Mosin Nagant 91/30 7.65x54R

[firefighterjohn]

the carbines have a real fireball coming out when you shoot them and adds to the excitement!!!!!

You're exactly right about the howitzer-sized fireball from the carbines...especially in low-light or night shoots....BOOM!

 

[johntheplinker]

They are clunky, like a 100 year old farm implement. On the other had, I got one that had an armory rebuild and had a TIKKA barrel with a true .308 barrel. It shot really well with reloads using quality bullets. Still felt like a farm tool that was abandoned in an old barn, but the target groupings looked pretty good.

Sounds like a Finn. What model?

 

[Leo]

Sounds like a Finn. What model?

91/30, that long barrel one. I measured some of the rougher ones and the barrels were in the .311 and .312" range, where a normal .308 bullet really did not work to well.

 

[Denny347]

I like my Mosins. Started collecting them back in 2000. Same with 7.62x54r

 

[DoggyDaddy]

91/30, that long barrel one. I measured some of the rougher ones and the barrels were in the .311 and .312" range, where a normal .308 bullet really did not work to well.

7.62x54R bullets are .311.

Edit: Well now I am confused. I could have sworn that they were .311, but according to Hodgdon, they call for .308".

Edit again: Lee says they're .311.

 

[DoggyDaddy]

7.62x54R.net also says .311.

Military Cartridge Diagrams

 

[johntheplinker]

.311 is the original size. Since that isn't a real common size here they probably used a more of a standard diameter. I'd say it would be a real good idea to different data than Hodgdon's if using .311 bullets.
And yes, the Finns did use some .308 barrels but reverted to .310 later.

 

[DoggyDaddy]

.311 is the original size. Since that isn't a real common size here they probably used a more of a standard diameter. I'd say it would be a real good idea to different data than Hodgdon's if using .311 bullets.
And yes, the Finns did use some .308 barrels but reverted to .310 later.

I think Lee's data is for .311. To make things more confusing, .303 Brit (aka 7.7 mm)? It's .311 also, as is 7.62x39.

 

[johntheplinker]

91/30, that long barrel one. I measured some of the rougher ones and the barrels were in the .311 and .312" range, where a normal .308 bullet really did not work to well.

Heck, post some pics, there are a few of us who actually like looking at old stuff!

 

[johntheplinker]

I think Lee's data is for .311. To make things more confusing, .303 Brit (aka 7.7 mm)? It's .311 also, as is 7.62x39.

IIRC isn't 7.7 Japanese also .311? For some reason I'm thinking there's one or 2 other cartridges that use a .311 bullet also.

 

[DoggyDaddy]

IIRC isn't 7.7 Japanese also .311? For some reason I'm thinking there's one or 2 other cartridges that use a .311 bullet also.

Yes indeed. I believe 7.65x53 Argentine is also .311.

 

[TheJoker]

Tell these ladies they aren't accurate. The Russian snipers racked up quite a score during WWII.

 

[DoggyDaddy]

Tell these ladies they aren't accurate. The Russian snipers racked up quite a score during WWII.

This fella did alright too...

"Between 10 October 1942 and 17 December 1942, during the Battle of Stalingrad, he killed 225 enemy soldiers."

Vasily Zaitsev (sniper) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[johntheplinker]

225, phhhhttt lightweight. Try over 500 in less than 100 days.

yeah, they were good, but let's not forget about the BEST!

Surely you didn't expect me to post anybody else, right?

Not to mention even after getting shot in the face with an exploding bullet he killed the red and took his rifle.
Oh, and did it all with iron sights!

 

[DoggyDaddy]

225, phhhhttt lightweight. Try over 500 in less than 100 days.

yeah, they were good, but let's not forget about the BEST!

Surely you didn't expect me to post anybody else, right?

Not to mention even after getting shot in the face with an exploding bullet he killed the red and took his rifle.
Oh, and did it all with iron sights!

And allegedly he would fill his mouth with snow so his breath wouldn't give away his position. Definitely a badass!

 

[johntheplinker]

And allegedly he would fill his mouth with snow so his breath wouldn't give away his position. Definitely a badass!

Yep, he was.

 

[edporch]

Anyone have any experience with 91/30? Are they good rifles? I've got one I've had for a long time that I've never shot Thinking about thinning the herd and wondering if it's worth keeping.

They're solid basic rifles that shoot a powerful round.
If the bore is good and it's in decent shape, keep it, unless you want the money from selling it.
Personally, my favorite MN is the Finnish M39.

 

[Mongo59]

I think Lee's data is for .311. To make things more confusing, .303 Brit (aka 7.7 mm)? It's .311 also, as is 7.62x39.

Ruger's first line of mini 30's didn't shoot well because they insisted on a .308 barrel for a .311 cartridge. Once they changed to .311 they are literally a thing to behold...

 

[Deimos]

I've always liked mine but I try to collect as much WW2 stuff as I can.. Most common issues with sticky bolt, from what I've seen, are cosmoline still in the action or a bad extractor. They commonly sell for 400-550 for a standard 91/30s but there are variants that are worth much more.

 

[DoggyDaddy]

Most common issues with sticky bolt, from what I've seen, are cosmoline still in the action or a bad extractor.

^^^This^^^ It can be overcome.