Gun_crazy_JR said:
I want a gun that can take a beating. I also like simple guns.
Both describe the Mosin.
Is the mosin a reliable gun?
Very. They operate well in sub tropical to arctic environments.
Pretty much. Haven't had one out of spec yet. Generally, they are overbuilt and tough as nails
Generally 2-4 MOA. Bring a bore light and checke the bore. Some come with very good bores and shoot well.
Are they good for hunting?
Absolutely. Shot two hogs this year with the Barnaul 203-gr Sp ammo and they went right down.
Fairly, most gun shops will have new Wolf or Barnaul ammo, Mil-surp is plentiful. Czech 147-gr Silvertip is very good ammo, it is steel-core AP ammo, and some ranges don't allow it. Standard ball ammo is also available as is heavy ball.
And last what modal should I get?
I was looking at a Russian M91/30 Mosin Nagant for $75 is that a good deal.
From a gun shop? Check it out. If it's in good condition with a good bore, that's a good deal.
The 91/30s are long rifles. If you can stand a decent sized rifle, these are great, and you'll probably get your best accuracy from them. They also use a real mean 17" bayonet.
The M38s are a shorter rifle. Many call them carbines, but with their 20" barrels, they really are rifles, albeit shorter than the 91/30. It has no provision for a bayonet, as it was designed as a cavalry rifle.
The M44s are the same length as teh M38, but have a semi-permanently attached bayonet.
Most Mosins come with accessories including an oil bottle, ammo pouch, bayonet (for the 91/30s) firing pin gauge, cleaning rod handle.
The M91/30 and M44 were sighted in with bayonets fixed (extended in teh case of the M44) and will often not shoot to the sights if the bayonet is left off, or is not extended. They were also sighted in for 147-gr ammo, the heavier stuff will shoot high.
As for which model, it depends on you. If you want to hunt without a bayonet, or just don't like bayonets, choose the M38, they make cheap, effective truck guns, and you can hunt well with them. If you don't mind a bayonet, choose an M44. They are usually in better condition, and mine have suprisingly excellent triggers. The M91/30 is for those that like long rifles and are fine handling, steady rifles to shoot.
I really like all 3. An M38 rides as my truck gun, and impromptu hunting gun.
I prefer the M91/30 because I like long rifles. The M44. . .well, it handles great and brought home the bacon, twice this year.
A couple of caveats:
1.) This is a full-power battle rifle cartridge and it does kick with those emtla buttplates. This will not feel like a .22. I don't know what you're used to, but think .30-06 from a light rifle.
2.) The laquered steel cases can melt the laquer and make the bolt difficult to operate if you fire a lot fo rounds in succession. A lot of this is cured by taking a 20 ga brass brush, chucking it in a hand drill, and polishing out the chamber. Or just take it slower firing.
3.) They multiply. They're like Lays potato chips, you can't have just one.
You won't find a better rifle for the money. In fact, since they are so inexpensive, you'll probably end up doing what most people do and buy at least one copy of the three major models. If you want to start a nice rifle collection, collecting Mosins is the best avenue for those on a limited budget.
