welcome to the mosin club, im glad you've got a nice new mosin for yourself
things to start with on the mosin
caliber is a 7.6x54r. its cheap and easy to get
bayonets rarly fit as they were built to be put on and left on, remember the mosin was designed in the 1800's when most still had the bayonet black powder rifles.
using a dremmel you can fix this, but i just personally fit on a muzzle break as its easier and helps with muzzle rise
Now for first time mosin users i will give a rundown of some steps
1) take rifle apart and clean the cosmoline (the gunk found on these rifles to revent rust and such) using simple green or another non harmful cleaner.
2) after the rifle is apart and cleaned, look for rust damage, easy to remove with oil and elbow grease, and at most a high grit sand paper.
3) after its inspection and cleaning, reassemble the rifle , now focus on the barrel, using a cleaning rod/bore snake apply windex down barrel which will neutralize any remaining corrosive powder that is commonly used with the mosin nagant
4) after the windex has set for a while, use cleaning tool to then clean the barrel till its nice and clean. applying oil to metal parts to prevent rust (lightly)
5) apply grease to edges and points were bolt touches and slides, will increase smooth operation of the bolt
now your ready to go try it out.
after shooting cosmoline may leak out so the second cleaning is important to do while its still warm.
the only tips i can give you for shooting is as follows
1) applying a light colored model paint to the tip of the front sight will make it easier to spot targets.
2) a
recoil pad to replace the stock metal plate might be benificial, they are low cost and worth the money
there are plenty of stocks , scope mounting equipment out there to modify the mosin, if you want to keep it stock i understand its a poplar thing to do.
i personally like modifying my rifle to fit my shooting habits, so go with what works with you and have fun shooting!
my mosin currently
https://scontent-a-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/563983_10200475019230810_37448621_n.jpg
