russian/finnish 91/30

[towpro]

About 20 yrs ago i got what i thought was a russian 91/30 as part of a trade deal. the rifle itself was in brand new condition and still packed in grease. It came with the armorers tools, bayonet, sling, and ammo pouch. After reading through the threads a bit i got curious and got mine out of the safe, From what i have read, it is a russian rifle made at Tula, is a hexagon receiver dated 1936, however it has the SA mark, the D mark, and the 3600 mark. The stock is almost perfect, not shellaced in finish, but a darker brown stain look to it, however i dont see any refurbish marks on it. the sling mounts are dif than other russian rifles i have seen in that they are not just holes through the stock, but are actual metal sling loops in a square shape. Over the yrs i never paid much attention to details on this rifle, just drug it out from time to time to shoot, only amounting to a couple of hundred rounds. From what i have read on the net and here, I'm under the impression that this rifle is a finnish captured rifle that has been refurbished. From the marks on the barrel it was imported by century arms. Can anyone tell me what the value of this rifle is, and its current collectability ? its a fun rifle to shoot and friends that have seen it or shot it have laughed at how long it is, but enjoyed it just the same. When i got the rifle, i bought 8 440 rnd spam cans of ammo to go with it, still have 7 sealed cans plus. Any input would be greatly appreciated

[LED]

The 1936 Tula stamp leaves no doubt it is a captured rifle. I have no idea what the value is, except it is going up as we speak, after decades of flat underappreciation. Congratulations on a good investment.

[Gaucho Gringo]

The ammo alone at today's prices is worth over $5-700.00 depending on what it is. The rifle as the other poster said can only go one way, up.

[tobnpr]

Finnish M39, made from a Russian capture. Russians went from hex to round receivers in 1930- so anything hex with a date after that indicates it's been re-worked.

"D" chamber, 3600 is a barrel pressure check proof.

http://7.62x54r.net/MosinID/MosinMarks02.htm

Nice find. Hold onto it unless you need to sell it.

Depending on condition (at least G-VG), value probably in the $300-$400 range, maybe a bit more.

[LED]

On a close look, is there a stamped T somewhere on the barrel?

[towpro]

havnt looked for the T, would it be on the top of the barrel by the tula stamp ect ?

[LED]

Yes, right there. If I remember correctly, it would indicate a Finnish-made barrel from Tikkakoski (as in Tikka).

[towpro]

Indeed it does have a stamped T, didnt notice it before, i assume this is a really good barrel ?

[MJ1]

The upgrades done by the Finn's made these rifles superior to all but the best of the war time Russian rifles.

[LED]

That's what people think they know. You have to examine the specific barrel. It is reasonable, however, to expect good quality based on Finland's reputation for manufacturing excellence. Your rifle has a pedigree of sorts, which adds up to its value as a mere Mosin. Congratulations again.

[LED]

[edited-duplicate entry]

[towpro]

Thanks LED, i really do like the rifle, sad that it was a safe queen for so long, about 20 yrs worth. My rifle looks alot like the pic MJ1 posted. The only way i would consider selling it would be to upgrade to something dif, or as a downpayment on the same. i have enough ammo for it to last along time at the rate i shoot it. Prob only has about 200 rounds through it.

[smoothisfast]

A bit confused here...

Is your hex receiver dated 1936, or is the barrel shank stamped 1936?
Pat

[towpro]

I guess it would be the barrel shank, just below the star with an arrow in it, i've never fully disassembled the rifle other than when i first got it to clean all the cosmoline off. how would i go about dating the receiver ?

[Don P]

This site is a wealth of information, www.7.62X54r.net

[towpro]

Thanks Don, i've looked around that sight a bit, guess i missed something lol i will have to go back through it and see what i can dig up.

[MJ1]

I have sold the majority of my Finn collection but still have a few and to a rifles I found them superior to any other Mosin Nagan in build and accuracy.

...MJ...



This will be the last I let go this year along with the '36