I have been looking at getting a 91/30 for a while. I want a accurate long range rifleand these are inexpensive. The local gun store has one for $119. The serial numbers on the bolt look like they were just engraved on by someone....? They match but are not stamped on, is this normal. Of course the guys working there don't seem to know mutch.... I was also told that you need to check the head spacing before you fire the gun. They looked at me kinda funny when I asked about it.... anyone have any input? Thanks!
Serial numbers & head spacing...
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The serial number on the bolt was EP'ed (electro-pencil). This is not uncommon on refurbished Mosins. From a collector's standpoint, EP'ed numbers aren't preferred but there isn't anything incorrect about them either. Refurbed is refurbed.
Chances are the head space is just fine, especially since the bolt number matches the serial number on the barrel. I check the headspace regardless, but I haven't found one out of spec yet, and many guys don't check them at all.
Beyond that, you can certainly find M91/30's for less than $119. Try to talk the shop down if you decide to go with rifle there. There are sponsers of this board that sell them for less, but you'll have to figure in shipping and transfer fees, if necessary.
Spend some time here, as well as http://7.62x54r.net/ and www.mosinnagant.net. There is a wealth of information on Mosins available between these 3 places.
Good luck on your purchase and welcome to Gunboards!
Chances are the head space is just fine, especially since the bolt number matches the serial number on the barrel. I check the headspace regardless, but I haven't found one out of spec yet, and many guys don't check them at all.
Beyond that, you can certainly find M91/30's for less than $119. Try to talk the shop down if you decide to go with rifle there. There are sponsers of this board that sell them for less, but you'll have to figure in shipping and transfer fees, if necessary.
Spend some time here, as well as http://7.62x54r.net/ and www.mosinnagant.net. There is a wealth of information on Mosins available between these 3 places.
Good luck on your purchase and welcome to Gunboards!
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413 Posts
I got a 91/30 (Izhevsk, and with the goodies) for $69.95 at Dunham's on Black Friday. I believe they are $79.95 normally.
tom
Around here we don't have any discount chains that carry Mosins like Dunham's, Big5, or Fleet Farm and $120 is a good price. There are dealer's at the local shows that ask $150 and more. Sometimes I pay it if there's something pretty unique about the rifle.
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603 Posts
$100, give or take 19 is fine for retail. If it looks clean and mechanically sound, get it, you won't regret it.
I got mine for $100 OTD at a gun show, without the accessories. It looked sound, even though the muzzle had a nearly solid "dust plug."
I didn't check the headspace. I just cleaned it up real good, visually inspected it the best I could, and gingerly fired it at the range. I was pleasantly surprised that it went BANG, not boom.
- as a funny aside, weeks later a different gunshow dealer heard that I didn't get the bayonet when I bought my Mosin. He reached under the table and gave me one. During our conversation about the joys of shooting the Mosin, he sold one to a young man that was listening to us.
I got mine for $100 OTD at a gun show, without the accessories. It looked sound, even though the muzzle had a nearly solid "dust plug."
I didn't check the headspace. I just cleaned it up real good, visually inspected it the best I could, and gingerly fired it at the range. I was pleasantly surprised that it went BANG, not boom.
- as a funny aside, weeks later a different gunshow dealer heard that I didn't get the bayonet when I bought my Mosin. He reached under the table and gave me one. During our conversation about the joys of shooting the Mosin, he sold one to a young man that was listening to us.
Ok, so why was it EDed? I have a M44 that's stamped... also I have yet to finish it so haven't checked head spacing on it either... what's the best way to do that? Wasn't it stamped when it was made? where did that go? Thanks for the help!
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They are $109 normally. $169 for lam stocks and $120 or so for hexs. Best sale on 9130s is $69, but now the more "usual" sale seems to be $84. They finally learned to put hexies on sale with the others... M44's are usually $129 and I think a little more for lam stocks. Sales between $79 and $84 are fairly common, but not as often as 9130s.
At least thats been my experince. I've often bought at full price and taken the recipet back in when they go on sale for the partial refund.
So I looked at the gun again today and it really looks like someone took a dinky engraver and wrote the serial # on the bolt, bottom of the floor plate and metal butt plate. on the left side of the stock it had been repaired... maybe it was a sniper? Also the SN is 9130107099 but MM5433 is what's EPed or engraved all over... any input?
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Most all were refurbished after WWII. then the various Eastern Block countries may have also refurbed them.
Basicaly they put them all in working order in new varnished stocks, reblued barrels, and stuff and put them in storage for when they might be needed.
Can anyone else explain this better. I'm failing miserably.
Basicaly they put them all in working order in new varnished stocks, reblued barrels, and stuff and put them in storage for when they might be needed.
Can anyone else explain this better. I'm failing miserably.
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