Mosin Nagant 91/59

[woodchukhntr]

I found a nice 91/59 in the local gun shop for $89.95, and will pick it up today.  The overall condition is very good, but the barrel needs cleaning.  I noticed it because it looked like a 44 without the bayonet.  I thought it was a 38, but it had the rifle sight.  Upon close inspection, I saw that it was produced in 1942 and had 91/59 markings on the receiver.  Is anybody familiar with these?  How do they compare with 38's and 44's?

[TribReady]

Most people say they shoot better than the 38 or 44's
They're made by "cutting down" the 91/30. That rifle started out as a 91/30 in 1942 and somewhere along the way got changed into the carbine.  Most of these are in super condition (the 91/30 would have been in pretty good condition or it wouldn't have been used to make the "new" carbine)
$89.95 is a great price for a 91/59. 

Someone else may chime in on the 91/59's history and use, but I know they were used alot in Vietnam

[woodchukhntr]

After cleaning the bore a lot, it still looks a little rough.  The rest looks great, and all numbers match.  I took it to the range today for the first time with some unknown ammo.  Even with my less than good eyesight, I was able to get a fair sight picture 50 yards.  I was amazed to get a 1-1/4" 5-shot group!  The trigger pull is single-stage at a crisp 4-1/2 lb.  I thought that they were double-stage triggers.  I put the bolt into my M39 and got a 3-1/2 lb. pull as compared to 6-1/2 lb. with the other bolt.

[30-30man]

Your only problem is going to be finding ammo for it.  I'm afraid the recent events in Serbia/Kosovo are going to kill our supplies. Heck, it's already getting hard to find the Barnual stuff to hunt with.

[schnarrgj]

The 91/59 are usually very good shooters. Here is a link to give you some information on the specs   http://7.62x54r.net/MosinID/MosinM9159.htm

[woodchukhntr]

Your only problem is going to be finding ammo for it.  I'm afraid the recent events in Serbia/Kosovo are going to kill our supplies. Heck, it's already getting hard to find the Barnual stuff to hunt with.

You're probably right.  Once the current surplus ammo dries up, it will probably get hard to find.  What's up with the reloadable brass?  It's almost impossible to find!

[S.S.]

I have preached to the point of being annoying at times about stocking up on ammo, I know this.
But a lot of folks are now seeing why. I am a fanatic about keeping up with world events and when China
and India and parts of Canada started running electricity to places that were previously without,
copper prices went crazy. Also, the U.N incentives for disassembling and recycling ammunition components rather than "exporting death"
have kind of shafted us all. I know the prices have about doubled in the last year or so, but I still say get what you can
while you can, It may double again next year or not be available at all. If you reload, you better stock up on primers and powder
also. certain chemicals are going up in price too and unfortunately some are used in producing powder and priming compounds..

[woodchukhntr]

I'm going to take your advise.  I'll stock up on ammo that I don't reload for such as the 7.62x54, and components for those that I do.  One thing for sure, even if the ammo is available, the prices are only going one way, up!

[cybin]

I agree with S.S.  I have always had a large amount of ammo around for my guns. Especially when I could get it on the cheap. I have actually had some people say (at gun shows) "What does anyone need 1200 rounds of ammo for?" I like buying it by case lots. Unfortunately the 7.62 x 54 ammo I have is corrosive, but it shoots good, and I have found that windex is the answer to cleaning the barrel.

Cybin

[woodchukhntr]

Cybin,

How do you use the Windex?  Spraying it down the barrel or wetting patches?  Before or after using other solvents?

[TribReady]

You absolutely need to use other solvents/cleaners after. 
The ammonia in the Windex is supposed to neutralize the corrosive ingredients in the primers. This is still up for debate.
Flushing the barrel at the range, following your shooting, with anything will usually be sufficient.  Clean well at home.

I've used Windex and/or diluted ammonia and would typically just pour a bit down the barrel (breech to muzzle), then a quick swab with a patch.  I've heard of many guys just using water.  Again, in any case, you must do a thorough cleaning at home.  Currently, if I'm not going to be able to go home quick from the range to clean, I'll run a few patches thru the barrel with my normal solvent and oil.  Then, clean again at home.

REMEMBER-----Windex can discolor the bluing on a rifle. Be careful that it only goes down into the barrel.

[woodchukhntr]

Thanks. I've used both water and T/C black powder solvent successfully.

[Stan in SC]

The ammonia in Windex does nothing to flush out the hydroscopic salt residue from corrosive primers.Water in the mix is what does it.I carry a spray bottle of half ammonia and half water to the range and spray it down the barrel from the chamber end after shooting while the barrel is still warm.Also spraying the same stuff on the bolt head and wiping it off prevents corrosion there.Then when you get home clean in the normal manner.I've never had corrosion.

Stan