Mosin Nagant Model ???

[drhall762]

Took my new Mosin Nagant out today. I haven't done much research on it. I believe it is properly termed Model 38 but that may not be correct. I have also heard every story imaginable about why they came to be. No idea there either except cutting down Model 91s to make a carbine for the masses is the most colorful.

Any way, shot some Bulgarian heavy ball, 1955 era, and some Russian ball, 86 vintage. Shot both well at 100 yards though both printed about 2" left. The Bulgarian was low but the Russian was right on for elevation. Russian was tighter but it is also 31 years fresher.

This little carbine has the nicest trigger I have ever found on a Mosin Nagant. Typical take up but then very crisp break and virtually no overtravel.

Think I might try light ball next time as this thing is a little stout on its recoil.

For what it is worth, the numbers on the barrel, receiver, floor plate, bolt and butt plate all match.

Dave :sniper:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c51/drhall/SDC10296.jpg

[Buddymack]

From what I understand there is a 91/59 also and it is more of a cut down design.
I own a M38 like your saying as well as others, my favorite is the shorter rifle but I like them all.
I guess sooner or later I will get to owning the Finn ones too, they really did some nice mods to the Mosin when they captured them.

http://7.62x54r.net/

This site has about every piece of info you can use to ID your rifle

One would come in M44 "having the bayo cut out" stock, and one would have a more cut down appearance 91/59, which the 91/59 was said by some to be more accurate, it is kind of like a sporter.

[brewskzilla]

Yes, the shorter models have stouter recoil. Light ball may reduce this, but not by much, as the round, itself, is designed for a longer barrel. The bright side is that the M39 and the M44 both are louder, and have a much more obnoxious fireball for distracting the other shooters at the range. Add to that the fact that the M39 is lacking the extra front end weight of the bayonet, and you've got yourself a kicker... but a fun one. My only advice would be to wear a shooting pad on your shoulder. I shot my M44 wearing only a T-shirt once, and the whole front of my shoulder was black and blue the next day. Matching numbers is a good thing, as it enhances the collectability status of the rifle. By the way, that's a nice piece you got there. The wood looks brand new.

[drhall762]

Guess I should have paid more attention to the rest of the markings on the barrel. It is a Model 1891/59 from the Tula arsenal. The basic 91/30 date is 1942. Of course now that that is clear, the reason for cutting down Model 91/30s into this configuration still remains.

It was a really clean carbine and for a whopping $55.00 I couldn't pass it up.

And a thanks to Buddymack. That site is great. Lets me make another correction: all ammo was Russian, just 31 years apart.

Dave :sniper: