Mosin Nagant

ak0prter

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Apr 12, 2010
187
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TX
Dose anyone know what kinda acuracy you can get with a mosin nagant? I have heard they are pretty decent, and don't expect anything like the new precision bolt guns. But I have a friend that really likes his and says he's impressed with it. I was thinking with an aftermarket stock it might be ok, any comments? I'm looking at getting one to play with, but if half the rounds do hit the target then I'll pass.

Thanks for any help, post pics if you have one please
 
Re: Mosin Nagant

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BTW- I own a very nice condition mosin 91/30 (the looooong one). It shoots very well with irons, and when the proper ammo is selected it is accurate enough that I could hunt with it. I prefer to use the 147gr cezch silver tip ammo, or 203gr soft point commercial loads made by Barnaul. Both of these perform far better than the east block surplus shit ammo, and that is really half the battle right there. It is a novelty act at best though, and this isn't a hunting site so if you want info on that you might try a different venue.

That said, it's not a platform known for outstanding accuracy, so you'll have to excuse some folks if they respond as if you'd been baiting them. It's just not exactly the type of rifle that tends to get "pimped" on this board. Take it for what it is: a neat old milsurp that has a lot of Russian history and communist blood soaked in it.
 
Re: Mosin Nagant

You should be able to shoot minute-of-grapefruit at 100 yards.

Not a one shot one kill squirrel rifle by any means, but you'd probably bag a fat rabbit at 100.


 
Re: Mosin Nagant

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dbsinh20</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You should be able to shoot minute-of-grapefruit at 100 yards.

Not a one shot one kill squirrel rifle by any means, but you'd probably bag a fat rabbit at 100.


</div></div>

I use hour of vodka as my accuracy meter when shooting a mosin, give someone a bottle of vodka and a very accurate rifle, and after X hours they'll shoot worse and worse groups. Then you can compare and figure out at what HOV your mosin shoots.
 
Re: Mosin Nagant

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sreid87</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Dose anyone know what kinda acuracy you can get with a mosin nagant? I have heard they are pretty decent, </div></div>

You heard wrong.

As for your signature, you missed the "b" in "golfball" the second time:

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sreid87</div><div class="ubbcode-body">"To hit a golfball 200 yards means nothing to me, to hit a golfall at 200 yards means everything to me "</div></div>
 
Re: Mosin Nagant

Speaking from experience, it's a great $90 toy. But a 2 3/4 slug from my $150 shotgun has a better chance of hitting that rabbit at 100 than a Mosin. And that's not saying much. If you get it, have fun with it. But if being accurate is fun, expect disappointment.

-Travis
 
Re: Mosin Nagant

I purchased a Mosin about two years ago. It's my favourite squirrel rifle. For some odd reason I'm better with it than I am with a shotgun. At 100 yards with open sights I usually get about 3" groups.
 
Re: Mosin Nagant

Well I guess I'm different. IF you get a barrel those puppies with shoot.

I hand load, Sierra .311 150 grn bullets and 44 grns of IMR 4895. It will shoot an honest 3 MOA, enough to clean the CMP GSM (Vintage military Rifle) 200 yard targets.

Most Mosins shoot high. Myth says its because they were designed to shoot with the bayonet attached. Can't have bayonets attached shooting CMP GSM Games. When I got mine it shot about 8 inches high. I don't like to hold over/under, I like my rifles sighted in for the targets I'm gonna shoot. BUT, to keep within the AS ISSUED CMP rules you can't replace the sights.

I did some playing around and figured you need to adjust the sights .0061 for every inch you need to move the sights at 100 yards.

I too the rear sight off my rifle, stuck it in the milling machine and milled .0488 (8 X .0061)off the bottom of the slider on ladder sight. Put it back on the rifle and now it shoots right on when set at the 100 mark, on the 200 mark its on at 200 yards 3 at 3, and 4 at 400 yards. I didn't go further then that because that as far as I can shoot in my back yard.

I fully believe those who say the Mosin can't shoot, hasn't taken the time to learn the rifle.

I'm a CMP-GSM Master Instructor, Ive seen a lot of Mosins fired at matches, they can be some dern good shooters while keeping them AS ISSUED if one works at it. I like shooting them offhand. That long barrel kind of dampens the movement.

As a side note, I just got a companion piece for my Mosin....a 1895 Nagant Revolver 7.62X38R. Hell I might enter a Multi Gun match with those two.
 
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Haha I like the min of grapefruit, but I seriously doubt I'll ever get one, I'll save my $100 for .308 ammo. Thanks for all the replies.
 
Re: Mosin Nagant

The 91/30 's are great rifles a little work on your part and most of them are real shooters. I floated the barrel in mine and if I do my part it will shoot sub MOA groups. The best part is shooting heavy ammo ( 196 gr and up ) they them kick like a mule and if you do it late in the day looks like Dragons Breath about a 6 to 8 foot fire ball. They aren't comp guns, ammo is cheap , lots of fun to shoot, everyone should have one.
 
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I have M91/30 and I love it. I use mine for plinking steel out to 200 yards. It's not sub moa accuracy, but for a WWII rifle it shoots great (especially when taking into consideration that I use cheap surplus ammo). Mine shoots a bit high but when you find the sweet spot it hits every time.
 
Re: Mosin Nagant

Hello,

The 91/30 was meant to be accurized a bit from the factory. This included shimming, and the Finns finally did it.

However, the Russians decided minute-of-Nazi was good enough.

The sights were even regulated to reflect this: They hit high at 100 meters, by about 8". Good for peasant conscripts who were told to aim at the belt buckle. This ensured a lethal hit with a .30-06 class caliber out to about 300 yards. (Measuring my rifle's elevation, I'd would have come back to PBR at about 350 yards).

NOW, that's half the battle: Good sights. I have good sights; I make 'em. My sight posts are .060" vs the stock .080", and they cover about 2" at 100 yards.

I regularly shoot 2" and under at 100 yards, and I am not good with iron sights. I've broken MOA a few times with handloads.

These rifles are much more accurate than people generally credit them, but not accurate in the sense that precision 'scoped rifle are accurate.

I am not yet shooting to my Mosin's capability. Optics help me shoot to my precision rifles' capabilities, but it's still a matter of your skills.

If I had to hit something hard out to 300 yards in battlefield or bad hunting conditions, I'd choose the Mosin-Nagant. It's suitably accurate for that range, can hold that accuracy out further than I can reliably see, and will pretty much flatten anything on the North American continent.

On the other hand, if I have to take a precision shot at a squirrel's eyeball through early-season canopy, I will choose a precision rifle with a 'scope every time.

PM inbound.

Regards,

Josh
 
Re: Mosin Nagant

The MN is an old milsurp, made by the millions. It wouldnt be fair to compare it to modern rifles with regard to accuracy. Do a little research and you can identify markings of a good MN.

If you are lucky to get a "ex-sniper", one denoted with a CN over the rearsenal mark, it should be a shooter.

I have several, and they can be massaged to shoot sub moa, just have to work the loads.

Out of the seven I own, I have two favorites. Both are 36 Tulas; one in hunting config, the other for longer range. Both shoot just under an 1" with handloads.

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Re: Mosin Nagant

With a good or more rarely found excellent bore, these will nail a man size target out to 800 meters. Been done before many many times. Those who compare a rifle designed in 1891 to a modern bolt gun, need to find another hobby.
 
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I still say its the operator. I believe most of these old war horses can be made to shoot if one was to take the time to learn how to shoot them

Tell you what. I'm a CMP GSM Master Instructor. If there is enough interest I'll put on a "CMP GSM Approved" clinic decated to the "as issued" Mosin 91/30. We can do this at my range where I have a milling machine if needed to get the sucker sighted in per the sight marks. You furnish your ammo, I wont charge for the clinic.

There is a techique for loading the stripper clips and working the bolt in rapid fire stages, it just takes a bit of practice. Rapid Fire with this rifle isn't nearly as hard as many seem to think.
 
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When I tell people to buy an M91/30, I tell them this:

For $250 you can purchase a WWII rifle, 500 rounds of ammunition, along with a bayonet, sling, and ammunition pouch, and this cheaper-than-all-get-out setup will allow you to hit man-sised silhouette targets out to 1000 yards. BUY ONE.

Also, if you do get an M91/30, an absolute must-have is the bent bolt. It turns an okay bolt into one of the smoothest bolt actions I've ever used, period. It's truly phenomenal how smooth an M91/30 action is if you have a bent bolt. I got mine bent for about $50, and it was worth every penny.
 
Re: Mosin Nagant

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bpnelson</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Also, if you do get an M91/30, an absolute must-have is the bent bolt. It turns an okay bolt into one of the smoothest bolt actions I've ever used, period. It's truly phenomenal how smooth an M91/30 action is if you have a bent bolt. I got mine bent for about $50, and it was worth every penny. </div></div>

Unless you're a lefty. In that case, leave it straight, and maybe lengthen it a bit. Polish the contact points between the cocking knob and bolt body.

It is nothing to then reach over and operate the bolt with your thumb.

Josh
 
Re: Mosin Nagant

I own a 1942 ex-sniper and found an original 1942 PU scope and numbers matching mount.

With that said, spend up a little for an ex-sniper. I don't know what the current prices are, but when I bought mine about 4 years ago it was about 100$ more for an ex sniper; the extra is worth it as it will already have a turned down bolt, good stock fitment, smoother trigger and will be more accurate than a non-sniper.

I haven't reloaded for it, but mean to when I start shooting out past 600 yards with it. With the small 3.5x optic, I can shoot sub MOA at 100 yards with the Hungarian copper washed light ball.

It shot like a scatter gun with the heavier ammunition and I am told that the 91/30s can be like 22LRs in liking a wide assortment of ammunition and completely HATING some of it, as did mine. Don't be discouraged if you take it out once and it shoots a 12 inch group at 100 yards, its more than likely the ammo - ask me how I found that out.

When shooting it, get ready to test your shoulder to stock placement as well as your cheek weld. If you lack in either, it will show with flashing red lights, a bruised cheek and you pointing the rifle 3 feet to the side after the shot. It's fun to let others at the range shoot it and watch for the impeding hilarity.
 
Re: Mosin Nagant

Most of these rifles will shoot well WITH correct reloaded ammunition. They got a bad reputation in USA for accuracy because ignorant assholes didnt do their homework and were shooting .308 calibre heads out of their rifles. The bore diameter on these rifles varies usually from .310 to .314. It is a wise idea to plug them to get exact diameter. I had a PU sniper copy that shot 1moa and I have a few super groups up on the wall where it shot 3/4 inch groups at 100m, Ive owned R700's that arent that accurate. This is not just my gun, I am aware of fellow club members here where I live with similar shooting MN rifles. Pick a rifle with a good throat and bore and reload some appropiate ammo and they will shoot.
p.s. The triggers vary on these rifles from rubbish to truely woeful, try putting in a hubber ball bearing trigger, helps the groups tighten up.
 
Re: Mosin Nagant

I will add this for the Op that if you plan of buying one to take a look at it youself look down that barrel matching serial numbers is a plus also.
 
Re: Mosin Nagant

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: winxp_man</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I will add this for the Op that if you plan of buying one to take a look at it youself look down that barrel matching serial numbers is a plus also. </div></div>

I looked long and hard at the assortment of Mosin Nagants at a local shop... to the point I went back to work smelling of cosmoline. There were two that I wanted; one was an older Remington make ($250), that looked like it was picked up off of the battlefield, and the other was a 1943 build (Ishevsk mfg) for $99. The 1943 made it home with me, as it looked like it was in excellent shape, and all of the numbers matched (Barrel; Bolt; Magazine & Butt plate)

I cannot speak of the accuracy, as I have only put two rounds through the rifle (slow starter). I will put it through some paces at the range, when I can tear myself away from work.

As to the remington model... I will look at it again, but if I get it, it will probably be a wall hangar.

Search xxDRAGON64xx on youtube, and you will see my video of the Mosin Nagant.
 
Re: Mosin Nagant

For what it's worth, I've got a Mosin X-sniper with original scope and mount...it shot about 5 moa with generic ball ammunition, but then it tightened up the groups significantly....couldn't figure it out. Then I noticed the stock clamps around the barrel had came loose. I locked them back down and the rifle went back to shooting like crap.
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Re: Mosin Nagant

The standard rifles can be decent shooters with handloads.If you want good accuracy get a Finnish M39,they are awesome.If you want the ultimate in MN accuracy get a Finnish M28/76 target rifle.I have two,one with .311 bore and one with .309 bore and both with sniper variant scope bases.The .311 one has done .435" at 100 with handloads.
 
Re: Mosin Nagant

I have always enjoyed browsing this forum, this odd topic kicked me in the butt to join. As a former Smith I like to see good info being put out and this forum is one of the ones that really tells it like it is.

I will agree with the other posters, that your lucky if your Mosin is minute of grapefruit.

I have a neat Mosin that superbly accurate but it IS the exception to the rule. The rifle had a mint bore, super tight headspace, and it was in great condition. So I decided to see what I could squeeze out of it. I Glass Bedded it, Recrowned the Barrel, Lapped the Bore, Extended and forged the Bolt Handle, Refinished the Stock, Reworked the Trigger, Drilled and Tapped the Receiver and Inleted the Stock for a PU Scope/Mount, and Threaded the Barrel for a YHM 7.62 Q.D. Sound Suppressor.

My gun with its favored milsurp groups around 3-4" @ 100 yards. With Privi it groups around 2-3". With Norma it groups right around 1 to 1.5"

I would say its worthless to do what I did to a Mosin, but I figured what the heck. Im sure a berrte trigger puller could yield better results.

My kids love to shoot it and everyone thinks its neat, but it is what it is.


Heres the videos and pics:

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jv9tVNFoOeE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRGC-tnRguc



 
Re: Mosin Nagant

Nice 1st post Chad !!! The rifle looks really nice. I might get over to a Big5 in my area and see if I find one with all matching numbers and most likely pick it up.
 
Re: Mosin Nagant

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: winxp_man</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Nice 1st post Chad !!! The rifle looks really nice. I might get over to a Big5 in my area and see if I find one with all matching numbers and most likely pick it up. </div></div>

I saw another one at our shop with the hex receiver, and it had matching numbers. The stock was rough but the price was only $109.00 I opted for a spam can of ammo at the time, but I may go back and get the hexed receiver rifle. Off topic, but this place also had one SVT40 that was in nice condition...$999.99 price tag - ouch!
 
Re: Mosin Nagant

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: winxp_man</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Nice 1st post Chad !!! The rifle looks really nice. I might get over to a Big5 in my area and see if I find one with all matching numbers and most likely pick it up. </div></div>

Thanks for the warm welcome and the compliments on my old Mosin.
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