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I admit to having only shot the surplus ammo, but since times are what they are and I'm looking at my 3rd layoff in 3 years, it'll just have to do for now. Still really pleased with the grouping. Having done some reading on these things, I have found that there is some deliberation on whether or not removing, folding, or shooting with the bayonet extended affects accuracy. Something about the bayonet dampening harmonics as the bullet passes through the barrel. I can't really see that I would be any more accurate with the bayonet (if it had one, like a 91/30). That kind of question probably never dawned on the designers/manufacturers/infantry. It shot, it shot straight, it shot reliably, and had a big pointy piece of steel on the end.

Here is a pic of the first target I shot with it. I guess the one shot was a little errant, but for iron sights at 30 yards, I'm not complaining....



I put another 60 rounds downrange today with much the same result. Definitely going to invest in a quality recoil pad......I did verify that the red circle is indeed 3 inches in diameter. Tried some shots today standing up and naturally wasn't quite as accurate, but still pretty darn good for an old bifocal wearer like me....

Probably not the best weapon for home defense, as the cycle rate on firing can be slow. I bought my Mossberg 500 for less than $200 used, and it came with both the 28"and 18" barrels, as well as the wood stock and the pistol grip to interchange as well. Very basic, very effective, very reliable. Larger capacity, easier to maneuver in tight areas, more rapid rate of fire, etc, etc..

I understand cost can be an issue for many, especially as I am looking at my 3rd layoff in 3 years to occur soon. That's one reason I went with the Mosin, although I admit the fun factor played a role as well. Surplus ammo is cheaper than my 9mm.

Have your buddy (and others) keep eyes open for a Mossberg would be my recommendation, and keep filling the penny jar with spare change to fund the purchase. Surprising how fast it adds up. 12ga shells aren't that expensive.

Best of luck!

Edit to add: Most Mosin Nagant rifles you will find are the 91/30 which is quite a bit longer than the carbine length ones, especially if the 20" bayonet is deployed.....

Just in case you want to see the rest of the bike...

Sounds like you hit the nail on the head, so to speak. I'll bet it's the point of cocking that is the point of resistance. It is definitely quite a bit of pressure to apply to push that mechanism back to cock it. If you pull the knob back by hand to cock it manually when working the bolt, its a bear to overcome the spring. The point of rotation when it cocks is the point of resistance, so I'll go with that and make sure all the bolt parts are clean, cosmoline free and properly lubricated. That should minimize the resistance.

Thanks!

G26ster,
There was another one in there with a composite stock that didn't fit well. I passed on that one. Much prefer the nice clean look of the wood, although a little heavy.

Big 54r,
It all seems pretty clean, but I'll certainly give your method a try. I really hate filing anything on any weapon. I did check without a round in the rifle, and it's only sticky when uncocked, whether loaded (after firing at the range), or unloaded. May be something to do with the pressure of the released firing mechanism.

G26ster,
Elm Fork isn't far away, off Luna and Spur 348. Exit Luna from 635 and head south. But since I am in Euless and we are so close, we can meet and go together. Nice outdoor facility. 100 yard rifle range, must have optics and shoot soft point, but in the tactical bay no optics are required and they have no problem with the FMJ surplus ammo for the Mosin. $15.00. I've been to Winchester a number of times and put several thousand holes in paper with my handguns there. Nice folks. Range safety officers at Elm Fork have been courteous and politely professional both times I have been there.

The salts in the surplus ammunition gunpowder make it corrosive. Most recommendations I have seen involve using windex or some other ammonia wash to neutralize the corrosives after shooting and prior to cleaning......

With regards to the bolt, I have found that it is somewhat difficult to cycle to the fully upright position after taking a shot. I'm going to do a little more investigation and may wind up doing a tiny bit of filing.

One thing to do as an absolute must is to get the $5.00 tool to measure the firing pin depth. There are two detents in the middle of the tool marked "75" and "95". The pin, when extended, should touch the smaller and clear the larger. I checked this prior to firing and found I had to adjust the pin. Easy to do.

Too short and the strike may not ignite the primer. Too long and it may puncture. Particularly bad since these old beasts have no gas porting and unless the bolt survives, it may wind up in your face or something quite dreadful like that.

I used a hand towel (don't tell the lovely bride) folded four times on my shoulder and still had a slight bruise after 40 rounds.

Really looking forward to another day at the range with it. Anyone want to join me? I had so much fun I only put 50 rounds downrange through the Beretta. The lovely bride, however, managed a hundred or so from my ancient .22 single shot rifle. She politely declined to give the Mosin a try.........

I'll get a picture of it up here soon......

I got mine at the gun store in Euless next to the police station/courthouse. Cabelas had a bunch of them on sales for $99.00 a couple of weeks ago, but they were the long ones (M38 ?) and I really wanted the carbine length. Noble Firearms on Cravens in Fort Worth also has a lot of them, most for about $129. Most of theirs are older, and he has a lot with hex receivers. Mine was made in 1948, so its comparatively new for a Mosin.

Well, I went and did it now.....bought a Mosin Nagant. $100. M44 Carbine length, no bayonet (if the zombie is that close, its too late....)

Took it apart, adjusted the firing pin depth (it was too deep into the primer) and took it out for a little fun at Elm Fork.

GREAT SHOOTER! Open sights on the tactical range with surplus ammo and my old eyes put every shot in a 3" center of Shoot-n-C target. Put up another target and the same thing happened! Must be the gun, because I'm not that good.......

Guy next to me with his 30-06 gave it a whirl and put his one shot in the bulls-eye. He offered me $200 on the spot. I told him he'd be better off just getting one for $100 like I did......

After 40 rounds I admit the steel butt plate can wear on your shoulder. Definitely.......Now for the $15.00 "fitted" 1" long rubber recoil pad to replace the plate, and I'm all set.....except maybe for a scope, long eye relief type......and some soft point ammo.......and a new sling......

AAAAAAaaaaaagh!!!!!

(Fortunately the price was right, and it is a truckload of fun!)