Weekend Photo: No permanent alterations (Mosin Nagant 91/30)
Roy sent us photos of his new modernized Mosin Nagant 91/30 built with no permanent alterations to the original Mosin barreled action or other parts. He writes …
My newest (to me) rifle, and perhaps my new favorite, this is a customized Mosin Nagant 91/30. Out of respect, I opted not to make any permanent alterations to it.
On the gun are:
1. UTG low QD scope rings
2. Hi-Lux LER27x32 Long Eye Relief 2-7×32 scope
3. UTG scope mount
4. UTG bipod
5. Archangel stock and forend
6. Probably most important: Witt Machine compensatorI’d previously shot two rounds through a Mosin before deciding that it was a profoundly unpleasant experience. The Witt Machine compensator makes a HUGE difference — I fired about 50 rds without the slightest bit of discomfort when we took it out; a Russian acquaintance who’s a big fan of Mosins compared the recoil to that of his AK; perhaps the highest praise I can give it is that I brought someone brand new to shooting and let him try my Mosin and he found it perfectly pleasant.
(A quick plug for them as a company: They accidentally shipped me a second Mosin muzzle brake; when I called to figure out what to do about that, they were so appreciative they told me to keep it for my 2nd Mosin. Nice).
Definitely went the inexpensive route here, given all the UTG furniture and (relatively) inexpensive UTG scope — Heck, the compensator was almost as much as the rifle :). Total cost for the BOM, including all paperwork, was around $675 (with only $140 being the base cost of the rifle).
I’m not quite sure how accurately it can shoot — I’m getting 2MOA with it with standard spamcan surplus Russian ammo, but I get 2MOA with my heavy-barrel 308 Savage and match ammunition, so I suspect the 2MOA accuracy is mine, rather than the rifle’s and it could do better.
(And before people point this out: The cheek rest is on the lowest setting in this picture because I need to drop it down to remove the bolt; while shooting, it’s raised to get a nice cheek weld).
Thanks for the write up Roy!
I founded TFB in 2007 and over 10 years worked tirelessly, with the help of my team, to build it up into the largest gun blog online. I retired as Editor in Chief in 2017. During my decade at TFB I was fortunate to work with the most amazing talented writers and genuinely good people!
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MSRP of this package less bipod: $660. MSRP of a Savage 11/111 Trophy Hunter XP in .308: $612. While the magazine capacity is lower and the ammo more expensive, I get a MUCH better trigger and Nikon glass.
This dichotomy always makes me wonder why bother doing this to a Mosin when it's cost effective to just buy a new made gun.
I've got four Mosins and if I was going to get a synthetic stocked scoped bolt gun, I'm going for the Savage rather than letting the mod bug bite.
I'm always amazed at the outpouring of hate/disgust when someone does something THEY like for THEIR OWN USE. This is not a production piece. This is not something that you HAVE to do if you own a Mosin. However, it seems everyone is quick to forget that we all have our own personal tastes and likes. This works for Roy, and since it is functional and safe (i.e. no risky barrel mods etc.) tearing down the owner serves no purpose. To Roy: While not my style, nice work. Hope it gives you years of enjoyable shooting.