The Russian Mosin Nagant Forum

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

" W " = Wien = Vienna

With no real Austrian capture marks on the metal you have no Austrian capture. This is from my captured 1942 M39.

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