That is a purdy rifle. I too wish I had found these a few years back.
I think the M39 is one of the most handsome versions of the Mosin Nagant.
I got an antique receiver (Tula 1897) Sk.Y built 1942 with match dated war stock. (Pre-1899 receiver = Antique and not a "firearm" under Federal Law. Which means you bypass the cost of having an FFL receive the firearm, and no background check necessary - please DO check all appropriate laws in your area, as the State you live in may have additional requirements.)
Mine was $269 delivered from gunsnammo.com. I think you spent a touch more and got a much better looker than what I have. I kind of wished I had spent $40 more, as that little amount seems to make a big difference.
This rifle shoots better than I do.
Getting a M39 surplus leather sling is not too hard to do, but expect to pay in the $40+ range for a good one. basically, any sling with the dog collars or "loops" which go through the rings will do fine. Having 2 ways to attach the sling is quite nice.
FAIR WARNING: These things are addictive. I now have a 1891/30 Izzy 1942 arsenal refurbished with all # matching.
Price ranges for Russians
1891/30 should be around $80+ shipping and FFL fees off the internet. Depending on quality level they should be under $150 at a store. Big 5 Sporting Goods and Cabela's stock them, and periodically put them on sale for $99... If you are lucky to have them in your area...
M44 are harder to find, and are presently not being sold on the internet stores. You could find on auction sites, but they have a premium. best bet to find one is Pawn shops or gun shows. I suggest no more than $200 for a beyond excellent one. $150ish is right for a VG-Excellent.
M38 are harder to find still, but could be found in M44 stocks after arsenal refurbish. No more than $250ish for an excellent version.
The average excellent M39 should be no more than $350 - unless it has uniqueness (such as specific markings, tiger striped wood stock, dates, antique receiver, unissued, etc.)
The M28/30 should be no more than $400ish - unless uniqueness.
These are rough experience for the Mid-Tennessee area and net pricing.
http://www.allans-armory.com/aa.php has M91/59 periodically (post WWII arsenal cut down of the 1891/30 model to a carbine size in 1959) around $250
empirearms.com will have Finnish M27, M28, M39 as well. Expect to pay a premium on the M27 and M28 ($400-500) the M39 start at $300 and go up. They do sometimes have antique receiver as well. Excellent reputation online. Kroh (owner) is known as a military surplus specialist.
gunboards.com is a great place to find additional info on mil surp rifles and has a busy buy/sell/trade section...
To clean the wood stock - Murphy's Oil - lightly on a 100% cotton cloth. Nothing else needed.
Note: First Picture attached is the Tang (Tula Production mark 97r = year 1897) Second is a side view.
