Mosin Nagant buying tips?

[BerksCountyDave]

I stopped into my local gun shop on the way home from the range today, and while I was walking around I saw two Mosin Nagants on the used rack for under $200. I handled them both, and I think I want one. I'd like to start a collection of older historical guns, staring with a Nagant and a Garand. Now, what do I look for on a Nagant to make sure it's worth buying? How do I tell if I'm getting a good price?

Also, what ammo is recommended for use in these guns?

Thanks
Dave

[LastManOut]

91/30's were going for about $99 for run of the mill good shooters with accessories and sling. The 44's and 38's were a bit more.

7.62x54R "spam cans" were going about $80 for 440 round cans of mil-surp.

Check here for decent prices or support your local dealer with knowlege about pricing. http://www.jgsales.com/

[nattcmars]

i would look for something that isn't counter bored. They drilled out the rifling close to the muzzle to help accuracy on a worn barrel. look for one with rifling that goes all the way to the crown and do the bullet test. Inspect the bore, look for pitting, frosting, and wear. If a dealer wont let you remove the bolt to look, i wont buy from them. Also check out gunsnammo.com he sells finn m39's which are just pimped out nagants that are antique that ship directly to your door. These are the most accurate nagants and prized by collectors.

[QuakertownRich]

PM sent.....

[MTechnik]

If you're looking to spend that kinda cash on a Mosin, call Family Firearms and Finishes. Basically, he is located near century arms. You tell him you want a hand-select from whatever gun you are looking for that century has. You then talk to him about what kind of finish you want on the gun, and pay him to clean it up.

The result is you get an AWESOME mosin for about $150-170.

Here is his forum on surplus rifle forum - http://www.surplusrifleforum.com/viewforum.php?f=88 - and his site (which is really quite useless) - http://www.familyfirearmsandfinishes.com/

If I were looking to get a Mosin, and spend $200 on it, that'd be where I'd go.

[Travis Bickle]

Have you checked out Enck's Gun Barn in Newmanstown? It's probably not more than 30 minutes from you, and he normally has several Mosins in stock @ reasonable prices ($90. to $125.) He also stocks several flavors of 7.62X54R ammo.

[ShortRound45]

Dunham's Sporting Goods still sells a basic 91/30 for $80..and occaisionally they dip the price to $70. There is one in Carlisle...

[Guy Fawkes]

And for information on any Mosin, check out this site, usually you want the serial numbers to match, bolt, receiver, magazine and butt plate.

http://www.7.62x54r.net/

[PA Rifleman]

...Now, what do I look for on a Nagant to make sure it's worth buying? How do I tell if I'm getting a good price?

Also, what ammo is recommended for use in these guns?
...

Headspace:
http://www.switchbarrel.com/Head.htm
http://forum.pafoa.org/rifles-42/152...tml#post188223
http://forum.pafoa.org/rifles-42/703...lus-rifle.html
http://groups.google.com/groups?as_q...=2007&safe=off

• I avoid counterbored muzzles and rifles with mixed numbers, although I won't disallow a rifle with a mismatched floorplate.
• Check the bore, should be shiny and crisp.
• Wood should be undamaged and be evenly finished without scratches
• No loose/missing/damaged parts
• Trigger-should be smooth and have a sharp, crisp release
• Front sight shouldn't be drifted too far off center, may indicate a barrel problem otherwise
• Must pass headspace, or I don't don't buy. I don't bend on this one.

If it doesn't pass this general test above, either pass or ask for a lower price. Don't expect to pay under $50-$75, though. Mosins have been a bargain for years, and the price will eventually rise.