MOSIN-NAGANT M91/30
Posted Jun 13, 2023
The Mosin-Nagant M91/30 rifle, originally designed in Russia in the late 19th century, is a military surplus rifle that has become increasingly popular among gun owners in the United States. This iconic rifle is often referred to as the “Acme of military surplus rifles,” for its remarkable reliability, accuracy, and overall performance. With prices ranging from around $200 to $400, the Mosin-Nagant is an excellent value, offering a great gun for an economical price.
The 5-round, internal magazine, Mosin-Nagant M91/30 is a bolt-action, military-style rifle chambered in 7.62x54r. The overall length of this rifle is 48 ½”, with a 29 ½” barrel, offering superior accuracy out to 500 yards and beyond. The sights are fairly rudimentary, consisting of a fixed rear leaf-style, and a hooded post front sight. Many shooters opt to install after-market scopes for longer range shooting.
The rifle is composed of all-steel construction, with a blued finish on all components. From the round-knob bolt handle, to the magazine floorplate and trigger guard, all parts exhibit excellent fit and finish. The original stocks were crafted from laminated wood and impressed with five different colors. Mosin-Nagants are typically equipped with either a side mount or top mount scope base/ring, and several companies offer a variety of scope mounts and rings for different rail configurations.
Generally, the Mosin-Nagant exhibits excellent craftsmanship. The action is smooth and tight, while the trigger offers a crisp, predictable pull weight of around 3-4 pounds. Many M91/30s have been newly refurbished at the original arsenal and are in perfect condition. The rifling is usually deep and crisp, which allows for better accuracy, especially with after-market scoping.
The ammunition utilized in the Mosin-Nagant is generally unavailable in North America, with the vast majority of it coming from Europe. 7.62x54r ammo is produced mainly in Communist Bloc countries such as Russia, Bulgaria, and Romania, as well as one Spanish manufacturer. Wolf Military Classic is the most popular production ammunition in the United States, with prices ranging from about $15 to $22 per cache of 20 rounds.
Many shooters opt to reload their own ammunition in order to maximize the quality of their shots and further reduce ammunition costs. Reloaders typically acquire blank-backed, brass-cased rounds from Wolf Military Classic, then add their own powder, primers, and projectiles. Reloaders must check chamber tolerances and pressures before loading, as there can be significant variation from rifle to rifle.
When it comes to practicing with the M91/30, most shooters have only positive reviews. The recoil of this firearm is moderate, yet manageable, allowing it to be fired with ease in target practice or hunting. Accuracy of the weapon is quite good, with shooters mentioning that most groups are consistent and under one minute of angle.
The Mosin-Nagant is also very durable and reliable, making it a great choice for field-use. Despite heavy use, the rifle maintains its accuracy and function long into its life. The entire platform is also relatively simple, with no sections requiring complex tools for disassembly or assembly. It can also be easily accessorized with slings, target scope rings, and other accessories.
Finally, the cost of ownership for Mosin-Nagants is low compared to other rifle platforms. Refurbished M91/30s are widely available and often come with all necessary accessories. With only minor customizations and maintenance, most shooters find that their M91/30s last for years with no major repairs required.
Overall, the Mosin-Nagant M91/30 is an excellent rifle for any gun enthusiast. It offers excellent accuracy and craftsmanship, relatively inexpensive ammunition, and is quite easy to maintain. A wide variety of after-market accessories are also available, allowing shooters to customize the platform to better meet their specific needs. As such, the Mosin-Nagant M91/30 is a great choice for anyone looking for a rifle with performance worthy of the Acme of military surplus rifles.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Affordable – The Mosin Nagant M91/30 is one of the most affordable rifles on the market, making it an attractive option for new shooters and those with a limited budget.
- Durable – The M91/30 has been used by Russian soldiers in both World War I and World War II, and has been proven to be a very reliable and long-lasting rifle.
- Easy to Maintain – The design of the M91/30 is relatively simple, making it easy to break down and clean without the need for special tools or skills.
Cons:
- Heavy – The M91/30 is very heavy, making it difficult to use and carry for an extended period of time.
- Slow – Compared to modern firearms, the M91/30 is quite slow to reload, making it more difficult to use in rapidly changing situations.
- Obsolete Technology – The outdated technology of the M91/30 limits its utility and accuracy compared to more modern firearms.
Who Should Buy
This rifle is ideal for anyone looking to purchase a World War II-era marvel for recreational use or collecting. It is suitable for hunters, target shooters, plinkers, and even occasional competitive shooting. Those who plan to use the rifle for actual military-style shooting competitions may wish to invest in a more modern rifle. It is also not suitable for individuals who plan to use the weapon in a military setting, as these rifles are outdated in terms of accuracy and reliability.
Comparisons
| MOSIN-NAGANT M91/30 | BERGARA B-14 RIDGE | STEYR PRO HUNTER | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Action | Bolt-Action | Bolt-Action | Bolt-Action |
| Caliber | 7.62x54R | 6.5 PRC | Various |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 Rounds | 3+1 Rounds | 4 Rounds |
| Stock | Hardwood | Woodland Camo Molded with Mini-Chassis Stock | Synthetic |
| Barrel Length | 28.7" | 24" | 24" |
| Finish | Blued | Matte Blued | Various |
| Capacity | 5+1 Rounds | 3+1 Rounds | 4 Rounds |
| Hand Orientation | Right Hand | Right Hand | Right Hand |
Features / Specs
• Bolt-action rifle
• 7.62x54mmR rimmed cartridge
• 5-round internal magazine
• 29.1 in (74 cm) barrel
• 48 in (122 cm) overall length
• 9.2 lbs (4.2 kg) weight (unloaded)
• Muskte-type adjustable/open rear sight
• Ladder-type front sight
Popular Accessories
Rifle
- Cleaning Kit
- Bayonet
- 3-9x40 Scope and Mount
- Trigger Lock
- Sling
- Ammo Links
- Monte Carlo Stock
- Rubber Butt Stock Pad
- Cleaning Rod
- Recoil Pad
Accuracy
The M91/30 is regarded as one of the most accurate military surplus rifles and is praised for its accuracy in long distance shooting. The M91/30 features a hooded front sight and a tangent rear sight that can be adjusted up to 1,000 meters. The 18.5-inch barrel includes a tight-bore design and a strong 7.62x54r cartridge that give it excellent accuracy at distances up to 500 yards. With careful maintenance and a good trigger, the M91/30 can easily achieve 2-inch groups at 100 yards and 4-inch groups at 200 yards.
