A few weeks ago, I picked up a Mosin Nagant M91/30. I picked it up because 1 - it was dirt cheap ($150!!!), 2 - I love the 7.62 platform (yeah, it's 7.62x54R but similar ballistics/power), and 3 - I've never owned a bolt-action rifle... which is a very novel and different gun than the semi-auto/auto ones I've owned (or been issued) in the past 15 years.
As this was my first time trying to focus on accuracy and marksmanship, I took my time and deliberately focused on trigger and breath control. I'd say I'm pretty happy with the results. Thanks to gc_mountainman for the great tips!
I spent the morning tweaking the Mosin because I couldn't even hit a 12 inch target at 50m when the sights were all lined up. The rifle was shooting about 4 inches up and 9 inches to the right, at 50m. After some "persuasion" with a small hammer and punch, I got the sights lined up vertically, and then adjusted my aim based on distance.
10 rounds at 100m on a 12 inch target after getting the sights relatively centered:
5 rounds at 100m on a 12 inch target after practicing breath control, overcoming the urge to twitch, and about 80 rounds of practice on hapless Coke cans:
5 rounds at 25m... I placed a quarter on the target for scale. This was at an indoor range with my wife. Her 5 shots are center mass, mine are the 5 in the head:
My thoughts on the Mosin Nagant...
Any thoughts?
For 75$ + ammo you can get an SKS without all the bad parts of MN and with all the good parts and more. You would have same results at 100 yards. Yes, 7.62x39 is not as powerful but at 100 yards will do the job and it compensates with other stuff like being semiauto and the fact that you can turn it into a nice assault rifle with magazine and folding stock. Not sure if you can do that with MN.
If I had the money now and I would be looking to buy a rifle I would buy an M305. And I hope I will someday.
BTW, nice looking targets 🙂
Thanks prom! I totally agree with your SKS suggestion. As I mentioned, the Mosin is not the ultimate SHTF rifle, but don't get me wrong, it's one of the most fun rifles I've ever owned. First bolt-action, too.
The M305 is one of the best non-restricted semi-auto rifles available for under $500. You would be making a very good purchase right there.
Cheers
Just to clarify my position here. I'm not saying the Mosin is not a nice rifle, I'm sure it is and I would like to try one. It's also a piece of history so would make a nice collection item. It's just a matter of prioritizing for me. If I had enough space and money I would have definitely got one. I put it on my list, it's just that it's kinda down low. 🙂