Moisin-Nagant Question . . . again

W

WestWA Hunter

New member
This is probably a tired, old question but I will admit my ignorance concerning the answer.

I was recently given a Moisin-Nagan M91. I am not well-versed in the Russian arms (I do have experience with the SKS and MAK-90 back when they flooded the market). I can say that it appears to be in better-than-average condition (blueing is good, barrel is in very good shape, action is tight, all the numbers match, it's of Russian manufacture in 1942). So I have a two part question:

1. What kind of accuracy can I expect from this rifle if I do my part?

2. What kind of ballistics does the 7.62 x 54 exhibit (compared to a .308 or .30-06, for example)?

Any info is much appreciated.
 
Nagant

WestWAhunter:
I have the dimensional and balistic data on both cartridges, however, rather than load up the forum, if you will provide an email address I will send it to you.

HJN
 
So, is your MN a 91/30? (Round receiver, c. 29" bbl?) If so, and if it a nice bore, you should be able to get 3" groups fairly easily at 100 meters with the copper-washed Russian ammo that's so easily found on the market nowadays. Having said that, some of the Russians are quite accurate while others pretty much stink. Wide variance on trigger quality as well.

The Finns seem to be more accurate in general. A Finn M39 was rejected if it didn't shoot 3 rounds into 3 cm. at 100 m. And the Finn 28/30s are supposed to be more accurate still (on average). People compare the better Finn MNs to Swede Mausers in terms of accuracy.

Harley's set you up with ballistics info. One thing to note is that, while it's possible to load the .30-06 hotter than the 7.62x54R, EVERY round of the Russian surplus stuff you buy is hotter than EVERY round of GI .30-06 ball loaded. Or so I'm told.

Of course, the definitive place for all things Mosin Nagant is Tuco's: http://www.mosin-nagant.net/ Check it out!
 
I do not feel it is unreasonable to expect 2 1/2" to 3" 5 shot groups from a M91. This is using cheap surplus, which by the way is often marketed as non-corrosive, but dont believe it for a second. I have heard that either Winchester or Remington is soon to be producing 7.62x54R ammunition, that may yield better accuracy. I have had excellent results with Hungarian silvertip ammo...probably only gun show fodder if you are lucky, but if you find it..stock up. Chicom ammo sucks....

I also have the ballistics tables, and mostly the Russian ammo falls between .308 and .30-06 in ballistics. I say mostly because there are variations, and some large ones at that. One for instance is the Russian ShKAS aircraft machine gun variant of this round, which is loaded extremely hot and could damage your rifle...
 
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