Russian USSR Izhevsk Strela-3 .22 LR Single Shot Bolt-Action Target Rifle
SOLD FOR: $1,025.00
LSB#: WY240904RM026
Make: Russian USSR, Vostok
Model: Strela-3
Serial Number: 451
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1960’s – 1970’s
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Bolt Action, Single Shot Rifle, Set Trigger Only
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked “MADE IN USSR”. The top of the barrel is marked with Russian Cyrillic that translates “STRELA-3” / No 431” and a Bow and Arrow manufacturers mark. The left side of the chamber is marked “.22 LR .610” / BNP 8 TONS PER (Square)””. The left side of the receiver is marked with a crowned BNP (Birmingham Nitro Proof). The bolt is marked “BNP”. The bolt handle is marked “451”.
Barrel Length: 30” Approximate
Sights / Optics: The front sight has been removed. The top of the receiver is mounted with two Weaver Scope Rings via two mounted weaver rails.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one piece checkered walnut thumbhole stock, straight comb with cheek piece, exposed metal buttplate with two plastic spacers (buttpad is removed), and inlaid accessory rail in the bottom of the forend. The LOP measures 13 5/8” from the front of the trigger to the back exposed metal at the rear of the buttstock. Overall, the stock is in about Good condition. There are no cracks. There are scattered compressions and light scratches. There is a minor chip at the rear of the cheek piece.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The action shows light operational wear. There are a few other light handling marks. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. There are some rust freckles toward the muzzle end of the barrel. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The front trigger sets the rear trigger for a light crisp pull. Cocking the Bolt does not set the trigger as intended. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Vostok was emblematic of Soviet-era companies, strategically nurtured within the “Iron Curtain” to foster sporting prowess while simultaneously showcasing their products on the global stage. Achieving a remarkable feat at the 1960 Olympics, where Vostok’s firearms, including rifles and pistols, secured three out of five small-bore shooting records, underscored the USSR’s disciplined approach to excel globally in all areas. This not only highlighted the superior performance of their firearms but also the dominance of Soviet shooters, a pointed demonstration of the USSR’s determination to be seen as the world’s best in every sphere.
Please disregard write-up below. We have made corrections to this listing.
Rare Russian USSR Izhevsk Strela-3 .22 LR Single Shot Bolt-Action Target Rifle
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WOA#: WY240904RM026
Make: Russian USSR, Izhevsk Arsenal
Model: Strela-3
Serial Number: 451
Year of Manufacture: 1922-1928 (Izhevsk Arsenal stopped using the “Bow and Arrow” mark in 1928).
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Bolt Action, Single Shot Rifle, Set Trigger Only
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked “MADE IN USSR”. The top of the barrel is marked “??????-3 (STRELA-3) / No 431” and a Bow and Arrow manufacturers mark. The left side of the chamber is marked “.22 LR .610” / BNP 8 TONS PER (Square)””. The left side of the receiver is marked with a crowned BNP (Birmingham Nitro Proof). The bolt is marked “BNP”. The bolt handle is marked “451”.
Barrel Length: 30” Approximate
Sights / Optics: No provision for iron sights. The top of the receiver is mounted with two Weaver Scope Rings via two mounted weaver rails.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one piece checkered walnut thumbhole stock, straight comb with cheek piece, exposed metal buttplate with two plastic spacers (buttpad is removed), and inlaid accessory rail in the bottom of the forend. The LOP measures 13 5/8” from the front of the trigger to the back exposed metal at the rear of the buttstock. Overall, the stock is in about Fine condition. There are no cracks. There are scattered compressions and light scratches. There is a minor chip at the rear of the cheek piece.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The action shows light operational wear. There are a few other light handling marks. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. There are some rust freckles toward the muzzle end of the barrel. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The front trigger sets the rear trigger for a light crisp pull. Cocking the Bolt does not set the trigger as intended. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This USSR Izhevsk Arsenal Strela-3 .22 LR target rifle, produced between 1922 and 1928, is a remarkable example of early Soviet precision in firearm engineering. The Izhevsk Arsenal, renowned for its production of military arms, also applied its extensive expertise to the development of sporting rifles, which included this particular model during the early years of the Soviet regime.
The Strela-3 was designed for competitive target shooting, embodying the Soviet Union’s initial efforts to establish itself in international sports, including Olympic-style shooting disciplines. This rifle featured meticulous craftsmanship and was equipped with a finely tuned trigger, characteristics that were essential for achieving high accuracy in competition shooting.
Built during a period of significant industrialization and military focus under the Soviet government, the Strela-3 not only served as a sports rifle but also played a part in training and preparing shooters for military readiness. Its use of the .22 LR cartridge made it ideal for training purposes, providing an economical yet effective platform for honing marksmanship skills.
Today, the Strela-3 is a rare collector’s item, prized for its historical significance and its role in the evolution of Soviet small arms. Its presence in collections offers a glimpse into a formative period of Soviet history, where sporting achievements were intertwined with national pride and technological advancement. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
