Russian Izhevsk M91/30 Mosin Nagant 7.62x54R Sniper Rifle C&R 1939
SOLD FOR: $730.01
WOA#: WY240223WT019
Make: Izhevsk Arsenal
Model: M91/30
Serial Number: Cyrillic letters ‘VT’ (BT) 2252
Year of Manufacture: 1939
Caliber: 7.62x54R
Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round magazine
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked with the Izhevsk marking along with “1939 / BT2252” with a multitude of proof marks. The bolt is also marked with the serial and proof marks, the scope mount is marked, “2252” The baseplate is marked “8417” with more proof marks. The barrel is marked “I.O. INC MONROE NC / M91/30 RUSSIA 7.62X54R”
Barrel Length: 29”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded post dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a u-notch sliding escalator attached to the barrel. The left side of the receiver has a PU style mount. Mounted to the rifle is a PU style scope. The glass is clear, the scope and mount show light wear and remain in Excellent condition for a C&R.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece wood stock has a straight grip, finger grooves, metal nose cap, cut out for the included cleaning rod, two barrel bands, two sling eyelets, through bolt, and a metal buttplate. The buttplate has wear to its finish at the heel. There is a plastic cheek riser on the buttstock comb. There are compression marks, scuffs, and scratches throughout the wood. The LOP measures 13.3” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is Black and the rifling is Worn. There is heavy erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 1/10.
Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950s.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are scuffs and scratches throughout the metal surfaces. The finish on the receiver is slightly thinning. The action and bolt show operational wear. The screw heads show moderate use. The markings are legible, though some of the smaller ones are on the blurry side. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: As previously stated, this rifle comes mounted with a PU scope. And a green canvas sling with dog collar leather attachments.
Our Assessment: The Mosin Nagant M91/30 was the primary service rifle of the Soviet Union through the 1930s and into the Second World War. The 91/30 featured a number of improvements over the M91. The hooded front sight enabled easier target acquisition and the rear sight was redesigned to use meters. The 91/30 and its later iterations would serve not only the Soviet Union but many other nations including Hungary, Romania, Finland, and China.
This is an example of a late pre-war Izhevsk made M91/30. The receiver is marked with the square “SA” mark showing that the rifle was in Finnish possession at some point. This is not a true PU sniper and is a post-war reproduction. The receiver is too early to be a PU sniper and it does not have the “C” stamp. The scope appears to be real though, as it has a 1960 arsenal refurbishment mark. The stock has some light damage along the side and on the buttstock. The metal retains some of its finish, with most of it being gone on the magazine. The bolt and receiver have matching serial numbers but the rest of the serialized parts do not. The bore has seen better days but with enough cleaning, there is enough rifling left that it should be an adequate shooter. While not a real 91/30 sniper, this is still a faithful reproduction and would fit into any Russian or Mosin collection. Please see our photos. -R.E.
