The Russian Mosin Nagant Forum

Went to an auction yesterday and picked up a few old guns. Got this Gew 88 and I was wondering if it was ok to shoot milsurp 8mm in it. looks like it has been to Turkey possibly-it has the crescent on the bolt. Bore is really nice. I took the wood off and there is a lot of pitting on the shroud under the wood. All #s match.

I would shoot commercial ammo and not milsurp ammo in it, that is just me maybe but a lot safer to me. I haven't checked lately but I think the federal has the lowest mv and cup measurements. Plus you can save the brass and reload it. Very nice rifle

I agree. Although the Turks probably fired so much of their super hot ammo through it, it would be good to go easy on her. It still has the original barrel and shroud. Nice. I think these are a sweet find for anyone who loves the long rifles. However, have you seen the carbine version of these? They are gorgeous with a full stock and flat spoon type bolt handle.

Commercial US ammo only, this stuff is loaded low because they know you will be shooting it in deathtraps like this.

Deathtrap? excuse me sir, would you like to be the first to fire my new rifle?

bunkysdad wrote:I agree. Although the Turks probably fired so much of their super hot ammo through it, it would be good to go easy on her. It still has the original barrel and shroud. Nice. I think these are a sweet find for anyone who loves the long rifles. However, have you seen the carbine version of these? They are gorgeous with a full stock and flat spoon type bolt handle.

I was at a show and considered a purchase of a erfurt carbine with a cut down stock. It was complete with the shroud, but cut wood.

Junk Yard Dog wrote:Commercial US ammo only, this stuff is loaded low because they know you will be shooting it in deathtraps like this.

Dont sugarcoat it, man. Say what you think.

Beautiful. I might need one of those to keep my 71/84 company.

fintowin wrote:

Junk Yard Dog wrote:Commercial US ammo only, this stuff is loaded low because they know you will be shooting it in deathtraps like this.

Dont sugarcoat it, man. Say what you think.

Cool rifles but they were experimental when new at a time when both steel and smokeless powder were not clearly understood. Add to that years of abuse by the Turks with hot ammo and you have a potentially serious situation.

Hey Rusty, I could keep it company with my Commission rifle. Just send it to me.
PS- have you ever noticed that somewhere on the forum there is pretty much a daily request for people to send their new gun to ??:P

Junk Yard Dog wrote:

fintowin wrote:

Junk Yard Dog wrote:Commercial US ammo only, this stuff is loaded low because they know you will be shooting it in deathtraps like this.

Dont sugarcoat it, man. Say what you think.

Cool rifles but they were experimental when new at a time when both steel and smokeless powder were not clearly understood. Add to that years of abuse by the Turks with hot ammo and you have a potentially serious situation.

Duly noted. That is good advice, and reasonable thinking. I have some milsurp dated 1940 . I think I will pull some bullets and reload some in modern brass.

Cool rifle. Just remember that you don't have to shoot all of them.

While that is true, I thought I had to shoot everything I bought, but now realize that I don't get to the range enough to shoot them all. I own 14 Mosins and half of them are still waiting. I own several non Mosin milsurp rifles that are invited by me, and my gun but brother has a whole slew of Milsurps that I could shoot but haven't. Including a Garand and M1 carbine, although he told me the war baby wasn't getting fired anytime soon.

I have shot both of mine with Commercial ammo, or reloads I loaded low myself, I don't push it with these rifles, 10 rounds, then on to the Mosins.

Break out the judy garland and see how she fires......

bunkysdad wrote:Including a Garand and M1 carbine,

Hey no fair changing the post, BD. I liked it the way it was We have all been got by the fickle spell check or what ever it is. It wont ever let me type hopes (hoppes, it always changes it to )

Hey buddy. I opened up this post and saw the 1891 Gew 88 and jumped off my chair and tripped over 2 cats and ran in to the door jamb of my gun room. I thought somebody may have got in and pilfered my Loewe of the same year. Nope it wasn't mine. You did good, sorry about the stock. Not able to post pictures for some reason but will do when I can.

bunkysdad wrote:Hey Rusty, I could keep it company with my Commission rifle. Just send it to me.
PS- have you ever noticed that somewhere on the forum there is pretty much a daily request for people to send their new gun to ??:P

Yep! It's a very helpful group here. Everyone is ready to adopt any troublesome firearms!