Know your Mosin

The term Mosin-Nagant rifle actually encompasses several particular rifle designs which have some important differences. For those of you interested in finding your own Mosin, you may want to first consider what your options are.
For this installment, I will only cover Russian variants. More to follow in the future.

Model 1891 (Russian M91)

"Grandpa"

The first model of the Mosin Nagant rifles and the Russian infantry rifle from 1891 to 1930. It's a whopping 51.5" long. They are most easily identified by their manufacturing date (1930 and earlier) as well as their hexagonal receiver. These are truly ancient rifles and are thus difficult to locate.

M91 Dragoon

The Dragoon and Cossack models are very similar to the original M91 design. They are 48 3/4" versions of the original Mosin rifle and were designed for the Russian mounted infantry and cavalry. The Cossack rifles in particular are designed to be used in conjunction with the bayonet.

Model 1891/30 (M91/30)

"Meat and potatoes"

Made famous in the movie Enemy at the Gates, the M91/30 is one of the most common of Mosin Nagant rifles. Russia produced these rifles from 1930 to 1945 as the standard infantry rifle of World War II. Often times, these rifles were modified to accept scopes to be used by Russian snipers. These rifles can be identified by their 48 1/2" length, rounded instead of hexagonal receiver, hooded front sight and date of manufacture. Standard M91/30 rifles typically sell for about $100; however, the scoped rifles usually command a much higher price.

Mosin Carbines (M38, M44, M59)

"Shorty"


There are three variety of Mosin Nagant carbines. The numbers designate the year which these rifles were adopted and were introduced into manufacture. They are quickly recognized by the classic Mosin design with a shortened barrel and stock. Measuring 40" in overall length, these are compact rifles that are easy to handle.

Here's how to tell the difference,

M38
The M38 is the earliest carbine variant which will likely be apparent by the date of manufacture. These rifles feature a shortened rear sight, a wider front sight and do not accept a bayonet.

M44
The next variant of the Mosin carbines is the M44. This rifle is nearly identical to the M38 with the exception of a folding bayonet fixed permanently on the right side.

M59
This rifle is actually a M91/30 that has been cut down. They are most easily recognizable by the length of the rear sight (which is the same as that of the M91/30 model)