As anyone who has collected for more than a year or two can attest, there can sometimes be a certain item that will alter the direction of your interests. Such as it was with this pivotal M91 that I spied near the end of the day at a gunshow last January. I was already somewhat familiar with Mosins, as there were three 91/30's in the brood, but this worn gun that was priced at $175 had an intrigue and character that caused me to write down a few features, do a little homework, and head back for the show in the morning.
I was early in line, and walked directly to the table with money in my pocket. To my amazement, the dealer had marked down all of his guns by $50 overnight. I walked out with a 1905 Finn'd Tula in an early stock with plugged and open wire hanger holes, Austrian markings and a rear post sling loop for $125. Of course, Mosinitus set in, and couple dozen more have followed in the last nine months. Here are some pics, and thanks for looking.
No words of wisdom come to mind at this time....
This rifle is SA marked? Very nice patina on the metal, the start of a good case of mosinitis all right 
