Should I buy a Molot or wait

[smallfry]

I've read all the postings and just can't make up my mind. Sounds like arsenal refurbs and s/n ground off butf stock plate apso? That true? I've been looking for a larger caliber rifle to shoot other than my sks now. I think Molots are about $150 less than what I've seen on other sites. My sks' s are a little ruff and I don't mind getting a M-44 in same condition. Should I just save up a l ittle extra?

[Longcolt44]

If you are saying that the other arsonal refurbs are $150.00 more than a Molot stamped one you are shopping at the wrong place. More information needed.

[smallfry]

What I'd like to know is better wait for a non refurb for sale or not. Buds has some nice ones and Classic too. My sks' s ain't refurbs so I'm just gonna wait it out.

[matt167]

I got my M44 from Buds and it's a nice gun. Good bore, no rust. Also a Molot but they hide the Molot mark under the hand guard... If your looking for a shooter, than a Molot or any other refurb will do.. Just be sure the mechanicals are good, bore is good. finish as clean as you would like and figure out a price you would like to spend and buy the best you can at that price... If you want the best machining, than an early 30's Hex 91/30 will be about as good as you will get, but the later round recievers and even some of the roughest looking rifles will work just fine... Many of the rifles are tack drivers just not all and there is no guarantee’s on 70-80 year old surplus rifles

[WeldonHunter]

I've read all the postings and just can't make up my mind. Sounds like arsenal refurbs and s/n ground off butf stock plate apso? That true? I've been looking for a larger caliber rifle to shoot other than my sks now. I think Molots are about $150 less than what I've seen on other sites. My sks' s are a little ruff and I don't mind getting a M-44 in same condition. Should I just save up a l ittle extra?

That depends on what kind of rifle you're looking for and why you want it. The Molots as you've probably read have some unanswered questions as to who/where they were refurbed. As far as the serial numbers being ground off, all of the refurbs including the Molots have this and other types of restamping including lined out and electropenciling. It was standard procedure during the refurb process and is called forced matching.

[bunkysdad]

I can honestly say that all of the Molot rifles I have had in my hand looked just fine. I have only handled the Cabela's 91/30's so my experience is limited. Some people don't even like the fact that they are marked on the receiver. I personally don't like the fact that any import marks are plastered on any of them. So, for me I might get it, but I have acquired enough experience in the past 6 or 7 years to know what to look for. If talking about a sniper rifle I don't have any opinion.

[husker51]

I purchased two of the Molot variety M91/30s from two different Cabela's stores. I preferred getting the M91/30s from the Ukrainian refurbs because of the extras that came with them, the sling, 2 sets of ammo pouches, bayonet, cleaning kit, tools. But I found some Molots that had characteristics that add to my collection so I bought them. They, of course, came with nothing additional. What the heck, a Molot M91/30 is another variety of Mosin Nagant is it not?

[JMBishop]

I just purchased a molot and I can tell you what molot or cabellas did to my specific rifle.
The trigger leaf has been bent so it has a great trigger pull, rust and pitting was sanded off the bottom of the barrel and not refinished, they ground on the spring on the rear sight to make it usable, cut the bolt spring and they test fired the gun. There was dried red locktight on the bolt face. I swabbed the chamber and got no cosmoline.

So basicly the things we would do to improve the rifle as cheaply as possible have been done and then they put the laser marks all over it. Other than the grinding on the rear sight spring and the molot markings this fine with me for a shooter, rifles I collect will not be molots and unfortunately I don't like counter bored rifles either and that's all I I can find that's not molot. Gander mountain had 2 crates of non molot 91/30s and every single one was counter bored. I found a ex sniper in a small gun shop today but it was counter bored with the rest of the mosins they had.

[Judi and her Mosins]

The best thing I can say, When you see one you like and can afford. Then buy it, if you need to save up $600, ...then buy three for $200. you will have more fun and also enjoy yhe many diffrent stamping and marks. I would even buy three $120 ones just mix the years up . What ever will make you happy andkeep interest in the hobby or collecting, shooting. You decide. Judi and her Mosin's

[Dan4good]

i have both and i prefer non molts due to them not diclosing things to market

[Joeinthehills]

i have both and i prefer non molts due to them not diclosing things to market

Don't hold your breath!

What about my Russia Capture 98K BYF 1944 pristine bore w/ electro penciled parts, No disclosure on those, but they'll out shoot anything 'cept my 1918 RI 1903A1, that was back from Greece after their problems.

'03's rule w/ iron sights!

[Miller Tyme]

i have both and i prefer non molts due to them not diclosing things to market

If that was the litmus test give to other firearms companies we would all be collecting spears.

[Junk Yard Dog]

If you want disclosure then stick to US firearms, or British ones, forget about Russian weapons, or Chinese ones, neither bunch will admit to the sun being out even if it's rays stream through the window behind them.

[catcracker]

I prefer Non-molot rifles. How good it shoots is important. But not my top concerns. I'm sure there are plenty of wall hangers worth well more than my collection. But will turn away a molot 95% of the time. I don't own one either. Maybe that 5% one will come along someday. Who knows.
But I do know one thing. There are other collectors like me. So by buying one, you are taking a chance (may it ever be so small) that the resale market for it will be just that much smaller.
There are plenty of examples out there still to be had that are not Molots. And prices are still reasonable. So why not get, what I consider, the real deal?
Not saying I'm right or your wrong. But you wanted opinions.

Cat

[walnut red]

Catcracker you can say that about almost anything with an import stamp. As far as I'm concerned there are four types of surplus, Non-import, Import, non-bubba sporter and bubbed. I do have a few regrets from holding to that idea. Kinda wish I'd bought a couple Lugers in the late '80s when they were $199. But they had import stamps and at the time I was not buying anything with import stamps.

[Joeinthehills]

Catcracker you can say that about almost anything with an import stamp. As far as I'm concerned there are four types of surplus, Non-import, Import, non-bubba sporter and bubbed. I do have a few regrets from holding to that idea. Kinda wish I'd bought a couple Lugers in the late '80s when they were $199. But they had import stamps and at the time I was not buying anything with import stamps.

And I paid $750.00 back then for a non-import Luger (vet bring back) 1939 Mauser. Want to guess what it's worth today?
Somewhere between 2-1/2 to 3 X's the price on today's market, and it's been unfired since the original owner gave it up...

[Joeinthehills]

Small Fry,
If you haven't jumped into it yet, keep saving your $$$.
Should you want collectibles join the long lines...and know what you want to buy just be patient.
But if you want a rifle that has been certified and test fired, then get a Molot to shoot.
"Form follows function."