Finally decided to get a Mosin

rotarymike · Mar 27, 2012

Well, finally decided that if I didn't get one now while they're relatively cheap I'd regret it. So I pulled the trigger on a Tula Hex receiver 91/30 with the goody package. Supposedly select and excellent condition; we'll see. Thought long and hard about the Chinese T53s I'm seeing out there (M44 clone) or a real M44 from scgunco, but I don't need a flamethrower

This makes my first departure from Mausers in terms of a bolt-gun. If I like it, I may try to get another (cheaper, round receiver) to sporterize for my F-I-L to take deer with on his land in NC. Couple of places had Russian Capture K98s in decent condition, which I would dearly love to have, but no $ (unless someone wants to trade for a Palmetto Arms lower with DPMS innards).

Still looking for parts guns/defective guns for inexpensive to practice smithing on, BTW.

PCShogun · Mar 27, 2012

The Mosin is a good rifle, especially for the money, but its not a Mauser. I have three Mosin's myself though.

The Mosin bolt will be the biggest disappointment. The trigger will be the second. Still, they are cheap, accurate guns when you get a good one.

Sticky bolt is the #1 complaint. You'll fire 3 to 5 rounds and then beat your hand to death trying to get the bolt to open. If this happens, let the gun cool, tap the case with a cleaning rod, and the bolt will open. To fix it, pull the bolt out, get an electric drill, a 20 gauge bore brush, a section of cleaning rod, a bottle of Hoppes#9 gun cleaner and some cleaning patches.

Put the cleaning rod section in the drill and chuck it down tight. Put the bore brush on the end. Drench the brush in the Hoppes and insert it into the breech of the rifle. Make sure you do not go up into the rifling and turn the drill on for about 30 seconds to scrub the breech interior. Re-wet the brush and do this a few more times. The clean normally. Your patches may come out green. This is tarnished copper and /or laquer buildup in the breech. This laquer is what glues the fired cases into the chamber making it nearly impossible to open.

You should notice you can shoot longer before things get stiff. If so, just repeat the process again. I had to do this about three times on one of mine before it smoothed out. The Russians were very fond of laquer coated steel cased ammo, and still are.

rotarymike · Mar 27, 2012

Good to know - I had heard of sticky bolt. I've seen Timney triggers for the Mosin, are they worth it? FWIW, I think the Russians use laquered steel ammo because they don't have a lot of copper or zinc to make brass.

As for Mausers, I've got a very nice M24/47 and a couple of receivers built into sporters, all of which are really accurate for 80+ year old guns. I decided it was time to move into the rest of the WWII collection... still kick myself for passing up a Finnish Mosin for cheap and a K31 when J&G had them for $200.

thebrasilian · Mar 27, 2012

Have 2 and love them both.

dhayden81 · Mar 27, 2012

After many months of passing on a Mosin, I finally bought one and took it to the range. I actually enjoyed it. Although I have a nice big bruise after about 50 rounds. This was my first surplus rifle and I love it, especially for $100. I really think I want a Mauser next, what should I look for in the Mauser?

Stan in SC · Mar 28, 2012

The Yugo 24/47 seems to be the best deal going in the past couple of years.They are very accurate and will not break the bank on the purchase price.

Stan in SC

bigfutz · Mar 28, 2012

You'll probably want to review this post regarding good deals on ammo for your Mosin:
http://www.palmettoshootersforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=3598

biganimal · Mar 29, 2012

I have several Nagants and I can assure you that "sticky bolt syndrome" will disappear when you start reloading your own ammo.
no lacquer=no sticking

rotarymike · Mar 30, 2012

Thanks all. I also have a M24/47 (from SCgunco at a show) and it is a tack driver. I think I would like to pick up a real German K98 at some point, but for a shooter the Yugo is very very nice. Mine had a new or almost new barrel. Reloading to CIP specs gives me a real feral-hog slayer...

rotarymike · Apr 7, 2012

Thanks to Darrell at SCGunCo for coming through - original source didn't have any hex 91/30s AT ALL regardless of the fact their ordering system showed plenty in inventory. Didn't even bother to call me - just got an automated email stating my order had been cancelled. I had to call to find out why.

So for a little more $, I had Darrell send me a 1935 Tula hex receiver 91/30 with accessories. Nice rifle, VERY good condition. Taking it apart to sweat out the last little bits of cosmoline, the action and barrel were very good condition even under the wood. No idea when I'm going to get out to Boggy Head again but this time I've got two shoulder-thumpers to play with.

Mike