[HawkI]

I've been eyeing the Mosin-Nagant series... they're cheap and built very well so I've heard. I have narrowed my choices down to the M44 and the 91/30. I'm leaning towards the 91/30 with the Russian PU scope. I have heard many mixed arguments between the two rifles, such as the 91/30 is crudely made or the M44 isn't as accurate.

I'd like the bottom line on the cream of the crop as far as the Mosin-Nagant series is concerned. I'll be using the rifle at the range for recreation. Does anyone have a favorite they can suggest?

[davemccarthy707]

Get yourself a Polish M44. They have chrome lined barrels and are tack drivers.The bluing is really deep and the overall quality is excellent. Much better than any other Nagant I have handled. You can recognize them by the factory stamp on the top of the receiver. It is an 11 in an oval. They usually cost about 2-300 for an unfired version. I borrowed mine to a friend and he took a caribou at 500 yards with it.

I sighted in the scope and could do a cloverleaf at 100 yards with it no problem. Mine had a side mounted weaver scope. I gave it to my uncle as a gift. He loves it.

[Shihan]

Why limit yourself, they are inexpensive enough, get both and then you can decide. Once you have one, it will quickly become more.

[HawkI]

Originally Posted by Shihan

Why limit yourself, they are inexpensive enough, get both and then you can decide. Once you have one, it will quickly become more.

that's a good point. The only problem with that is that I also have my eyes on a Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk1, Saiga 7.62x39, Mossberg 500 8-shot, and a 40 caliber Bersa Thunder... Yes, my wishlist is long and my wallet is already light hehe. I'm hoping to raise around $1000 and do some shopping this summer. Wish me luck...

[CA357]

I have had two, a 91/59 and an M38. I prefer the handiness of the shorter models although they do have a touch more recoil. Of your two choices, I chose the M44. But I don't care for the added weight and encumbrance of the bayonet.

[HawkI]

Well with the poll results and replies I've gotten, I'm leaning towards the 91/30, although I'm not completely convinced yet. Anything else I should know? How about scopes for the rifles?

[surgicaltech]

Here's why I picked the 91/30.

[HawkI]

How difficult would it be to find the sniper variant of the 91/30 (with Russian PU scope)?

[surgicaltech]

Originally Posted by HawkI

How difficult would it be to find the sniper variant of the 91/30 (with Russian PU scope)?

Mine's a 1943 Izzy ex-sniper. The guy at the gun shop told me that they are getting harder to find because they are picking the ex-sniper models before they are even shipped to the gun store. I got lucky with mine.

[Bigdog57]

Simple.....
If you want a piece of WWII History, get the M91/30. Pick it out by hand if possible - quality varies as with any antique. Pre-WWII dates will have best fit & finish.
If you want a handy shooter, get the M44. For best quality, pay the extra for the post-WWII dated 'unissued' carbine. I use mine for deer hunting - works plenty fine in our Florida piney woods. Distances rarely exceed 80 yards. I have shot two inch groups at 100 yards with good ammo. Mine prefers the Heavy Ball, and my 180 grain SP handloads.
With my fifty-three year old eyes, accuracy runs about the same for the rifles and carbines.
So far I have six Mosins of various makes and models. They are like Lays tater chips - you can't have just one!