What to collect

[Bubblehead]

I bought ny first Mosin 4 weeks ago and it was the first gun I purchased in 35 years. If I'm going to start a collection of just a few rifles, what do you consider to be must haves? My first is a 1942 Tula.

[redspoon]

Well that's a $64 question, but assuming your 42 tula is a M91/30 ur gonna need at least one of the several varieties of the M44 carbine. One or more of the longer M91 rifles and anything Mosin that has the Finnish Army (SA) rework stamp, however you will never be consider a serious Mosin collector unless you have at least one 1943 Izhevsk 91/30.
Hang around the forum for a while and you will learn pretty quick what's more desirable and collectible. to the forum.

[Lotema]

I'll agree with redspoon. If you're going to start collecting, you need at least one of the carbine Mosins (M44, M38, M91\38, M91\59 etc..) and at least one M91. That of course is if you just want to stick with the Russians! You should probably add at LEAST one Finn, Polish, Chinese, Hungarian, Romainian, American ...

In all seriousness though, I'd say take a look at all the different variants that are out there and find the ones that talk to you the most. Some folks collect all arsenals, specific arsenals but all years, specific years, one of everything, Finn only etc.. Just got to figure out where your passion lies with these beauties. I've picked up about 20 over the past year and still haven't completely figured out what direction I want to take. Right now it's more of a "best available" when I have the money pattern...

[Junk Yard Dog]

I would consider the must have's to be whatever it strikes MY fancy to collect and be dammed what others think about it, it's my collection. In the day I would be picking up a Garand in the morning and at then spend half a day chasing down another Vetterli someone thought they saw in a junk shop someplace. I would get laughed at for dropping $50 on another rifle I couldn't shoot, well now, just who the hell is laughing now that these same rifles are hitting $500? You collect what you like , it doesn't matter what it is be it Soviet refurb, Chinese type 53, or Finn M91's, that you like what you collect is all that matters.

[qz2026]

Welcome!!

"...If I'm going to start a collection of just a few rifles" Tell us about your "few" rifles a year from now

Anyway to start out you need a 91/30 round receiver and a 91/30 hex receiver. Then you will probably want one from Tula and one from Izhevsk. Then you need an M-91. Then you need some Finns (91/30, M-39, M-91 and a few more "M's" that you will grow to want over time). Then you need a carbine(s) - a Russian M-44 and an M-38. By then, you will have a pretty good idea of (1) what you have and (2) the infinite rifles you don't have but desperately desire (and need to feed the addiction). Some would even say you need a Nagant pistol as well. And, you will likely be out of control by that time and will apply for a C&R. After all, for every 4 or so rifles you purchase and have transferred to you by an FFL you will be able to save enough with a C&R to purchase one more. Have no worry though, there are lots of shoulders to cry on as you walk the trail to the poor house. The secret is, purchase what talks to you.

[davesstuff1]

All Mosin Nagants are good and deserve to be kept in a loving home

[bunkysdad]

Bubblehead, welcome to the forum. So for the last 35 years of not buying guns, did you already have some firearms that you shoot? Rifles, handguns, or shotguns? Or is this your first firearm? The military surplus rifles are a wonderful source for collecting firearms with some interesting history attached, but there are other areas that are fun to collect, like older 22 rifles for instance. Some folks collect and dont shoot, while others shoot but are less into collecting. Then there are guys like me, that shoot everything they can, from revolvers, semi auto pistols, to shotguns and rifles, while not forgetting some fun black powder guns too.

[B24]

Anything that's not bubba'd.
I see you are from Memphis, I'm about 80 miles southeast of you
in the New Albany area. Not much to choose from in the way of
Mosins in this area. Are there any shops in Memphis that have much
to choose from? I was in Don's shop at Collierville a couple of weeks ago
and he had several wartime refurbs.

I started out with a 28 Tula about this time last year and found a 1917
Remington and a 1948 M44 during pawn shop rounds a few months later.
Welcome to the board and the world of Mosins.

[redeuce]

I bought ny first Mosin 4 weeks ago and it was the first gun I purchased in 35 years. If I'm going to start a collection of just a few rifles, what do you consider to be must haves? My first is a 1942 Tula.

I think JYD said it best. Collect something you like. I think virtually everyone has set some type of buying order, must haves, or "list", and just as quickly the list goes out the window. You will hear many say, if the rifle speaks to you, buy it. This is so true. I was on a quest for more Finns recently, and said some time ago I would never buy another refurb. So, of course, my last 2 were a 1939 Tula with a laminated stock and a 1927 Tula ex dragoon!

[outdooraddict]

I like you, just purchased my first mosin. 42 Izhevsk...My wish list is...

M38, M44, hex 91/30, laminated stock in either makes...that's just on my realistic list. I could keep going ;)

[djbuck1]

Welcome!

There is a definite rationale to my collection. But only I understand it.

It's sort of like women. We all have our own preferences. Explaining what they are takes some of the pleasure away.

And with milsurps, the expense is generally up-front and done. And they don't talk back. Nor do they campaign to have you get rid of the other milsurps. It's a much better deal all the way around.

[Sonny]

IMO everyone needs a mauser...

[Bubblehead]

[quote="bunkysdad"]Bubblehead, welcome to the forum. So for the last 35 years of not buying guns, did you already have some firearms that you shoot? Rifles, handguns, or shotguns? Or is this your first firearm? The military surplus rifles are a wonderful source for collecting firearms with some interesting history attached, but there are other areas that are fun to collect, like older 22 rifles for instance. Some folks collect and dont shoot, while others shoot but are less into collecting. Then there are guys like me, that shoot everything they can, from revolvers, semi auto pistols, to shotguns and rifles, while not forgetting some fun black powder guns too.[/quote


Its been 20 years or so since I shot a gun. I use to hunt ducks and went deer hunting a few times when I was younger. I gave my guns to my son along time ago. I have a pistol for the home. I just want to do something now that I'm getting older. I thought I would start shooting again and collecting a few WW2 guns. When I walked into the gun shop and saw the Mosin I thought what the heck. I could play around and mod it pretty cheap and have a decent target rifle. Well then I came home and started reading the internet. That Mosin is staying just the way it is. I'm going to clean it up and make sure its good to fire again. Looking forward to range day.

[Lee-online]

I buy what I like when I see it. I do have a list of certain rifles or features I want so I can search for those in particular but when I see a rifle that speaks to me, its hard to let it go.

Owning one of each model and or each arsenal would be a good start. Different countries mosins, Refurbished and non refurbished. And then there is always collecting years.

Look at the showcase for inspiration.
http://www.russian-mosin-nagant-forum.c ... =48&t=2665

[redeuce]

I like you, just purchased my first mosin. 42 Izhevsk...My wish list is...

M38, M44, hex 91/30, laminated stock in either makes...that's just on my realistic list. I could keep going ;)

Many of us started originally with either a '42 or '43

[Longcolt44]

Good attitude. Be sure to read the how to's in the stickys and don't forget to get a set or at least a field gauge to check the headspace. See OKIE at the top of the page.

[jimpierce7]

My first was a '42 Izhevsk as well. Red letter. It is one on my top 9 favorite Mosins. I went 30 years between guns myself. Bought my first Mosin last October. Got 9 now. I'm thinking too that it might be a matter of what kind of collection you want. A show case collection or shooter collection.

[Sgt lamb]

start by doing some reading good websites are mosinnagant,net 7.62X54r.net and the mosinwiki page on this forum

[professor9]

Just let each prospective candidate speak to you. If it's a good fit you will know it.

[Bubblehead]

I've been setting up my work bench and picking up some cleaning supplies. Head space gauges are first on my list.