Mosin-Nagant 1891/30 Sniper
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| Caliber: |
7.62x54mm R |
| Barrel Length: |
28.7" (729 MM) |
| Barrel Details: |
4 Lands and Grooves, Right hand twist
|
| Empty Weight: |
11.3 pounds (5.136 KG) empty less sling |
| Overall Length: |
48.5" (1232 MM) |
| Magazine: |
5 Round internal box |
| Stock: |
Standard issue 1891/30 wood stock |
Here is another installment for the classic sniper rifles. The model 1891/30 Sniper is based
on the standard issue 1891/30 rifle from the former USSR. These rifles were used for much of
the 20th century. To create the sniper version of these rifles, high quality
examples of the 1891/30 were pulled off of the production line. They specifically looked for
high quality barrels. They took these hand picked rifles and then turned the bolts down for
operation while using a scope. They mounted a scope; both the PV (4x) and PU (3.5x) versions were
used. The PU was preferred and used on most of the sniper versions. There was no bayonet issued
and the foresight was raised 1mm, which allowed the open sites to be used out to 600 meters.
The trigger was also lightened to 4.4-5.3 lbs (2-2.4 kg).
The 1891/30 Sniper proved to be an exceptional sniper rifle, perhaps even the best of WWII.
The rifles were mass-produced, with as many as 330,000 of the sniper variants being produced
between 1941 and 1943. Of course, due to these types of production numbers, some problems arose.
There were numerous complaints about the triggers, they were not adjustable, and so what came
with the rifle was what you were stuck with, so hopefully it was adjusted nicely from the
factory. Another complaint was with the stock, as some of the wood used during some of the
high production times was not high quality and warped a lot during changes in weather. The
rifles were also long and heavy which made them a bit awkward in the field. But, despite all
that, these rifles were very accurate. Average accuracy was about 1.5 MOA with some examples
shooting WELL below 1 MOA. This level of accuracy is amazing for a rifle produced during
wartime conditions and in these numbers. It is believed that many German snipers in WWII
would use captured 1891/30's as their personal sniper rifles, over their Mauser 98K's.
The 1891/30 Sniper rifle was originally developed in the early 20's (on the Dragoon rifle)
and used in the 30's (as the 1891/30).
Like many countries did before and during the war, the USSR was switching over to semi-auto
combat rifles, the SVT-40, and a sniper variant was produced of this rifle. But accuracy
was not up to par and many complaints over the SVT-40 sniper rifle prompted the return of
the 1891/30, which performed very well throughout the war. The rifle stayed in service until
1963 when it was replaced in the USSR military by the SVD. The 1891/30 Sniper's stayed
in service until the 70's with many communist countries. It actually served with the NVA during
the Vietnam Conflict as well. This rifle has an exceptional service history and performance
history and deserves to be placed among the greatest of all service built sniper rifles.
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