Inferior to maybe an m40 or win70. I think that legendary sniper would agree that given the opportunity, he'd rather have one of those.
Right... which are much later designs of a "sniper" rifle... just like I would much prefer a Cheytac or M24 or SR25 today.
As someone else stated we are talking about collectors items, not shipping off for war in the trenches.
But even still if it was early 1900's and we were in the trenches.. I would feel fine with a MN in my hands, they were designed for that, and worked for it, simple yet effective.
Having a personal bias against Russia does not make what they use or make inferior. I am pretty sure our NASA boys are appreciative of the space station they let us use No? Sounds like you've seen Red Dawn one too many times.... they are doing a remake... but I hear it will be the North Koreans this time who invade!