Russian Mosin Nagant 1891 Finn M91 7.62x54R Bolt Action Hex Rifle Antique
SOLD FOR: $1525
LSB#: 210731ME18
Make: Imperial Tula Arsenal, Russia. Refurbished by Finland
Model: 1891 (M91)
Serial Number: 112416
Year of Manufacture: 1896
Caliber: 7.62x54R (7.62x54mm Rimmed)
Action Type: Bolt Action, Fixed Magazine
Markings: The barrel shank is marked with a “double headed eagle”, the Imperial Tula crest, “1896 r.” (“r” stands for year), “No”, with the serial number and with other Russian stamps. The left side of the barrel shank is marked with the Finnish ownership mark; “SA in a box” and the right side is marked with a Finnish D166 cartridge mark “D”. The top front of the receiver is marked with a lightly struck “SA in a box”. The top of the receiver is marked with a “double headed eagle”. The bolt assembly is marked with the serial number and with other small stampings including a small Tula Arsenal “star”. The front of the magazine and top of the buttplate are both marked with a Russian Izhevsk Arsenal “bow & arrow”. The right side of the butt is marked with a faded circular cartouche. The belly of the stock is marked “N” and “X”. There are a few other small marks on the rifle.
Barrel Length: Approximately 31 ½ inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post set atop a small base. The rear sight is a “V” notched blade attached to an escalator when in the down position. The right side of the rear sight base is marked “2 3 4 5 ½ 7 8 ½” (X 100 meters; added by the Finns). The left side of the base is marked with struck out numbers, “4 6 8 10 12” (the old Russian distances in the measurement of arshins). The sight base is used for the escalator. The rear sight is a “V” notched sliding ladder assembly when flipped up. The sight ladder is marked from “13 – 32”.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece hardwood stock has a straight grip, two sling eyelets, two barrel bands, a through bolt, metal nosecaps, cutout for the included cleaning rod, and a metal buttplate. The buttplate shows surface erosion. The wood shows numerous scrapes, scratches and compression marks. Several have damaged or removed portions of the surface wood. Thes marks have been oiled over. The LOP measures 13 ¾ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition as an antique.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The barrel has been counterbored to about 1/2 of an inch from the muzzle. The groves and the area near the muzzle are grey. The rifling is deep. There is erosion in the grooves and near the muzzle.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish as refinished. Small scratches and surface erosion show through the finish. The metal shows scrapes & small scratches. The barrel and magazine show discoloration. The screw heads show heavy use. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition as a refinished antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This Russian Mosin Nagant Model 1891 was built at the Imperial Tula Arsenal in Russia way back in 1896. It is 125 years old. The receiver has nice markings from both the Russians and the Finns. The rifle was left with the Finns during the Russian revolution (when the Finns declared independence) or was captured by the Finns during Wartime (Winter War or Continuation War). The Finns refurbished & updated Model 1891 rifles that were left in Finland or left on the battlefield by dead Russians. This rifle has a desirable Imperial Tula crest and is built on a hex receiver. Best of all it is an antique so no FFL is required…Unless you live in California.
For more Mosin information on the markings see page 215 of Terrance Lapin’s book, The Mosin Nagant Rifle – 5th Edition.