Mosin Nagant accuracy???

Question

What accuracy can I get from a 91/30 and a M44 and how to improve it.

Answer 1

You can get great results....OR you can have pie plate sized groups at 100 yards.

As has been said, they are military surplus and it all depends on the wear of the barrel, the muzzle condition and the ammo used.

You have a much better chance of getting a really good shooter with the 91/30. Not to say the carbines can't be accurate, some are, but your chances of being on target at 200 yards will improve dramatically with a rifle. The carbines also have a nasty kick. If you don't like recoil, don't get a carbine. The rifle has about the recoil of a comparable .30-06 hunting rifle.

The conditions vary from extremely well used to nearly new. The post WWII carbines have better bores, but many 91/30s are in excellent condition.

By far the best shooters are the Finn modified M39s. They run from under $200 to $400 depending on factory and condition, but all are typically better than the Russians. The Finns put heavier barrels and better sights and then restocked the rifles in a heavier, shooter friendly stock setup.

If you cannot afford a Finn, get a 'rearsenaled' 91/30. They are in excellent metal finish condition and were picked for long term storage by the Russians because the bores met some minimum spec. Used, but very good bores usually. Expect to do some wood refinishing and strip off the nasty Cold War era yellow shellac. It's not an original finish. It's very easy to take it off with alcohol and then refinish with some Boiled Linseed Oil.

I have a number of Mosins from two centuries and shoot them on a regular basis. My best Finn M39 gets used in 200 yard competitions and is better than my M1 Garand and 1903 Springfields. I was shooting Mosins today, it was windy but the heavy 7.62x54r doesn't mind a bit.

Answer 2

the 91/30 isn't bad for a military rifle of that era if it has a decent barrel. The key is to get that good barrel. Some of them are shot out when sold. You can recrown the muzzle to improve accuracy, put it in a better stock, re barrel it, but that's kinda costly. The best bet, is to accept it as a military rifle that's fun to shoot, but not meant to be all that accurate. Maybe you will get lucky and find one that is in really good shape. The m44, being shorter, has even less accuracy. But, my brother bought 4 of them and all 4 were pretty darned good shooters. Not competition grade, but would put 5 rounds inside a softball sized targer at 100 yards.

Answer 3

There are just too many variables involved to answer your question accurately.All 91/30's and M44's shoot differently depending on the ammunition you use to shoot in them. Considering they were used quite successfully during WW II by Russian Snipers I would think that in itself is proof of the rifles capabilities. The only thing that comes to mind as an "improvement" would be to mount a scopes on them, unless they are both collectors grade rifles. Try several different brands of ammunition if available and see what shoots best thru your guns...That is where I would suggest starting...

Answer 4

From what I hear the sight were adjusted with the bayonets extended in the factory. I also hear that with the bayonet folded if pulls to the right a little but some people say how will a metal bayonet that weighs a little under one pound effect a eight pound rifle which is a good point. I like these rifles and I own a M91/30 and don't own a M44 [yet] I can tell you tough to my knowledge with out shooting a M44 myself would be to make sure the front sight post is lined up with the base. In the factory after they were sighted in They would engrave a line on the post and base so if that line is connected and pig sticker is extended you should be good but this doesn't jack if the bore is shot out.

Answer 5

First deer I ever got was with a 91/30. The gun kicks like heck. I use Norma ammo and then reload with a 150 gr spitzer boat tail round. Restock it could help unless you want to keep it original.