[gun_nut_73]

Looks like I am going to have to be the one to rain on the parade.

According to my references, Sestroyetsk didn't begin making the M1891 rifles until 1892. Production ran from 1892 to 1918. That would place the tang somewhere between 1910 and 1918.

 

[gun_nut_73]

I checked production dates at: http://www.7.62x54r.net/MosinID/MosinProduction.htm

Also, Lapin's book does not list Sestroyetsk production numbers until 1893 (page 182 3rd edition)

 

[gun_nut_73]

Jleiper, I didn't say it was NOT an 1891. Just that it fell outside what my references showed. I hope it really IS an 1891 date. It would be a really unique rifle.