Why would anyone buy a mosin 91/30 for $175 when t53's are $130?

[Zet70]

Witnessed this at the last gun show. Cases of non numbers matching mosins selling for $175 and next to them are cases of numbers matching t53's for $130.

Before I get responses on quality, I own multiple examples of each mosin flavor and all are on the same field as far as quality.

Accuracy from the 91/30 is minutely better than the t53 so that isn't a valid argument.

Maybe it's just me, but I'd rather have a carbine with numbers matching than a 91/30 refurb with parts from 3 different guns.

Just thinking out loud. Trying to follow the logic of some individuals.

[esh21167]

I think just preference based on a couple factors. Some just want Russian and condition. Just about every 53 I've seen was really beat, where sometimes the 91/30's were better. But given the same condition, I'd probably opt for the Type 53. There's the length issue also. I don't own either, but personally prefer the carbine length. Others like the 91/30 length and might argue higher accuracy with the longer barrel. Any Mosin is probably a roll of the dice. Owners can chime in here, but I've heard and read about wide variation in accuracy among them.

[BB MBD]

I just paid $99 for a great 91/30. For 175 it's gotta be one shiny mosin. I think people buying mosins at that price at gunshow don't know much about mousins.


T53 will probably be more collectible, but the 91/30 will probably be more accurate.

[father-of-five]

I just saw the Type 53 for $99 too. Unfortunately, I'm a bit on the broke side right now. Maybe later.

[bob308]

if you try to understand the humin mind it will only make your head hurt. it could be so much internet hipe. the 91/30 is so good you only have to point it in the direction of the target and it will do the rest. the t53 are too much kick,noise, and muzzle flash to do any good shooting with.

[Lee-online]

Why do people buy Kimber/Colt 1911's when they can buy RIA for half the price?

People have their reasons, I collect mosins and don't have any interest in the Chinese variants.

Look on GB, Mosins can sell for $1000+ and people will pay whatever to get that special one.

[Metz]

Carbines are awfully loud. That was my personal justification for paying a little more for 91/30. I paid less than 175, but even at that price the rifle is still underappreciated.

[Rblakely]

Carbines are awfully loud. That was my personal justification for paying a little more for 91/30. I paid less than 175, but even at that price the rifle is still underappreciated.

I have a matching numbers 91/30 and love it (paid $160). That said I want both. I'm shopping for the carbine now.

[pacpiper]

I have yet to see a nice T53. I love mine but it is definitely the ugliest of my Mosin collection.

[Zet70]

I understand the coolness (sniper length), but I find my 91/30 to truly be a massive gun to travel with and carry for any amount of time.

Maybe I'm extremely lucky but I found my matching t53 with excellent bore and good stock easily. Easy enough to cleanup the wood if I feel the need to.

For collecting purposes I agree, a 91/30 is a relatively cheap addition. But for shooting the carbine is just tits. Nothing like that loud round and muzzle flash!