Finnish Mosin-Nagants

[Dreamer]

Since we seem to have a number of people who are knowledgeable about small arms I thought we might explore the Russian Mosin-Nagant along with the Finnish built versions. I've just picked up a pair of them and took the worst of the two down to the range after cleaning. Using surplus ammo it was remarkably accurate. The better one is a SAKO which I've not had a chance to sight in yet. Anyone care to comment ?

[Mac]

Land sakes, Dreamer, you chose an apt name for yourself. Focus !

<I’ve just picked up a …and took…> Ugh

<Worst> is the superlative of <bad>. When comparing two objects, use the comparative. <..the worse of the two...

What would your English teacher say ?

[Dreamer]

Sorry Mac: I didn't realize the thread might turn into an English lesson.

[stephen]

All my English profs got to criticize everyone else's work, then recede to an artificial environment where their authority was never challenged. Great gig, huh? What was I thinking?

Dreamer, do you have a 91/30? Or an M-44? Since you referred to accuracy but didn't mention extending the bayonet, I assume you have a 91/30. I have one but haven't shot it yet, so maybe you can help me. Does the 91/30's longer barrel and extra weight eliminate some of the kick I get from the 44? I've poured a ton of surplus ammo through mine but never any over the counter stuff... is there much of a difference?

[Dreamer]

Stephen:
The models I have are a "39" manufactured in 1941 and a 28/30 manufactured in 1938. The 91/30 is, I think, a Russian rifle.

[Dreamer]

Sorry; hit the wrong button by mistake. The longer heavier barrels do make for a more accurate rifle IF, and I do mean IF, the barrel is properly bedded or otherwise attached to a good stock. I've heard of cases where the 44 "carbine" being accurate at 100 yards, but never having the same level of accuracy as the longer barreled versions above that. The heavier barrel and stock do reduce some of the "kick". The first time out the 39 put a five round group in a two inch circle. I was pleasantly surprised.

[stephen]

Five rounds in two inches at what... 100 yards? I would think that very impressive. My SKS (granted, not a bolt action rifle and not nearly as accurate) gets 4.5" groups at 100 yards WITH the scope! Of course, that's with me shooting it too. Severe handicap.

Yes, the 91/30 was Russian, but I think the Hungarians manufactured some of them too. I hear it makes a good hunting/sniper rifle, and some pals told me I should scope it.

I don't have more than 50 rounds thru an M-44, but I found them very accurate at 100 yards. Of course, I couldn't shoot the ocean on a clear day until I figured out that the bayonet had to be extended. Duh.

[stephen]

Hey. That was my 500th post. I need a cheapie to put me over the top.

[Dreamer]

Hello all:
Yes, the range of the group was at 100 yards and that was only on one of those rare occasions when I didn't choke up on, flinch, or jerk the trigger; in short when for some reason totally unknown to me, I managed to hold the rifle steady. Most days I couldn't hit the ocean if I fell out of the boat. I finally got to try out the Sako built Mosin and it was dead on at a hundred yards even with surplus ammo. The Finnish built Mosins have a reputation for quality and accuracy over the Russian built versions and I have to admit that the reputation looks like it's well earned. There are some good sites covering these rifles. Also according to these the worlds top sniper, a man called Simo Hayha, used the Sako model without a scope. He is said to have complained that the scopes interfered with his aim !!

[leo]

Gentlemen:

Am I dreaming or did I really see a Mauser chambered for 8mm which was marked "Suomi" and was used by Finnish forces at some time. The weapon was not mine and I think I saw it a t the last gun show they had in Monroeville, PA.