[PA Rifleman]

Originally Posted by muskrat24

I was wondering with the info I have can you tell me if my dad's M91/39 is fake or real.

That would be a 91/30, by the information you've listed elsewhere in your post.

Forging a 91/30 is analagous to forging a penny. It isn't worth the effort given the value and return. So, by fake I assume you ask whether it's a recent import, or a pre-1984 import (typically GI bringback from W.W.II, Korea or Viet Nam). Most Mosins are worth only about $100 in pristine condition, mostly due to the Russians and a succession of eastern European countries flooding the US market with them. There are probably more Mosins in the US now than anywhere else in the world. The next highest Mosin-possessing country is either China or Africa, where a popular pasttime in Somalia is pin-the-peasant-on the-bayonet.


The most common fakes are the more expensive 91/30 sniper rifles. With the proliferation of original and post-war scopes made to wartime specifications, the temptation has been a little too much for some. Unless your rifle has the PU scope, or the highly coveted PE telescopic sight, it is very likely the "real deal". See the link later in this post for more information on this subject.

Originally Posted by muskrat24

The top of the barrel near the loading breech has a square with branch looking things coming off of it and a symbol in the centrer. Then below that it reads 1941. Below that 3n382 and below that the Izhevsk triangle symbol.

Have you done a Google search under Mosin Nagant markings? If so, you've undoubtedly seen:
http://7.62x54r.net/MosinID/MosinMarks.htm
http://www.mosinnagant.net/USSR/mosi...t_markings.asp
http://www.surplusrifle.com/russianm...9130/index.asp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mosin-Nagant

Originally Posted by muskrat24

Then on the side of the writing it says M91/30 Russian 7.62x54r,

Model, country, ammunition size. Inscribed by the importer, and the most often omitted information by arms makers.

Originally Posted by muskrat24

under that C.A.I Georgia VT

Importer-Century Arms International

Originally Posted by muskrat24

and under that 9130031194.

US-assigned serial number. Note that it rarely matches the original serial number on the chamber. These last markings positively ID as a post-1984 import. Without any other information about the gun, no futher assessment can be done. A more detailed post, preferrably with pictures (example) would go along way.

Has the head space been checked, or test fired? What is the bore condition? Is the muzzle counterbored? Although extremely unlikely in your case, use extreme caution (better yet-don't fire it) if you find the name BANNERMAN or "30-06" in small print anywhere on it.

Here's a gift suggestion for Dad:
http://www.amazon.com/Mosin-Nagant-R.../dp/1882391217