Soviet Izhevsk Mosin Nagant 91/30 7.62x54R Bolt-Action Rifle MFD 1938 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1232
LSB#: 210917MW95
Make: Izhevsk Mechanical Plant
Model: Mosin Nagant 1891/30
Serial#: Cyrillic Serial number ZhE4058
Year of Manufacture: 1938
Caliber: 7.62x54mmR
Action Type: Bolt-Action Rifle with Fixed Magazine
Markings: The markings are in Cyrillic and have been romanized. The barrel shank has Izhevsk markings including a faded hammer and circle surrounded by wheat, “1938G” (1938 Goda, the year 1938), the serial number “ZhE4058”, an Izhevsk arrow inside a triangle, “P” in a circle which signifies that the rifle passed a black powder pressure test, “I” in a box, “O” in a circle, “GV” in a circle which are the initials of G. Vaullin who was the chief military representative at Izhevsk from 1935-1939, “89” in a diamond and an “S” inside a circle which was used to denote sniper models (please note the S stamp is awkwardly applied and may not be original to the barrel shank). The base of the rear sight is marked with a faded Izhevsk proof. The magazine is marked with the serial number “4058” and Izhevsk proof marks. The buttplate has the serial number “4058” marked on it. The bolt features the serial number “4058” and Izhevsk proof marks. The bent-bolt features a longer handle specific to the sniper variant of the m91/30. The right side of the forend is marked with a “K” adjacent to the through bolt. The right side of the butt features a box with a “/” through it which indicates the stock was refurbished at Arsenal No. 1 in Balakleya and “3” in a box. The top of the comb is marked with a “I” and a faded proof. There is an English improter’s mark under the barrel near the muzzle “INTER ORDNANCE, MONROE, NC / M91/30, RUSSIA 7.362X54R”.
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. The top of the receiver has been drilled and tapped with a Weaver rail installed onto it. The Weaver rail is held in place by 6 screws and two pins. There is a mount dovetailed onto the rail which is marked “4058” on the right side and has an “@” symbol on the top portion concealed by the scope. The scope is a replica of the PE 4x scope. The objective lens has Soviet era “PE” scope markings in Cyrillic “U.V.P. / VP. OBR. 1931G” above a box with a hammer and sickle beneath a star with “N52005” on the left and “1934G.” on the right side of the hammer and sickle. There is a sharp “German” style reticle and the glass is clear. The scope has some handling wear including some scuffs, scratches and handling marks. Overall, the scope is in Very Good condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The arsenal refurbished stocks are two-piece wood featuring a hand guard, a slot for the included cleaning rod, two barrel bands and their springs, a sling eyelet with a washer on the forend and butt, a through bolt, straight wrist, slightly curved comb and a metal buttplate. The stocks have some small scrapes, nicks, scratches and more general handling marks. Notably, there is a patch repair on the belly of the butt. The LOP is 13.5” from the trigger to the rear end of the buttplate. The buttplate has some handling wear and some minor finish loss around the leading edges. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original to Arsenal Refurbishment
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright. The rifling is sharp. There is some erosion in the bore concentrated in the grooves.
Overall Condition: The rifle retains about 70% of its metal finish. There are some light handling marks, scratches, nicks and scuffs in addition to some light oxidation. Notably, there are some patches of residue on the metal parts and finish loss around the muzzle end of the barrel. Although some of the markings have faded, most remain clear. The screwheads are serviceable. Overall, the rifle is in Very Good 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: There is a scope which is described in the sights/optics section above.
Our Assessment: This Izhevsk Mosin Nagant model 1891/30 is a bolt-action rifle that takes 7.62x54mmR rounds. The rifle has features unique to the sniper variant of the M91/30 but the scope mount is not original, the bolt is likely not original to the rifle and the “S” marking on the barrel shank appears to not be original. The M91/30 was the most widely produced variant of the Mosin Nagant rifle and it saw service in a number of conflicts including a clash against the Japanese during the Battle of Khalkhin Gol in 1939, the Winter War against Finland in 1940 and the Great Patriotic War (WWII). The rifle was used to great effect during the battle of Stalingrad by soviet marksmen. Notably, Vasily Grigoryevich Zaitsev dispatched over 200 German troops, including a number of snipers, with his M91/30 during the epic battle. Following WWII, the sniper variant of the M91/30 was retired in the Soviet Union but it would continue to see service throughout the Cold War by its allies. This is likely a standard issue 91/30 which was converted to hold a scope and had a different bolt installed. This is a WWII vintage rifle you do not want to miss out on!