I'm ready to start my milsurp collection, and what better rifle to start with than the Mosin-Nagant? Only thing is that I'm stuck on what to buy. I'm trying to decide between a regular Izhevsk round receiver or if I should spend a little more cash and get something a tad more collectible, such as a Tula hex receiver. What would you guys buy and why? Also can someone tell me some good places to buy a Mosin online? Thanks!
Buying a Mosin-Nagant...
- Thread starter tgtate
- Start date
Model12Win
Moderator
Yep, Classic Arms has M39 Finns. If you're building a Mosin collection, best start with that one because once those are gone, good luck finding them for that price.
dakota.potts
New member
I have a '43 Izzy which is about the highest produced and cheapest gun out there. I don't regret buying it, but if I had some more money and wanted a nice example of a Mosin, I probably would have gone with a Finn.
If you want something more collectible (basing this as a selection for collection- not choice as a shooter), keep your eyes open for an M91.
You need to educate yourself a bit here (no different than any other military surplus collectible) as there are a lot of "mixmasters" out there, and while that doesn't necessarily mean that it would be undesirable- any changes from original configuration (including subtleties like a stock that has been sanded) do affect value.
The M91/30 is one of the most prolific rifles ever produced, IMO the vast majority of them are not "collectible" simply due to the sheer numbers of them.
There are two sites you need to become familiar with:
7.62x54r.net
http://forums.gunboards.com/forumdisplay.php?3-The-Collector-s-Forum-Mosin-Nagant-HQ
Far as the M39's from Classic...
These are the same rifles that have been for sale for decades by Pat Burns, and before Classic purchased the remainder of the Burns collection they were available for less direct from Pat. Absolutely collectible, but the increase in cost (not value, IMO) is Classic's marketing glitz. Model 12 is certainly entitled to his opinion, mine is that milsurps in general have already entered "bubble" territory- and the belief he has, that prices will continue to increase exponentially- is what has been driving the herd mentality on this.
We'll know five, or ten, years from now who was right.
You need to educate yourself a bit here (no different than any other military surplus collectible) as there are a lot of "mixmasters" out there, and while that doesn't necessarily mean that it would be undesirable- any changes from original configuration (including subtleties like a stock that has been sanded) do affect value.
The M91/30 is one of the most prolific rifles ever produced, IMO the vast majority of them are not "collectible" simply due to the sheer numbers of them.
There are two sites you need to become familiar with:
7.62x54r.net
http://forums.gunboards.com/forumdisplay.php?3-The-Collector-s-Forum-Mosin-Nagant-HQ
Far as the M39's from Classic...
These are the same rifles that have been for sale for decades by Pat Burns, and before Classic purchased the remainder of the Burns collection they were available for less direct from Pat. Absolutely collectible, but the increase in cost (not value, IMO) is Classic's marketing glitz. Model 12 is certainly entitled to his opinion, mine is that milsurps in general have already entered "bubble" territory- and the belief he has, that prices will continue to increase exponentially- is what has been driving the herd mentality on this.
We'll know five, or ten, years from now who was right.
I believe the Finnish M91 has a better factory trigger than a M91/30. Gunbroker has both. May I suggest trying for a M91/30 PU sniper --- Though their are a lot of fakes out there. Try to get one with all matching numbers. I have a genuine Izzy 1943 PU sniper; though the scope is not a matching number --- Including two other Izzy M91/30's, and a Finnish M91with a VKT barrel. I've always longed for a Tula M91/30.
Model12Win
Moderator
My Finn M91 has an excellent trigger:
johnwilliamson062
Moderator
If you want something to shoot and have fun with and to study design changes over time, then get the cheapest one you can find.
If you want a collection that will gain value over time get the rarest best condition example you can find. They generally increase in value at much higher disproportional rates than the common variants. As long as they are in VG+ condition.
If you want a collection that will gain value over time get the rarest best condition example you can find. They generally increase in value at much higher disproportional rates than the common variants. As long as they are in VG+ condition.
Model12Win
Moderator
Or an Obretski!!
I buy weekly shooters, safe queens are not my thing. I saw some nice Century refurbished Ishy 91/30 a few years ago at my lgs for $180 and they were actually very nice. I grabbed one . stripped an refinished the wood, added a scout scope and I take my Ishy out to 600 YDS frequently. They are great shooters with handload.
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