Mosin with "D" Marking Question

[KevHernandez]

Hello, I am new to this forum - I figured this would be the best place to ask a question regarding Mosin Nagants.

I started to do some rounds to Pawn shops to see what I could come across. I found a 1937 Tula Mosin Nagant tucked away with a letter "D" above the serial number. There was no "No" marking and I don't remember seeing a "41" or "SA" - but I could have missed it. The "D" marking stood out in my mind. I know now that the "D" marking means that the bore was opened to accept the Finnish D166 round. I guess my question is - did the Russians make Nagants to accept the Finnish round out of the manufacturer? Or does that "D" mean that it was in Finnish hands at one point or another and the Finnish made that alteration? Or was this a common marking and really doesn't mean anything? Its been bothering me since I left the store because it's not something I have come across (I am no expert). Could it be a Finnish captured Russian Nagant? Doesn't that fall into the "rare" Nagant? I've been searching the Net, and it seems as though any markings with "D" were either Finnish made or captured. Let me know if i'm misunderstanding the net. Any input helps!

Thanks,

Kev

[redspoon]

First off Kev to the forum.

Yes, from what you've described it sounds like a finn capture russian 91/30. It should have the Finnish Army stamp {SA}, although some did not. Considering condition price is usually in the $200 to $300 range.

[KevHernandez]

Redspoon -thank you for the welcome,

I was thinking it would be a Finn capture. But is the D all by it self proof for that?

[Lee-online]

The D by itself does not prove its a Finn capture. Too easy for someone to add a D. Are there any other Finn traits? Finn two piece stock, Finn sling hanger, Serial on bolt knob, Hole in stock under cleaning rod nut, Finn front sight, Shimmed stock, other Finn stamps like [SA], 41, 3600. Also look at the US import mark, if it came from Finland it may say Finland and not Russia.

The overall look of the rifle should tell where it came from, The common ones are either a refurb, Balkans, Finn or SCW.

[steelbuttplate]

Did you notice if the stock was finger jointed? The SA stamp can be just behind the rear sight. Did you say what Model Mosin? SBP

[KevHernandez]

Here are some prelim pics as I don't physically have the rifle on me. I will have it tomorrow and post more pictures. There are other symbols in which i'm not sure what they mean. This is the first time i'm posting pics, sorry they are so big - I cannot shrink them at this moment. if you click the image - you'll see the whole thing. More pics will come tomorrow!

Thanks guys for your input, its greatly appreciated.

Kev

[Darryl]

This rifle was "refurbished" by the Russians after WWII.

Now it is "possible" it was a Russian rifle "captured" by the Finns and then marked with a "D", then "re-captured" back by the Russian and then refurbished by the Russians after WWII,.... but not likely.

I don't see a clear Finn D above the serial number. Would need to see a "clearer" photo of that "D". The Finn D is very distinctive.

[bunkysdad]

I don't seer a D mark neither. I see a refurb mark, a square? It isn't completely visible at this slight angle. I think you have a refurbished 1937 Tula 91/30, and a nice one too.

[KevHernandez]

Yeah, I think you're right. There were so many symbols i've looked at, I thought it was a D. Now that I look at the refirb mark then compare; it looks like you hit the nail on the head!

Either way - more pics to come!

Thanks for your help guys!

[KevHernandez]

Okay, I now have the rifle in my possession. Was it normal to have a refirb that has different manufacturers marks - but the same serial numbers? ex. the bolt is izhevsk but the receiver is Tula. If someone can help me out with the meaning of some of these symbols I would be grateful. I don't see some of them on 7.62x54r.net. This is my first Mosin - though there were millions like mine, I appreciate the story it can tell. Thanks for any help! and again sorry the pictures came out so large - if you click them they become easier to see.

Kev

[KevHernandez]

There are also markings on the stock i'm unsure of.

[Lee-online]

Here is some info about refurbs to help you understand what these rifles are.

http://www.russian-mosin-nagant.com/ref ... index.html

[Darryl]

No Finn "D" mark that I can see.

The refurb mark is
"Box Refurbishment Mark -- Refurbishment mark of arsenal in the Ukraine. With vertical line inside box"
http://www.russian-mosin-nagant.com/mis ... index.html


Read this on how they refurbished them in the 60's, 60's and 70's.
http://www.russian-mosin-nagant.com/ref ... index.html
Parts were "scrubbed" and new number stamped to make them match again. That is how you can get Izhevsk bolt and Tula receiver. That is typical.

.....D

[KevHernandez]

Yeah the "D" marking was a complete mistake on my part. What I thought was a "D" from memory was actually refurb mark with a lighter stamp on one side. My bad :(

[KevHernandez]

If you look at the receiver pics - there almost looks like a "6" marking next to an "n" with a circle around it - off to the top left of the star.to the right of the star there looks like a "oo" with some mark that I cant make out next to that, then a K with no circle and next to that. Above that "oo" there looks to be an "8". I know what the K and the oo and the black powder proof mark is (which is under my front sight) but what does the rest mean?

[Darryl]

Makes a huge difference...doesn't it!

Well, it is a older import seeing it is a Ukranian refurb.

It is not a Molot, or Tulsky import from Russia.That is what is coming in now (or just ending).

[Darryl]

If you look at the receiver pics - there almost looks like a "6" marking next to an "n" with a circle around it - off to the top left of the star.to the right of the star there looks like a "oo" with some mark that I cant make out next to that, then a K with no circle and next to that. Above that "oo" there looks to be an "8". I know what the K and the oo and the black powder proof mark is (which is under my front sight) but what does the rest mean?

Some of those marks we know what they are. Check out this page of "know marks" and compare your rifle to them. That's the fun part!
http://www.russian-mosin-nagant.com/mis ... index.html

There are a lot of marks we just don't know what they are, and may never know.

.....D

[docbob]

Hey Kev,
Welcome aboard. You have a nice typical prewar refurbished 91/30. It does look like the firing pin needs adjusted as it should be pretty much flush with the back of the cocking piece. Bet this won't be your only Mosin but it's a good first one.
DocBob