Where to get a Mosin-Nagant and questions re buying one

[budda]

I am thinking of getting a Nagant but the places I have not seen any the places I have been going. I have not looked for them real hard eather. I would like one that would make a good project gun, hunting season is almost over and I need something to keep me busy. So, it does not have to be pretty, infact the more beat up the better (I think). Where would you guys recomend going to find one and what is a good price. At one point I saw them a Cabelas for $100 but that has been awhile and then I get on to gun broker and they are anywere from $150 to $700.

What are some things that I should look at when getting one. I have heard something about ones that are 7.62*54 and others that are 7.62*53 or something like that and something to do with the shape of the reciever.

What do you guys think?

[sellersm]

This place just got some laminate stock models in: http://www.allans-armory.com/aa.php

[Punkface]

Big 5 might have some. Unless they stopped selling those too.

[jhirsh5280]

I got mine from Aim Surplus with a laminated stock. Its currently in limbo as I await my background check. I got ammo from The Sportsmans Guide when it was available, 7.62x54R 440 rounds for $88. Ive heard nothing but good things about these guns, from fun to hunting they do it all. Before the meltdown I used to see them all over the place, but havnt seen too many since.

[USAFGopherMike]

I have three Mosins and love them. Great fun to shoot and they pack a punch. Cheap but dirty surplus ammo. The price has gone up recently, but I've seen them at Big-5. Go to 7.62x54r.net for research and a buyers guide. Some are more sought after than others. The finnish examples are the best. The wood can be refinished but look for one with good finish and a clean bolt. One of the keys to getting one to shoot well is a thorough cleaning. Getting all the cosmoline out of these guns is critical and it takes a couple of cleanings before it's there. That being said, they're not super accurate without a lot of work and match grade ammo. There's a cool video on youtube of a guy ringing iron at 1000 yards 5 for 5 with a 2-power old school sniper scope, but I don't know how much work he put into it. YRMV.

EDit-I paid $81 each for mine, but you won't find them that cheap in good condition nowadays.

[Lurch]

I hit steel at 175 yds 3 for 3 with iron sights and the steel was swinging to boot. They are a fun gun.

[USAFGopherMike]

The M44 carbine version is shorter and sometimes creates big fireballs when it goes bang.

[kj4963]

5280 armory had some in crates a couple of weeks ago. don't know the price though.

[Mazin]

The M44 carbine version is shorter and sometimes creates big fireballs when it goes bang.

Yes they do!

[Dave]

I haven't seen them at any sporting goods stores recently. Meen to Gander, a couple of both Big 5 and Dick's and haven't seen them. Saw a few at the TGS a few days ago for 300. If you find one for 150 it is likely going to be a decent deal at this point.

[USAFGopherMike]

How cheap have you guys seen ammo? I have a bunch of the surplus, but always looking for a deal.

[jhirsh5280]

Aim Surplus right now has a 440 round spam can for $79 + shipping. Sportsmans Guide had stuff but they are on backorder now for a few months.

[USAFGopherMike]

Aim Surplus right now has a 440 round spam can for $79 + shipping. Sportsmans Guide had stuff but they are on backorder now for a few months.

That's almost .25/round after shipping. I wonder if anyone's been able to reload for cheaper.

[sellersm]

I reload for 54r, not sure what my cost works out to be. Hardest part is getting good brass, as that's really expensive!! That AIM deal isn't too bad.

[rondog]

That's almost .25/round after shipping. I wonder if anyone's been able to reload for cheaper.

Reloading is much cheaper, but you have to have reloadable brass first! So that means you either have to buy commercial ammo and shoot it up, or buy new empty cases. Neither of which is cheap.

[zteknik]

Reloading is much cheaper, but you have to have reloadable brass first! So that means you either have to buy commercial ammo and shoot it up, or buy new empty cases. Neither of which is cheap.

You can convert the surplus brass from berdan to boxer but it's a pita,not something a novice reloader should atempt..

[USAFGopherMike]

I bought some winchester today. $21 a box!!! You can bet I'll be hanging on to the brass!