"Mosin-Nagant: The $100 .30-06" by Nutnfancy

For the $100 or so you can pay for a rack grade Mosin-Nagant, it is a superb centerfire rifle. Proven the world over in combat since the turn of the century (and before!) the venerable 91/30 Mosin-Nagant has won many fans for this amazing high value. Coupled with currently available and high quality 7.63mmx54R European surplus ammunition, the combination provides amazing levels of fun, utility, and training without putting you in the poor house. This ammo, usually a 147 gr LPS load in copper-washed steel cases with Berdan priming, is corrosive but it shot accurately and reliably in the 2 yrs of testing in TNP. Cleaning the rifle after corrosive ammo is simple and I recommend Hoppes #9 for the task. POUs on the Mosin include "fun gun," project gun, collectible, affordable WROL option, and hunting rifle...all discussed in the vid. With over 17.5 million Mosin-Nagants produced and the market having been flooded for decades with surplus rifles, most having been re-arsenaled and changed from their original forms, it is unlikely a run of the mill Mosin will gain in value. Therefore, as discussed, it's ok to modify certain plentiful versions for greater enjoyment. Two such rifles are shown and discussed in detail in the video. But I think most folks are wise to buy a Mosin and just keep in stock so as to preserve its ECONOMY. Running the Mosin 91/30 in tactical fashion as shown is a rush and will challenge your marksmanship skill. And the ability to master this somewhat crude but effective battle rifle will bring a sense of achievement and provide good insight on the rifle's use in battle. Don't expect to find modern bolt action amenities in the Mosin: the trigger is stiff, the sights do not adjust easily (and sometimes lack enough adjustment), and the bolt operation is rough, requiring a certain commitment to run it well. Make sure you work the bolt to its full limits to avoid a double feed too. Other ergonomics are acceptable but the short length of pull and the pretty much useless safety (pull, rotate cocking know ccw) are part of the 19th century battle rifle formula. In the many rounds fired, I found the three Mosins tested to be mostly reliable but rimlock issues arose at times despite the interrupter/ejector feature built into the gun. Load the roads with the rims staggering to the front to help avoid the issue. Recoil is but that just adds to the fun. Accuracy is excellent for the extreme value of the gun and its surplus ammo (approx. 21 cents/rd, maybe less). Expect around 2-3" 100 yd groupings with this ammo (shown), even with iron sights in a Mosin 91/30 in good condition. Some users report remarkable long range success with their Mosins when fitted with a scope. Weight and size are substantial in the full sized Mosins, around 8.7 to 9.5 lbs especially if you decide to run it with the usually included bayonet (?). But it balances nicely and comes to the shoulder quick enough. Some accessories for the Mosins are discussed with my favorites being the "S&H" brand optics mount (Brownells part #794-000-004, subject to change), Mojo sights (not shown), the Minnwax stock refinishing I performed, and of course in some instances a cool Duracoat job in Tactical Grey Green T6. Most Mosins will come with a bayonet, bolt tool (check firing pin protrusion should be between .75mm to .95mm), cleaning kit, and ammo pouch. Like many of its contemporaries, the Mosin carries its seldom-used cleaning rod within the stock. But I recommend thoughtfully planning any modifications and considering their cost carefully. Otherwise you can easily ruin the Mosin's keep selling point: its amazing high value. If SWAC are important or if you want better sighting options, a better trigger, smoother action, or more caliber options, perhaps a high value modern bolt gun would be a better option. But of course these will lack the intrigue and 2nd Kind of Cool of the Mosin-Nagant. Of the many variations of Mosin, the M44, M38, M28/30, and M39 Finnish versions would probably be my favorites for their higher exclusivity & more compact forms. Being so affordable, it's easy to become a Mosin collector and seeking out these many variations of receivers, stocks, sights, and markings. But the real joy for me lays in shooting the Mosins and shooting them a lot. Unlike most centerfire options, you will enjoy the high power the Mosin provides without that nagging feeling that your wallet is getting slammed with every shot.////////////////////////////Nutnfancy Likability Scale: Stock Mosin 91/30 from crate in good condition: 6 of 10, Nutnfancy modded DC/Millet red dot Mosin: 9 out of 10; Stock refinished as shown with Golden Oak stain: 9 out of 10...prices considered/////////////////////Music licensed to TNP from TNPr and talented artist www.youtube.com/eldudio