This is a refurbished wartime dated M91/30. You are correct that it is in a wartime stock. It is not a laminate stock. The shine you are seeing is from the shellac that the Reds put on these rifles post-war as a cheap wood seal for long-term storage when they were refurbishing literally millions of these rifles. The numbers
should match because the bolt, magazine floor-plate and the buttplate were re-stamped (or in some cases electro-penciled) to match the number on the barrel shank. That was done during the refurbishment process. It's called "force matching," and do not think that this is an "all original numbers matching rifle."
While the photos are not clear, the stock looks like it is in decent condition. When you actually see the weapon, you might notice small wood repairs, which were often necessary at the nose of the stock. That's not uncommon.
A year ago, you could go to the Cabela's in Hamburg, PA, any time and find dozens of these on the rack, Black Friday sale price $139
with a bayonet. Today, there are none at all. On-line prices for these are all over the map, ranging from around $175-180 up to $250, and in some cases $400+ (yes, for a 1943 refurb). A weekend or two ago, I saw two beat up 1943s for $215 and $250 respectively at a local gun shop. You really have to be careful before you buy any milsurp, and you are wise to ask here, first.
You will no doubt read about these rifles once being available for $100 or less, and a few who acquired them at that price will scoff at your paying $180. Don't listen to them. They have theirs, and the days of $100 Mosins are gone forever.
IF the rifle is mechanically sound and closer inspection does not reveal any stock issues, then in my opinion $180 and the ammo is a reasonable price. It sounds like you are avoiding shipping and transfer/background check fees, though you are spending money to drive there (and do comply with the law, of course).
The bayonet price sounds average, but make sure it fits first! Otherwise, you'll be doing some machining work.
As far as backing out is concerned, your sense of honor does you credit, but believe me, he will be able to sell this rifle at that price if you change your mind.
Three weeks ago, I went on Gunbroker (the on-line auction site), and found a 1929 ex-Dragoon, Izhevsk barrel, double-dated, MO stamped rifle with a sling. It is also built on a 1920 Tula receiver. I usually don't do this, but here's the link:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =504175726
You see what I paid for it? You see how many bids there were? That may be atypical, but it does happen.
Now. You probably do not have a C&R (federal firearm license for collectors), so you would be looking at transfer and background check fees in addition to shipping. But if you're willing to dig a little deeper to accommodate that
and shop for a while, you can still find the somewhat more desirable hex receiver rifles at around this price.
I strongly encourage you to go to YouTube and to watch ALL of the Mosin videos (including those about the Mosin bolt) posted there by Junk Yard Dog under the name RockIsland1913. These are well done and very educational.
Finally, I had sworn to myself
No more refurbs! You see how that worked out. These rifles are addictive. Once you start down this path (buying that second Mosin), consume you they will, and forever will they dominate your destiny. I'm not joking. Good luck!
Bill ,
PM me if interested......SBP
