How to Recognize Different Variations of

Mosin Nagant Rifles

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The numerous models and variations of Mosin rifles can be overwhelming to the new collector. Many times they are mislabeled by dealers, pawn shops, and individuals who are not familiar with them. When searching for a particular model or variation to fill a hole in a collection it's important to positively identify the firearm to avoid costly mistakes. This guide was developed to help the new collector identify one or two unique basic features, or combination of features, to look for in each model to simplify the search. Please keep in mind that there are literally hundreds of variations and it is impossible to identify all the nuances with this guide. Seemingly minor markings can drastically change the rarity and value of a rifle and further research is encouraged. The bold title for each model is linked to the corresponding page in the Mosin Nagant Models section which has more in depth information.

Russian/Soviet Mosins Finnish Mosins Eastern European & Chinese Mosins

Russian M91 rifles are 51 1/2" long, dated 1893-1925, and have the following features. The first picture is early configuration and the second picture is late configuration.



Hex Receiver

Curved rear sight

Blade front sight

M91s were manufactured by three Russian and three "foreign" arsenals. While exact logos vary through the years, the following marks are typical.



Chatellerault (French)

Tula (Russian)

Izhevsk (Russian)

Sestroryetsk (Russian)



New England Westinghouse

(United States)

Remington Armory (United States)



Russian Dragoon and Cossack rifles are 48 1/2" long, dated 1893-1932, and have the same features as shown above for the M91. They were only made at Izhevsk and Tula. The first picture is early configuration and the second picture is late configuration.

Soviet M91/30 rifles are 48 1/2" long, dated 1930-1944, and have the following features:



Flat rear sight

Globe front sight

M91/30s can have a hex or round receiver and were manufactured at Tula and Izhevsk. The following marks are typical:



Tula (Soviet Union)

Izhevsk (Soviet Union)

Soviet M38 carbines are 40" long, dated 1939-1945, and have the following features:



Short rear sight leaf

Narrow front sight base

M38s were manufactured at Tula and Izhevsk. The following marks are typical:



Izhevsk M38

Tula M38

Soviet M44 carbines are 40 1/2" long, dated 1943-1948, and have the following feature:



Side folding bayonet

M44s were manufactured at Tula and Izhevsk. The following marks are typical:



Izhevsk M44

Tula M44

Soviet M91/59 carbines are 40 1/2" long, cut down from M91/30s, and have the following feature:



Long rear sight leaf with higher numbers milled off

M91/59s are cut down from Izhevsk and Tula M91/30s and some are "sanitized". "1891/59" is stamped on the barrel and easily recognizable. The following marks are typical:



Izhevsk M91/59

Tula M91/59

Sanitized M91/59

Soviet M91/38 carbines are 40 1/2" long, cut down from M91s in Czechoslovakia, and have the following features:



Short rear sight leaf

Wide front sight base

M91/38s are cut down from Russian M91s. The following marks are typical:



Izhevsk M91/38

Tula M91/38

Sestroryetsk M91/38

Finnish M91 rifles are 51 1/2" long, dated 1926-1927 and 1940-1943, and have the following features. The first picture is typical of early configuration and the second picture is typical of late configuration. However, Finnish rifles can vary a great deal with no set standards for minor features.



Curved rear sight

Blade front sight

The early M91s can have "straight" or "stepped" barrels made by Tikkakoski. Following is a picture of a stepped barrel.

The late M91 barrels came from three sources. The following marks are typical:



Tikkakoski barrel (Finland)

VKT barrel (Finland)

"B" barrel (Belgium)

Finnish M24 rifles are 51 1/2" long, undated, and have the following features:



Curved rear sight

Blade front sight

Early Civil Guard Logo

M24 barrels came from two sources, SIG and Germany (Bohler-Stahl). The SIG barrels can be "straight" or "stepped". All Bohler-Stahl barrels are "stepped". The following marks are typical:



SIG barrel mark on right side of chamber

Bohler-Stahl barrel mark on bottom, hidden by stock

Finnish P-Series rifles are 51 1/2" long, dated with "P-26" or "P-27", and have the following features:



Curved rear sight

Blade front sight

P-Series barrels are scrubbed Russian barrels that have been relined. The following marks are typical:



P-Series marking The unmarked barrel to the left is thought to be a "P-25" without any of the typical "P-25" or "S" marks. It is SA marked, of Finnish origin, and considered uncommon. picture courtesy of Arlon

Finnish M27 rifles are 46 1/2" long, dated 1927-1940, and have the following features:



Curved rear sight

Closed nose cap (may not have "popsicle sticks")

M27s were manufactured at Tikkakoski and VKT. The following marks are typical:



Tikkakoski (Finland)

VKT (Finland)

Finnish M28 rifles are 46 1/2" long, undated, and have the following features:



Curved rear sight

Open nose cap

M28 barrel sources were Tikkakoski and SIG. They have the Civil Guard logo "SY". The following marks are typical:



Tikkakoski (Finland)

SIG (Switzerland) mark below wood line

Finnish M28/30 rifles are 46 1/2" long, dated 1934-1940, and have the following features:



Flat rear sight

Front sight 1/2" from muzzle

M28/30s were made at Sako and the following mark is typical:



M28/30 barrel marking

Finnish M39 rifles are 46 1/2" long, dated 1941-1945, and have the following features:



Flat rear sight

Front sight 1" from muzzle

There are six major variations of M39s. The following marks are typical:



VKT

Sako

Sako/SkY

B

Tikka

No maker/Late date

Finnish M91/30 rifles are 48 1/2" long, dated 1943-1944, and have the following features:



Flat rear sight

"Stacked" front blade sight

M91/30s were made at Tikkakoski and the following mark is typical:



Tikkakoski M91/30

Polish, Hungarian, Romanian M44s and Chinese T53 carbines are 40 1/2" long, dated 1951-1960, and have the following feature:



Side folding bayonet

M44s were manufactured in Poland, Hungary, and Romania; T53s in China. The following marks are typical:



Poland (M44)

Hungary (M44)

Romania (M44)

China (T53)

Hungarian M91/30 rifles are 48 1/2" long, dated in the 1950s, and have the following features:



Flat rear sight

Globe front sight

The following mark is typical for a Hungarian M91/30:



Hungarian M91/30

Romanian M91/30 rifles are 48 1/2" long, dated in the 1950s, and have the following features:



Flat rear sight

Blade front sight

The following mark is typical for a Romanian M91/30:



Romanian M91/30

Albanian M91/30 rifles are 48 1/2" long, dated 1961, and have the following features:



Flat rear sight

Globe front sight

The following mark is typical for an Albanian M91/30:



Albanian M91/30