Why we love Mosins

[Longcolt44]

My question is, why wouldn't you like them?

[rayjd2]

Because for whatever reason, people like their plastic fantastics. I like mine, but I like war clubs with a gun accessory better!

[Dane]

But there is nothing like wood and iron combined with age.

I may have to steal that for a sig. line, but give the author due credit.

I have just acquired mt first two Mosins an M44 and a 91/30, along with 2300 rounds of 7.62X54R.

I have caught the bug I think.

[qz2026]

I think there are a million reasons to collect these rifles that would fit most anyone's desire. When I first came to this forum, I indicated that I enjoyed the history of the rifles. But, at that time, I really had no idea and I am still learning. From a macro perspective these rifles were manufactured in the 10's of millions, captured by the millions, reworked by the Finns to form the basis of their military rifles, manufactured in other European countries, sold and used in, yet, more countries, manufactured in the U.S. and are still in use today. With the exception of the winged bolt that the Finns monkeyed around with, the amazing thing is that all the parts are interchangeable. Even with the Finn winged bolt, just one part in the bolt needs to change and it will work in any Mosin. You can't help but absorb some European history as you follow the trail of these rifles. From a Micro perspective, following the development of these rifles is fascinating. From the M-91's, the Dragoons, the Cossacks, the 91/30's, the transition to round receivers to the refurbishments including the 91/59 and 91/38 programs, to Romanian refurbishments to the Finns using captured receivers with other barrels and their two piece stocks to the advent of carbines culminating in the M-44 produced in many countries, there is a ton to learn and every opportunity to find and try and figure out some new oddity. You just can't help being drawn into the history of these rifles. When I look at one, I think - where was it used? Why was it there? How did it get from this place to that place? It's mind boggling and you never get bored with a Mosin. And, more often than not, just around the corner, when you think you have seen it all, there is a Mosin that will take you by surprise. Then, try digging into the details of all of this. All I know is that I don't know... and that is what keeps me going.

[FR0STY54R]

I just love rifles. Not just Mosins, but pertaining to the Mosins I love the fact that you can buy 5 rifles, all Russians, or all Finns, or a mix and are all totally unique, and affordable to the average guy.

This [emoji115]

Seems like literally no two are the same. Coupled with the unbeatable prices of ammunition and the extensive history, they're just highly addicting to look at, shoot, and collect.


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[AJ333]

Garrison rifle. Time tested shooter for a couple hundred bones. Outfit the neighborhood. All in the same caliber. Cheap, formidable round.

The history. With just a few rifles, I've got a 100 year story hanging on the wall. You can see the Czarists, the Americans, the Bolsheviks, the Finns, the Eastern Block, and finally the Americans.

The "Wow", when I say 1896. The hard evidence that a good tool spans the lives of men.

Its an effective, affordable, reliable bolt action rifle.

There is infinite interesting detail in the hobby of collecting.

[jones0430]

It's still the only spear in current military use.

[gopedxr7]

the various cominations and markings make them interesting to collect. many rifles are all the same. but based on year and a few marks you have some something with history. whereas other rifles its harder to assume where it has been and where it was used for.

[rayjd2]

Maybe because I can look at a rifle, and imagine a kid much like me; quite naive, young, and terrified of what's next. Dealing with the lice and the rats and the dead. Having to flank a position, but scared of the commissar. Knowing it might have been used by a child as young as 13 is a chilling prospect.

And when you get to your destination? What then? Is there a city still left to fight over? Do you eat the rats? And after that's over, if you made it, why? Why not your friends?

Worst of all, after the war has ended, Hell been beating back into its pit for another few decades; is there anything left to go home to? The economy has been bolstered by the war, now it spins but can't make money. Can't make anything but cogs for the war machine.

So after all that shit, the arsenals took the rifles back, sanded off the old BLO or pine tar and varnish, buffed out the story, reblued the metal, shellacked the wood over, greased them down, and threw them in a cave.

No doubt some of the veterans wished to be treated as well.

[ditchtiger]

The muzzle blast will give you a concussion and a fire ball that make street lights turn off.
Love the way dust and small rocks jump off the ground front of the muzzle when shooting.

[Gsragtop]

I owe my very exaistance to them. Both my grand parents were in concentration camps during the war, both camps were liberated by the Russians. I would not exist if not for the mosin..

[rayjd2]

That's the best reason yet! Thank you, Red Army!