Nagant

[accessbob]

If you have ANY intention of modifying an M38, I encourage you to think again. They are getting harder to find these days and are already one of the higher valued varients if left in original condition.

I got mine 6-7 years ago and it's already tripled in value.

"Sporterising" military rifles used to be an economical way to get a hunting rifle. Nowerdays it's really not much of a money saver, and you can get a rifle specifically built for that purpose for not much more investment.

If you're going to slip on a recoil pad and use it as-is, then go for it! I used mine for several seasons and it's a handy little carbine for carrying through the woods.

The only mods will be my recoil pad (it isn't slip on but just replaces the metal butt plate and I'll be keeping that) and perhaps a scope using the triple rail that mounts in place of the rear sight, and the rear sight would be retained to be able to be replaced. But that's not even a sure thing that I will do, may not even add the scope. Other than that, it is going to remain as is. I had the chance to go with either an M44 or M38 and went with the M38 as it didn't have the fold out bayonet, and therefore was lighter. My 91/30 could have used a recoil pad but for the limited time I had it I just used a folded up towel over my shoulder.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[accessbob]

I'm picking up my M38 tonight (YAY!!!!)

Didn't work out as planned. I went in, paid for it, and then the background check came back with a DELAY dagnabit.



The first one I've had to deal with in 9 purchases. I was so excited to pick it up and then had a huge letdown. Well, hopefully I'll get a call soon telling me I can come pick it up, but not holding my breath.

[Fausty]

i get delayed every time.

[BamaT]

Are delays becoming more common? I've only bought one gun in last 12 months, about 6 months ago, a Tula 91-30 Mosin, and I walked out the door with gun in maybe 10 minutes.

[Gbboykin]

What's the FBI thing i've heard of, UPIN? I think. Anybody know anything about that? supposedly it helps with purchasing firearms without delay.

[CaptSmith]

Son-in-law has a Nagant for HD...he keeps the bayonet handy...the thing is medeval with the bayonet affixed...but it is ruff junk compared to a German or Yugo or CZ mauser...or any other manufactured combat or hunting arm from the 20th or 21st century.................Chechako..bring enough gun

[Alex_C]

Son-in-law has a Nagant for HD...he keeps the bayonet handy

A bolt-action that is almost 6 feet long (with bayonet) probably isn't the best thing for HD...

[accessbob]

A bolt-action that is almost 6 feet long (with bayonet) probably isn't the best thing for HD...

Maybe as a club. LOL

Sent from my LG Optimus Elite using Tapatalk 2

[ANGLICO]

Concerning the ATI stocks - if you go folding, I've had some issues with the common adaptors stripping easily (cross treading). My opinion is that they are using a lesser grade of Alum to make it.

However, ATI customer service is very good and works through these issues with you.

[violinjim]

Buy it, shoot it. Then figure what you need. I have one completely stock (for nostalgic reasons, my great-grandfather carried one in the Baltic Wars) I find my 30.06 with it's thick rubber butt pad kicks worse that the Moison. The iron sights are 200 yards easily, if your eyesight is up to it. And yes, with the bayonet on it, she's 5 ft in length and seriously awesome.
Jim

[accessbob]

Picked up my M38 today. All matching Serial numbers, good bore, except it has been counterbored. It is a 1943 (at least the 3 is what I made it out to be under a bright light and a magnifying glass) and it is in an M44 stock, which is not uncommon. Now I just have to make a trip to the range to test it out. Won't be able to do that for a while though.

[bmcgilvray]

Leave the Mosin Nagant alone. That's only one opinion but I agree with others posting above. It'd be like pouring funds down a rathole unless you're simply enjoying the hobby of sporterizing the Russian rifle for its own sake. If that's so then you need no justification and it becomes a labor of love.

I have a 91/30 around here and it's a hoot to shoot at long distance targets. The rifle is powerful and effective. It is not one of the speediest bolt action repeaters. The design doesn't lend itself well to convenient manipulation for follow-up shots. Repeat shots are relatively awkward compared to other bolt action designs. While any of several scope mounting schemes will do, it'd not be the most satisfactory rifle one could scope up.

I've taken several deer up to 200 yards with open-sighted rifles. The longest shot was a bit over 200 yards, taken from rested position on a rolled up coat, across the hood of a '69 Ford pickup. An unaltered Krag Jorgensen rifle in .30-40 was used to poke a 220 grain round nose bullet through both shoulders of a doe on this occasion. Sufficiently flat-shooting and effective the .30-40 proved to be and the 7.62X54R could be considered to be more powerful than the .30-40.

I've been considering taking the 91/30 out on our old place for a deer hunt in a spot where one can't see more than 200 yards and most shots offered would be half that distance. The rifle was a gift and it'd be cool to tell the giver that it put meat on the table.

[9mmhpfan]

I also agree with the leave it as is crowd, remorse kicks in about one uh-oh second after your done. If I were going to spend $350.00 for a rifle personally I would get a lever action 30-30 and call it a day. However if you do take the Mosin Nagant hunting attach the bayonet and you maybe over come with the urge to charge the deer. Just pretend it is wearing field gray and wearing a coal bucket helmet.

[jackson85746]

Fix bayonets.......200 yards for a Mosin is just out of bayonet range. LOL