The Mosin Nagant

“Why, Ken, why?? Why would you do a write-up on a crusty, old dinosaur from WW2?”

The answer is simple – Mosins are a great and affordable way to add a large-caliber rifle to your arsenal for very little money. Chambered in the hard-hitting 7.62x54R, they’re large enough to kill anything on the North American continent. Ammo is in abundance, and it’s also cheap. Name another caliber rifle that you can buy 440 rounds for in a spam can for under a hundred bucks.

I’ll wait………

They’re old, they’re heavy, they’re built like tanks – these rifles are nearly indestructable! You won’t worry about it if yours gets scratched or tossed around. There are a few different models floating around – such as the full size 91/30, the Carbine, or the Chinese Type 53 – all of which come in at under $250. Featuring a wood stock, a straight bolt, and adjustable sights, most even come with a bayonet, an oil can and a cleaning kit.

Would I make this gun my primary weapon?

…Of course not silly, I own a SCAR.

Do I own one that’s a blast to shoot and easy to maintain?

Yes, sir!

As I previously stated, this rifle is a great option for those on a budget or those finding themselves in need of a large-caliber rifle for activities like hog hunting. It also makes for a great truck gun. Do you feel the need to have a large-caliber rifle in your truck for those just-in-case moments? Do you find yourself having a hard time leaving an AR Type rifle in your vehicle for fear of it being stolen?

The Mosin Nagant Carbine could be the perfect solution to all of your woes!

Now before we get all gung ho and run out to buy one, let’s discuss some of the negatives:

• These rifles recoil very hard. If by chance, you happen to be slight of frame, you will really feel it.
• It’s not the smoothest action in the world. Make no mistake – you won’t be shooting something that has the butter-like feel of a new Savage 10 Action.
• There’s no good way to mount an optic…there really isn’t. These rifles were meant to be shot with iron sights. Those of you with bad eyesight might find this to be an issue.
• Cosmoline! Cosmoline everywhere! When I get a Mosin in my shop, I don’t even unpack it. The Russians are huge fans of cosmoline, a grease that is used for storing weapons over a long period of time. It’s thick, it’s sticky, it ruins your clothes…it’s just plain awful. Brake cleaner works wonders for cleaning the gunk off of these weapons, but I warn you – this is an outdoor activity. You can use something like a blow dryer to sweat the wood stock and clear out the pores, or just leave it in your driveway on a hot summer day.

So there you have it, boys and girls – the Mosin Nagant.

She will never win any beauty contests, or even a long-range precision match, but if you find yourself in need of a large-caliber rifle that is affordable yet durable, the Mosin is a great option.

Now stop reading this, and get out there and train!

Ken Elmore

Owner Midwest Rifle Works