WWII Tula Arsenal Mosin Nagant 91/30 Sniper 7.62x54R Bolt-Action Rifle C&R

SOLD FOR: $1475

LSB#: 211019JB02

Make: Tula Arsenal

Model: Mosin Nagant Model 1891/30, Snayperskaya (Sniper)

Serial#: Original Cyrillic Serial Number is YeM705, Importer serial number is 5413

Year of Manufacture: 1943, C&R

Caliber: 7.62x54mmR

Action Type: Bolt-Action Rifle with Fixed Magazine

Markings: The top of the receiver features the importer’s serial number “5413”. The right side of the receiver has modern Tula proof marks which are in cyrillic including the Tula logo, “GIS” on the receiver and barrel shank which indicate the rifle passed tests at a Russian state facility and “12” which was the year the tests were conducted. The rifle is also marked “MADE IN RUSSIA”. The remaining markings are all in Cyrillic and have been romanized. The barrel shank features a small “K”, faded mark (possibly a Cyrillic “S”), the Tula logo (star with an arrow inside), “P” in a box which indicates post-WWII refurbishment, a faded serial number of the left side of the barrel shank, “1943” which is the year of manufacture, the serial number “YeM705” and a box with an x shaped mark which indicates the rifle was refurbished at Arsenal No. 2 which was located in Kiev. The left side of the receiver features the Soviet serial number “YeM705”. The left side of the scope’s mount is marked with the scope’s serial number “43849” and the rifle’s “YeM705” which were applied with an electric pencil. The scope’s base is marked with an “A”, “P” in a circle and some faded markings. The scope is marked with a star atop a hammer and sickle which is above a semicircle, “91/30”, the serial number “B-43849” and the Kiev Arsenal No. 2 refurbishment proof next to the letter “L.”  The scope also has a “21” and “5” marked near the adjustment notches. The right side of the receiver near the bolt is marked with a “P” inside a circle which was a black powder proof before WWII and has some faded markings. The bolt has the longer handle distinct to Snayperskaya variants of the M91/30 and is marked “YeM705”, has a Tula star marked safety and there are a number of Tula proof including a modern Russian proof ‘GIS” which indicates the rifle was tested at a Russian state test station and was authorized for export. The rear barrel band and its spring have izhevsk proofs but the front one’s markings are not visible. The bottom of the magazine has Izhevsk proofs, the serial number “YeM705” and a crossed out serial number “RP2107”. The top of the buttplate has a faded marking and the serial number ‘YeM705”. There are several markings on the stock. The left side of the forend is marked “57” twice and has some faded marks. The right side of the butt has some faded marks and an “M” in a diamond. The right side of the butt is marked with a “Yu” inside a circle, a faded Izhevsk proof, the right side of the forend is marked with a “S / 13” near the wrist which is a marking from Arsenal No. 2 which was located in  Kiev, several faded marks, an 8 near the the through bolt, “57” and a “Ya”. The comb is marked “Sh”.

Barrel Length: 29”

Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a dovetailed post on a ramp with a protective hood. There is also a tangent leaf rear sight with a “U”-notch which is graduated in 100s of meters from 1-20, inclusive. There is an attached PU scope which is mounted on two scope rings which are screw-set to a base that is screwed to the left side of the receiver. The scope has a German style reticle and is adjustable for windage and elevation. The glass is clear on the scope and the reticle is sharp. The scope has some handling wear but remains in Very Good condition. Please note, the scope is not original to the rifle, it was installed during arsenal refurbishment but it is a legitimate PU scope.
 

Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The arsenal refurbished stocks are two-piece smooth wood featuring a handguard, metal forend cap, slot for the included ramrod in the forend, two barrel bands and their springs on the forend, through bolt, a straight wrist, slightly raised comb and metal buttplate. There is a sling eyelet on the forend behind the front barrel band and a sling eyelet on the butt. The stocks have nicks, scuffs and handling marks. Notably, there is a patch of wear on the right side of the butt and right side of the forend near the receiver. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP is 13.5” from the trigger to the rear end of the buttplate. The buttplate has some handling wear. Overall, the arsenal refurbished stocks are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original to Arsenal Refurbishment

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: The rifle retains about 80% of its metal finish. There are some scuffs, nicks and handling marks on the metal parts of the rifle. Notably, the muzzle and buttplate have patches of handling wear. The markings remain clear. The screwheads are serviceable. Overall, the arsenal refurbished rifle is in Very Good plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The safety works correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box Paperwork and Accessories: The rifle comes with an installed scope described above and a black sling with two “dog collars” that fix the sling to the eyelets on the stock. The sling has some minor handling wear but remains in very Good condition.

Our Assessment: This Tula Arsenal Model 1891/30 Mosin Nagant, Snayperskaya variant is a bolt-action rifle chambered for 7.62x54R rounds. This rifle is a bit complicated but also unique. The rifle was not imported by the usual American companies, it was proof tested in Tula and exported directly from Russia in 2012. It has modern Russian proofs which is rather uncommon. It is difficult to determine if this rifle was “originally” a sniper variant, its markings have faded from its past refurbishment. Regardless, the rifle was reconfigured into a proper snayperskaya variant at Soviet Arsenal No. 2, in Kiev (modern day Ukraine) likely in 1957 based on the markings. The rifle was acquired by Russia following the collapse of the Soviet Union, and it appears to have languished in Tula until it was cleaned up and  exported in 2012. The rifle has some superficial handling wear but the condition of the rifle indicates it was professionally refurbished. The rifle was used to great effect by Soviet marksmen and women. During the battle of Stalingrad, Vasily Grigoryevich Zaitsev dispatched over 200 German troops, including a number of snipers, with his M91/30 during the epic battle. The M91/30 snayperskaya rifle was not entirely retired after WWII, the Soviet Union exported them to allies including the Korean People’s Army and Viet Cong. This is one rifle you do not want to miss out on!