Author Topic: 7.62x54R in Mosin Nagant to make custom hunting rifle (Read 5773 times)

webbspinner · « **on:** December 26, 2011, 02:17:27 PM »

I have a opportunity to pick up a couple mosin nagants one of which I know is chambered in the 7.62x54R cartridge and I am not sure of the other. Do they make these in other calibers? They are stock as a rock military rifles, I am wondering if any one has ever made a sporting rifle out of one of these and how did it go. Thinking about a project to work on this year. Sporter stocks available, and how is the cartridge on deer sized game. All the thoughts you all would have are surely welcome. thanks.

tcencore3006 · « **Reply #1 on:** December 26, 2011, 03:37:53 PM »

All Mosin Nagants are chambered in 7.62x54. I have friend (a gunsmith) who turned a gun into a hunting rifle for a friend. He was not happy with the project. His feeling was why put $300 into a $100 gun when you can just buy a a decent $400 gun for hunting. I had a Nagant with an ATI stock on it for a while. I think the cartridge would be decent on deer but sold it and never hunted with it.

ratherbefishin · « **Reply #2 on:** December 26, 2011, 04:29:14 PM »

I can see someone making a truck gun out of one-mainly because of the cheap ammunition-but when it comes to milsurps-if you can't do it yourself-it isn't worth spending money on.A $100 rifle is a $100 rifle-no matter how much you put into it.

yellowtail3 · « **Reply #3 on:** December 26, 2011, 04:31:58 PM »

As already said, Mosins are all 7.62x54. I've thought about making a deer rifle out of one - that is, scope it so I can see at dawn & dusk - but yeah, once you add it all up... prob just as well to start w/Savage or Marlin bolt gun. I did shoot a nice 7pt a couple years ago with a Mosin M44 carbine equipped with Mojo peep sights. Last light, could barely see the deer through them - but it did the trick, bang/flop at about fifty yards or so. Load was 203gr SP by Wolf.

Haven't take the M91/30 hunting this year; maybe next year.

quasne.inc · « **Reply #4 on:** December 26, 2011, 04:32:24 PM »

I love my mosin that I sporterized. Chopped the barrel down put a scout scope on it and an ati synthetic stock. Yeah I have a couple of hundred bucks into it, but I cant buy 440 rnds for $80 for my .308 like a can my mosin. I am a shooter and a hunter and like to shoot my guns all year long. For people that are just hunters and dont like to tinker and just shoot a few times a year with premium ammo then the mosin might not be for you. The cartridge is kinda between a .308 and .30-06 in power and will take any North American game.

GRIMJIM · « **Reply #5 on:** December 26, 2011, 05:03:39 PM »

I would say if you really want to do it go for it. It would be interesting and not something everyone has. The cartridge is ballistically similar to the 30-06. But it is a military rifle and as such is meant to kill a person sized target, not one hole paper at 200 yards.
If you're expecting to get a tack driver out of it I think you will be disappointed, but as a hunting rifle it will probably serve you well, even better if you handload and can dial in the right load for it.
Check into pricing, depending on how carried away you want to get with it, cut and recrown the barrel, new stock bedded, bending the bolt handle (or the screw on one), drill and tap for scope base, new trigger group, strip and reblue/parkerize and go from there.

shot1 · « **Reply #6 on:** December 27, 2011, 02:07:37 AM »

Yes a wonderful hunting rifle can be made out of a Mosin Nagant if you are willing to spend the money to do so. There are sporter stocks, new triggers with slide safeties, really rock solid scope mounts that are not cheap. Yes a Mosin Nagant with a good bore can be a tack driver because I have some that are. You have to hand load to really make them shoot. The question is, Will this project be cost effective and the answer is NO! You can get a Rem 700 or Savage etc. for $400 and have a much better hunting rifle in a caliber that you can go to most any sporting goods store and purchase ammo for that is accurate. The Mosin Nagant will make a good OPEN SIGHT beat around "truck" gun. You can shim under the action screws and free float the barrel then wrap a piece of oiled felt around the barrel about three inches back of where the barrel comes out of the forearm. Replace the front sight post with a longer post made out of a finishing nail etc. Find out which size bullet that your rifle needs by slugging the bore then hand load that size bullet ( they like heavy 175 to 180 gr bullets) and have a good shooter. Most of the cheap military ammo is not accurate because the bullets are too small diameter for most of the rifles under normal conditions. Russia is a cold place and metal shrinks thus making the bores tighter in cold weather is one reason the bullets are a bit on the small size for the average bore but some rifles do have .395 diameter bores but most do not. Most average .310 to .311 diameter in the grooves. Most all the cheap military ammo is loaded with corrosive priming so you will need to use soap and water to clean the bore after you shoot them to kill the salts. You can do a search on the net and find all kinds of information on how to make these old war horses shoot well and how to sporterize them.

tcencore3006 · « **Reply #7 on:** December 27, 2011, 02:14:57 AM »

Not sure I would compare the 7.62x54 to .308 or 30.06 cartridges. Personally I don't think they are even in the same ball park.

webbspinner · « **Reply #8 on:** December 27, 2011, 03:49:51 AM »

I was intending on doing the work myself, I should be able to get two guns for under 200.00. My plan was to sporterize them, dress em up a bit, and get them outfitted up and dialed in. In the end sell at least one of them to finance another project. Saw the ati stocks and the scope mounts several places, like the idea of upgraded trigger and safety for sure. Was planning on bending the bolt handles and contemplating how tough it would be to make a sporter wood stock. I have done a few things in my shop and just thought it might would be a interesting project, maybe even come out with a couple of cool rifles.... just not entirely sure what I'm getting into.

chefjeff · « **Reply #9 on:** December 27, 2011, 03:55:58 AM »

It sure is ugly.Just sayin'.

yellowtail3 · « **Reply #10 on:** December 27, 2011, 04:31:55 AM »

Quote from: tcencore3006 on December 27, 2011, 02:14:57 AM

Not sure I would compare the 7.62x54 to .308 or 30.06 cartridges. Personally I don't think they are even in the same ball park.

That's silly; they're very alike, and the Mosin has more case capacity than the 308. You might get an extra 100fps or so out of the 30-06 w/180gr bullets over similar weight Mosin. Deer (or elk, or bear, or moose, etc) would never know the diff. Neither would a nazi soldier.

Quote from: chefjeff on December 27, 2011, 03:55:58 AM

It sure is ugly.Just sayin'.

(shrug) I'd say they're MUCH nicer looking than a Rem 710, or anything else with a synthetic stock... .

T.R. · « **Reply #11 on:** December 27, 2011, 05:00:06 AM »

This stock was made by Fajan but fitted by a local smith. Fajan has changed ownership since then.

I sold my Mosin 3 years ago about when the Recession was hurting my job. Things have worsened since then.

TR

Rock Home Isle · « **Reply #12 on:** December 27, 2011, 05:18:14 AM »

My Dad got me to buy a Mosin Nagant...A local gun shop got in a huge shipment of the M44 carbines with the side mounted bayonet. It was a reasonably accurate rifle. But then they got in a shipment of the M91 rifles...1st impressions were that they were big, long and not very attractive...but the one my Dad bought and the one that I bought were both very accurate. All I've ever shot out of my rifle is Millitary Ball Surplus ammo.

I was impressed much more with the rifle than the carbine.

By the way...those are some dang nice pictures there T.R.

yellowtail3...that's a nice angle on that rifle. Very Cool photo.

tcencore3006 · « **Reply #13 on:** December 27, 2011, 06:03:59 AM »

.
That's silly; they're very alike, and the Mosin has more case capacity than the 308. You might get an extra 100fps or so out of the 30-06 w/180gr bullets over similar weight Mosin. Deer (or elk, or bear, or moose, etc) would never know the diff. Neither would a nazi soldier.

Quote from: chefjeff on December 27, 2011, 03:55:58 AM

Perhaps I should have qualified my statement. A Nagant that has been sporterized and shoots that cartridge will never outshoot a modern 308 or 30-06. I am not saying I have anything against the Nagant but I would never put a 60 or 70 year old military gun with cheap surplus ammo against a newer gun and good ammo.

Truthfully I have been thinking of buy a case of Nagants. They certainly won't replace my .308 or 30-06.

hunt-m-up · « **Reply #14 on:** December 27, 2011, 07:40:24 AM »

I found a 91/59 Mosin that someone else already did all of the work to at a local shop and they lost money on it. Does ok with the 180 grn Winchester loads but really likes the 203 grn Brown Bear softpoints. If I reloaded it would improve, but I don't so I'm stuck with 1-2" 100 yard groups. My brother had a Marlin lever that he never could get to perform as well. Kinda what that big old rimmed cartridge reminds me of. The biggest issue currently is the stock trigger. I would recommend any of the current crop of lower cost bolt actions over this war relic for pure hunting rifles, but man is it fun to shoot and at half the cost of other factory ammo. I don't think you can make much sporterizing Mosins, you have to be doing it for your own enjoyment.

tcencore3006 · « **Reply #15 on:** December 27, 2011, 08:28:31 AM »

I am curious what did you spend on your pre-sporterized Mosin hunt-m-up?

STUMPJMPR · « **Reply #16 on:** December 27, 2011, 08:44:47 AM »

I sporterized a couple when you could buy them for $39. Parts were cheap back then too. I enjoyed it as a hobby. Now with the current cost of the gun and parts you couldn't make me sporterize one with the threat of death. My advice is to take them to the range and shoot them for what they are.

Lon371 · « **Reply #17 on:** December 27, 2011, 11:55:44 AM »

I say go for it. Cheaper than a Handi rifle and there is always some redneck looking for a big boomer

Here is a couple of mine. Camo one I gave $25 for w/stock. Cleaned it up and painted. Traded for a Dan Wesson 357

The pretty one I bought out of a crate($65). Degreased, refinished and had a scope mount put on($45)
Shoots better than I do.

Lonny

webbspinner · « **Reply #18 on:** December 27, 2011, 02:25:37 PM »

Well I have been doing some stock building and customizing for a few years now. Recently in the last couple of years been doing alot more other customizing and engraving on wood. So thought I would give metal a try, figured these would be a good cheap practice pieces to work on. working on having a hobby that some day could fund some of my other hobbys like collecting guns and shooting and so forth. so far all my stuff has been for me, but thinking this would be good for the experience and not hurt so bad if I screw up. One is a carbine and one is a rifle, the rifle still has grease packed all over but I know absolutely nothing about these guns, never had a interest until now honestly. any problems with bending the bolt handle to look more modern in function. I am still bartering back and forth on price but looks to be under 150 for both, that sound about right?

webbspinner · « **Reply #19 on:** December 27, 2011, 02:29:08 PM »

And those are some nice looking old rifles too, I might change my mind about messing one up.

like the camo on that one. are the ATI stocks anygood?

tcencore3006 · « **Reply #20 on:** December 27, 2011, 02:30:19 PM »

A buddy of mine has an extra bent bolt. If you pm me your email I will let him know you are interested. I don't know what he has into it but its worth a shot.

Lon371 · « **Reply #21 on:** December 27, 2011, 03:43:30 PM »

Quote from: webbspinner on December 27, 2011, 02:29:08 PM

And those are some nice looking old rifles too, I might change my mind about messing one up.

like the camo on that one. are the ATI stocks anygood?

I liked the ATI stock. But I had already cleaned the first one up and like it.

As far as the bolt handle, I cut the handle off, added a length of rod and welded it back together. Then bent it. There are bent bolts you can buy, see above post

Lonny

LunaticFringeInc · « **Reply #22 on:** December 27, 2011, 08:44:17 PM »

If it tickles your fancy and you got a non collectors grade parts gun then I say why not? I agree that its not cost effective if you look at it from a strictly dollars and cents perspective. But I have seen several that were sporterized and they look like they would make a pretty handy and robust hunting rifle.

Given how cheap they still are, I am about half tempted to pick one up rebarrel it, re-do the trigger and set it in a gray laminate stock. If there is boxer primed brass cases available for them I am willing to bet a hand loader could make them shoot some pretty tight groups with some load development. It would sure be interesting to see what one of these guns are truely capable of...

Lon371 · « **Reply #23 on:** December 27, 2011, 09:05:53 PM »

http://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/12651
PRVI BRASS 7.62x54R UNPRIMED 100/BAG

Item #:

PPU762X54R

Price:

$44.99

Availability:

Out of stock

Vendor:

Prvi Partizan Ammunition & Components

Volume Discounts:

Rounds	Units Purchased	Savings	Price per Unit	Total Price
100	1	<none>	$44.99	$44.99
500	5	Save 5%	$42.74	$213.70
1000	10	Save 10%	$40.49	$404.91

out of stock at the moment.

webbspinner · « **Reply #24 on:** December 27, 2011, 09:38:46 PM »

There is a guy on you tube who has several videos going thru taking one from full military w/bayonet to 22" barreled scoped sporter. looked pretty nice and shot pretty good groups, kinda what got me started down this little line of thought. 1 yr ago wasn't really interested, now thinking I will probably give it a go. Just to see if I can.

If I pull it off, think there would be a market to possibly sell them and make a little? What would you ask for a sporterized version with scope. fair market value?

webbspinner · « **Reply #25 on:** December 27, 2011, 09:42:06 PM »

Of course I have a bad habit, if it turns out well of just keeping them

, but if I pull off what I want to pull off I am hoping to put them out there for use. But would be cool to have a cheap shooter.

Drilling Man · « **Reply #26 on:** December 30, 2011, 11:20:29 AM »

I shot an 8 point buck nearly 50 years ago with a 7.62x54. Don't see why it wouldn't still be a good deer cartridge today!

DM

webbspinner · « **Reply #27 on:** December 30, 2011, 08:31:06 PM »

I picked up the guns today, one is 7.62 x 54r and looks like it will work, high hopes on a good result anyway. The second is a hungarian (?) 8 x 56R maybe? anybody know anything about these beasts? Sounds like I may have made a boo boo

Muddly · « **Reply #28 on:** January 09, 2012, 05:48:55 AM »

Hungarian Mosin-Nagants are 7.62x54R ,unless its been rebarrelled , and are very nicely made rifles. I think , of the post WW2 production, only the Polish Mosin Nagants are higher quality. Those rifles are commercial quality! If you're gonna customize one, its best to start with a pre-war M91-30 or an M91. The Remington/Westinghouse are tops as are the various Finnish reworks. The Finns are SCAREY accurate! Every Russian M91-30 I've slugged had groove diameters in the .313-.316 range. This will decrease bore life( if its an issue for you) due to gas blowby. The Remingtons are usually .310-.311 and the Finns vary from .308 to .310( never found on over .311) because they used 2 different bullet diameters ( as did the Russians initially). They do make VERY good deer rifles and with the new scout scopes and mounts out there , they are quite practical too. But a used Savage or Remmy is even more so. Still, different IS nice sometimes! Best of luck!

evidrine · « **Reply #29 on:** January 09, 2012, 07:39:35 AM »

I have a M91/30 that I fixed up a while back. Did it just for fun. I do plan on using it to deer hunt from time to time. All work was done myself and the project turned out very well. I really like this gun a lot and would love to do it again. If I do, I think I will modify the original stock and re-finnish. I think it would look very nice. This is deff the place to ask for opinions when you start your project. A lot of good experience here. Good luck with it and have fun. I sure did!