Russian army. This is especially true for Mosin Nagants. At this point the decision was made to rename the existing commission and call it Commission for creation of the small-bore rifle ( ), and to put on paper the final requirements for such a rifle. Production began in Lige, Belgium; however Russia purchased the manufacturing rights in 1898, and moved production to the Tula Arsenal in Russia, and was soon producing 20,000 examples per year. Apart from the above-mentioned models, the Finns experimented with some other variations of the rifle as well. There is a reason why so many countries adopt it and keep a few in reserve. The best chance of strengthening their army was to use already-held arms. The result was pockets of industry and modern conveniences in vast stretches of seemingly medieval culture. Date Low Serial High Serial Minimum Produced Maximum Produced Number of Serial Number Number by Year by Year Numbers in Database by Year 1942 500000 503934 3934 4009 ~106 1943 504009 509029 . A hooded post front sight, replacing the blade on previous weapons. Any major conflict among the recognized European powers (such as between Russia and Turkey) was kept in check from lasting long or spreading by a series of alliances designed to restore peace.