Need help with Austrian Information

"Collectors Forum" - All Mosin Nagant are discussed here. Also the Russian and "Finnish capture" SVT38 and SVT40. This is an excellent place for new Mosin owners to ask questions. We have some of the best experts here looking forward to your questions. If you post a Mosin sniper rifle here, we may or may not move it to the sniper forum.

Preservation forum, please no altered military surplus rifles or discussions on altering in this forum. No sportsters. Please read the rules at the top of each forum
Post Reply
Yank12
Posts: 19
Joined: Mon Dec 29, 2014 2:23 pm

Need help with Austrian Information

Post by Yank12 »

Hey,

I am looking at a 1917 Remington Mosin to add to my collection. I haven't bought it yet, so I don't have any pics, but it has been Finn matched and SA marked, and appears to be in its original dark walnut stock. On the Buttstock, it has an "M" on the right side, an "A" on the left, and an "W" on the wrist - all very plainly marked. I don't see an AZF, or any of the walking bears on it. It does have Finn Swivels. Rear sight is arshin on the left, and meters on the right (classic Finland markings as well).


The rifle definitely went to Finland, and at least the stock (I don't think they were every apart though) may have been in Austria and its mate at the time got that 8x50 conversion I keep reading about. Obviously I wont know exactly what happened to it until I can get home and figure out how to do a chamber cast (I know some of the Austrian to Finland rifle history and the many conversions that went on), but in the mean time I cant figure out what the "A", "M" or "W" mean. Are they inspectors marks? Some Austrian word for caliber change?

Yes I've searched this forum. Yes I've googled it. Yes I've looked in my manual. Didn't find anything past just information saying they were Austrian.

Thanks
User avatar
Denny-
Posts: 22
Joined: Wed Jan 24, 2018 4:35 pm

Re: Need help with Austrian Information

Post by Denny- »

" W " = Wien = Vienna
User avatar
Longcolt44
Administrator
Administrator
Posts: 7574
Joined: Thu Aug 25, 2011 4:13 pm
Location: Loveland, Ohio
Contact:

Re: Need help with Austrian Information

Post by Longcolt44 »

With no real Austrian capture marks on the metal you have no Austrian capture. This is from my captured 1942 M39.
AV1 M39 001.JPG
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
FREEDOM...USE IT OR LOSE IT!!
zeebill
Posts: 5715
Joined: Fri Nov 25, 2011 8:27 pm
Location: Hills of WV

Re: Need help with Austrian Information

Post by zeebill »

The Finns bought the Mosin rifles from many sources. The Austrian marks were just indicating they had been to Austrian depots and in Austrian hands at some time. All the marks you question are saying that. If that rifle will safely chamber a 7.62x54r round it is likely not changed to another caliber and if it has Finnish markings that is likely the case. Bill :wink:
Post Reply