Mosin Sniper Vacation Find

[Larry D.]

I've looked at those pictures 3 times, so far, and I really REALLY like this rifle.

In typical Soviet fashion, the stock cuts are kinda crude. But, to me at least, that's a huge part of the appeal. The photos show that it appears to have been together for a long time.

[Phosphorus32]

That is an excellent find at a steal of a price! 

That pentagonal hammer/sickle/star marking indicates the scope was made at Factory #297 NKV (Yoshkar-Ola), which made PU scopes starting in March 1943 and continuing through 1944.  https://www.m9130.info/pu-sniper-scopes

The scope (and presumably the whole rifle) was refurbished post-WWII at Central Artillery Armament Base (CABV) 25; /25\. Post-war stock. https://www.m9130.info/repair-depot-markings.

Looks like the rifle was originally a sniper with it's original scope replaced (and the number lined out on the barrel) with this refurbished Yoshkar-Ola scope. Based on the modern Russian proof marks this was imported in the batches that came in in ca. 2014 (proof is dated 2013).

[Bacarnal]

As soon as I get time (just got back) I'll get better and more pix.  P32, I knew I could count on you for an in depth on refurbs, etc. 

Did some quick research on the scope and the serial matches for 1944.

Bob, yeah, I think the scope is worth a good deal more than what they thought since it appears to be real and not a knock off.  The Sniper was sitting on consignment right next to a 91/30 which had the same price of 499.00 on it, presumably from the same seller.  I got to it before one of the store employees could .  He wasn't happy, especially since he had to hand the Sniper over to me Saturday.

As P32 said, post war stock. 

I'm just tickled that I stumbled over it and was able to clear through the ATF&E. Wednesday I had over 3200 in front of me.  Called on Friday about 5:30pm and there were 25.  Saturday morning and I need to hit the road, so I call when they open at 10:00am and I'm at 2 in line.  Get over there at 11:30 and I passed . 

Colorado is weird in that it has reciprocity for carry but not for using it as a background check.  Must be due to the Denver area being LA East (yeah, we called it that back in the '70's and '80's).

[carls sks]

bet you had a grin on your face the whole ride home, nice find. 

[Larry D.]

I'm thinking that dealer screwed up, and was slow to realize is mistake.
By the time he did, you were already in the picture.

I've seen a few snipers listed for upwards of a grand or more.

[Bacarnal]

bet you had a grin on your face the whole ride home, nice find. 

To be quite honest, carl, yes I did .  Still have one!!!

[Bacarnal]

I'm thinking that dealer screwed up, and was slow to realize is mistake.
By the time he did, you were already in the picture.

I've seen a few snipers listed for upwards of a grand or more.

I'm kinda thinking that they priced it wrong also, Larry.  Either that or they priced it for the employee and, as you said, I entered the picture early.  Their loss for making me wait .

[Phosphorus32]

Bruce, I looked up mine in my bound book, and I paid $525 delivered for my 1943 Izhevsk M91/30-PU from Classic Firearms (when they were still well run) in September 2014, so you paid a 6 years ago retail price     

Mine was from the same batch as yours, with the Molot (triangle circle T) marking and '13 commercial proof date. Mine is also a refurb from CABV 25 with a lined out original scope number on the barrel, but with the new scope base having the original barrel serial number and scope number both EP'd onto it. So very comparable to your pick up, except I have a 1942 Factory #357 NKV (Leningrad/Omsk) (formerly known as "Progress") scope.

[Bacarnal]

Thanks for the update and research, Jon!!!  What year is your rifle, and is it Izhevsk or Tula? 

Now I gotta find a sling and scope cover for it.  Funny, started the year not owning or ever had owned a Mosin nor ever wanting one.  Now I've got seven of 'em.  Granted five are '20's converted Dragoons, but it's weird how things happen .

Pictures soon.  Have to do some catchup on re-loading during the daytime...

[Larry D.]

Do you need just a generic Mosin sling?

I think I have one laying around somewhere.

[Matchka]

Well done! Very nice example!

[Phosphorus32]

Thanks for the update and research, Jon!!!  What year is your rifle, and is it Izhevsk or Tula? 

Now I gotta find a sling and scope cover for it.  Funny, started the year not owning or ever had owned a Mosin nor ever wanting one.  Now I've got seven of 'em.  Granted five are '20's converted Dragoons, but it's weird how things happen .

Pictures soon.  Have to do some catchup on re-loading during the daytime...

1943 Izhevsk with 1942 scope fitted during refurbishment with the scope base renumbered to match.

[Bacarnal]

Larry, thanks, but I ordered a 1943 dated sling and some scope covers last night. It's appreciated!!

Thanks, Matchka!!

Nice rifle, Jon.  I was wondering if the exporter or CABV25 tried to match years of scopes to rifles or if it was a typical re-furb catch as catch can.  Looks like the latter since there is a similar one on GB, 1944 Izhevsk with your make of scope, possibly same year for 1299.00.

[Bacarnal]

Updated pix.  Got the sling and scope cover which add to the general appearance. And yes, I know you can't use chargers with it, just showing off the ammo I've got available  for use in her .  Need to find another scope cover or work on this one.

[Larry D.]

My opinion, the importer didn't do any favors marking where he did.
I will say though, the the model and caliber marking is just about the best looking I've ever seen.
And that sling! Wow. Never seen one that nice.

Still an awesome deal that you're enhancing with every add.

[100Acre]

I thought snipers had to have certain markings on the receiver like a Cryllic Pie symbol

[Phosphorus32]

I thought snipers had to have certain markings on the receiver like a Cryllic Pie symbol

Tula PUs usually had СН or СП (abbreviation for Снайперская, sniper) on the top of the barrel shank. Izhevsk PUs were not marked that way. They will have the lined out scope number on the left barrel shank if they are ex-snipers or refurbished snipers with new scopes, like the ones shown in this thread.