MOSIN-NAGANT M-38

Posted May 19, 2023

The Mosin-Nagant M-38 is a legendary rifle that has been around since the late 1800s in Russia. Although it has been around since then, it is still highly valued and sought after by collectors and shooters alike. For many collectors, these guns are quite valuable, but for the average shooter, the M-38 is an affordable rifle that can provide a great deal of fun at the shooting range, as well as provide a great deal of history and nostalgia.

At first glance, the M-38 looks like any other bolt action rifle. It is quite angular and has a classic look to it, but upon closer inspection one will notice some aspects that make this rifle quite unique. One of the most notable features of the M-38 is the three-piece bolt assembly. This was revolutionary for the time and allowed for simpler and easier manufacture. The other obvious feature of the M-38 is its 10-round internal magazine. This was quite revolutionary for the time as many other bolt action guns were limited to five rounds (usually) at most.

The Mosin-Nagant M-38 isn’t just an old rifle. It was, and still is, a capable firearm that can breathe life into the dimmest of shooting ranges and provide unparalleled enjoyment and satisfaction. First and foremost, the accuracy of the M-38 can’t be understated. This rifle is renowned for its accuracy and many shooters swear by it. When shooting at the range with this rifle, the accuracy can be quite impressive. This is obviously dependent on the quality of the ammunition being used, but in general the M-38 is a very accurate rifle.

The Mosin-Nagant M-38 is also known for its durability and toughness. Its all-steel construction (especially in its later iterations like the M-38) is ideal for long-term use, and will provide the shooter with a reliable rifle for years to come. As long as the rifle is properly maintained and not exposed to drastic temperatures, this rifle should provide the owner with decades of reliable service.

Perhaps the most appealing aspect about the Mosin-Nagant M-38 is its affordability. An original M-38 can be picked up for as little as a few hundred dollars. This is a classic rifle that is still highly sought after by collectors, so the prices will always remain low. Of course, the condition and type of rifle will affect the price, but generally speaking, an M-38 can be bought for very little money.

The Mosin-Nagant M-38 is a gun that can provide its owner with a great deal of satisfaction, fun and nostalgia. As a shooter, this rifle is accurate, powerful and reliable. As a collector, it is an affordable piece of history that can fill any niche in a collection. As a conversation starter, this rifle is iconic and well-known and its history and legacy will never die. The Mosin-Nagant M-38 is a classic rifle that will never go out of style, and anyone who is able to obtain one should count themselves lucky.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

The Mosin-Nagant M-38 is a reliable and durable rifle, which is perfect for rugged outdoor conditions and heavy use.

The M-38 has a short barrel, making it easy to maneuver and use in tight spaces.

The bolt system used on the M-38 is relatively simple to operate and understand.

The Mosin-Nagant M-38 is very affordable when compared to other military-style rifles.

Cons:

The M-38 is an old-style, heavy rifle, which can make it uncomfortable to carry over long distances.

The M-38 is not a very accurate weapon due to its design and lumpy barrel profile.

The M-38 has an internal magazine capacity of only five rounds, which is much less than other comparable models.

The bolt system on the M-38 can be difficult to operate if not kept lubricated and clean.

Who Should Buy

Anyone interested in collecting a piece of military history - or anyone who appreciates a classic rifle design - could potentially be a suitable owner for a Mosin-Nagant M-38. Primarily its collectors who purchase these rifles, as they are no longer in active service, so the general public should not buy them for their personal use. Additionally, due to the limited availability of replacement parts and accessories, it is strongly advised that novice gunsmiths and collectors do not purchase this weapon.

Comparisons

Product	Weight	Caliber	Length
MOSIN-NAGANT M-38	7.8kg	7.62mm	1,037mm
MOSIN-NAGANT M-44	4.1kg	7.62mm	943mm
Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk. 1	4.1kg	7.62mm	1,143mm
Vz. 58	3.1kg	7.62mm	960mm
SKS	3.9kg	7.62mm	847mm

Features / Specs

•Caliber: 7.62x54mmR

•Overall Length: 43.3 in

•Barrel Length: 20.5 in

•Weight: 8.6 lbs

•Feed Systems: 5 round internal magazine

•Type: Bolt action

•Sights: Leaf-type rear sight with adjustable elevation and front post sight

Popular Accessories

Carbines?

Bayonet – A bayonet is commonly used with a MOSIN-NAGANT M-38 Carbine as an additional defensive weapon.

Sling – A standard leather sling is usually attached to the MOSIN-NAGANT M-38 Carbine to carry it in the field.

Scopes – The MOSIN-NAGANT M-38 Carbine can be mounted with a number of scopes for short to medium range shooting.

Cleaning Kit – A complete cleaning kit is essential for upkeep of the MOSIN-NAGANT M-38 Carbine.

Tool Kit – A MOSIN-NAGANT M-38 Carbine comes with a small tool kit to help make adjustments and maintenance easier.

Accuracy

The MOSIN-NAGANT M-38 is known to be generally accurate. With proper upkeep and good ammo, it can consistently hit targets at around 200 yards, and with some luck, it may even hit targets at twice that range. It is a reliable and solid rifle of its day, and it has served its purpose in various wars in the past. As for its accuracy in combat, the MOSIN-NAGANT M-38 gave infantry soldiers an edge when shooting in close-quarters combat with little to no visibility. The gun was also known for its ease of use and speed of reloading, making it a great choice when fighting in close quarters.