Getting my Curio and Relics License

[Richard995]

Just sent my request for my Curio and Relics License.  I am a Winchester man.  I know nothing of Russian guns, chines, Japanese or Mosin guns.  I am sure if I ask which gun is best I will get 12 different replies.  I can do an internet search and find where to buy them.  So, my question is what should I look for when I am looking to buy these guns.  What is a Hex Receiver?  Is the Russian gun better than the Chines or is the German one better?  I don't want to just run out and buy a $200 piece of junk.  Nor am I looking to spend $2000.  If I want to spend that much I would go with a new Remington or Weatherby. 

 

Thanks

[ironsniper1]

any mosin nagant or Russian sks are good, however the Chinese versions of both of these are hit and miss, the type 53 which is the chinese mosin nagant carbine will sometimes have rust and pitting but can sometimes be good shooters you just have to do the hand picked option or check them out at your local gun store, now not all but most of the time when you buy a mosin nagant it will have cosmoline and here is a thread with different info on how to remove it http://www.tngunowners.com/forums/topic/50749-official-cosmoline-removal-thread/ any other questions just ask

[No_0ne]

Before you subject yourself to a case of mosinitis, let me suggest a couple of sites to you:

 

http://www.mosinnagant.net/

http://7.62x54r.net

http://russian-mosin-nagant-forum.com

http://forums.gunboards.com/forumdisplay.php?3-The-Collector-s-Forum-Mosin-Nagant-HQ

 

The information at these sites ranks among the best available on the net, and there are many advanced (and not so advanced) collectors there who are more than willing to answer any of your questions.  Normally, a judicious use of the search function will get most people more info than they ever wanted.

 

As for the questions you posted in the thread, here's some brief info:

 

Hex vs. round receivers - the original M91 and other models all used the so-called "hex" receiver, named because of the slab sided machining done to the forward portion of the receiver.  Approximately 1935-36, the Soviet factories switched to a round receiver variant.  There is no difference in strength or function, the change made machining quicker and easier as the Soviets were gearing up for potential wartime production.  There were several other modifications made at the same time, all in the interest of cutting time and machining cost.  Some collectors prefer the hex receiver rifles, primarily because they are older, and often seen as "prettier" guns.

 

 

Russian vs. Chinese - I'm assuming you are referring to Mosins, the early Chinese T53"s were copies of the older Russian M44's with very little difference.  As Chinese production continued long after the Soviets stopped producing Mosins, there are some very minor differences between the later variants.  The T53's being sold today are sometimes in pretty rough shape, but there are exceptions.  The M44's marketed through Classic Firearms and other vendors are very often in nice condition, but they are all postwar refurbished rifles (this is not a bad thing, it's just the way the Soviets handled and stored their older, obsolete weapons).  In terms of Mosins, there were no German guns, although there is a receiver marking that some people have inferred to mean that these rifles spent some time in service in East Germany, but like most "facts" in the Mosin world, this is debatable.

 

If your interest lies in SKS's, there are similar sites on the net, but I'll let others more knowledgeable than myself chime in on those.  Welcome to the addiction!

Edited December 17, 2013 by No_0ne

[ironsniper1]

Just a fair warning about http://russian-mosin-nagant-forum.com/ be careful what you post cause you will be banned, so don't say you want to redo the stock or something like that cause it will get you banned just a fair warning

[Richard995]

Thanks guys for you help.  At this time I am in the information gathering stage.  I have learned to gather all the information that I can stand before pulling the trigger.  I am sure there is more information out there than I can take in.  I am also sure there is some fiction involved too. 

[LCPfraTN]

I'd also suggest checking out the following sites.

 

http://surplusrifleforum.com/

http://www.gunboards.com/

 

A Mosin 91/30 is a must because they are so reasonably priced and are just tough durable rifles.

 

While prices are still fairly reasonable, you may also want to consider a Yugoslavian Mauser (M24/47 or M48) and a Swiss carbine (K31 is probably the best, but I think the K11 carbine is better looking and usually a bit cheaper). A Swedish Mauser is also a great rifle that will be in the same price range as a Swiss rifle. An SKS and a Mosin carbine (T53 will be the cheapest with M44 being better condition and higher price) are also good considerations. All of these can be found for around $300 or less, with perhaps the exception of the SKS which will run a bit more.

[Hershmeister]

Excellent advice above for research and learning My advice would be to figure out what interests you and let that guide your collecting FYI - I have a yugo and russian sks on the trader right now and i have a spare east german marked mosin 91/30 - pm me for details

[Richard995]

Thanks again.  I will let you know how long it takes to get my C&R. 

[Richard995]

Just received my License today.  Not bad turnaround time.  I filed for it on 12/7/13 and received it on 12/23/13. 

[LCPfraTN]

That was quick...now get out there and buy something! :D

[dou44]

if you are looking for a good 91/30 classic fire arms and aim surplus are good to deal with. don't forget to stock up on ammo while you can.

[austin7.62]

if you are looking for a good 91/30 classic fire arms and aim surplus are good to deal with. don't forget to stock up on ammo while you can.

Solid advise.

[whitewolf001]

Mosin's may be cheap but I can assure you they are NOT junk. If they've survived 70 years and are still going strong that just makes affordable, not cheap.

[jwinter]

I have 2 Mosins. One hex, one round. They are great guns and fun to shoot. I just got an email today that AIM has them right now for $99.

[Richard995]

if you are looking for a good 91/30 classic fire arms and aim surplus are good to deal with. don't forget to stock up on ammo while you can.

I just setup an account there.  The list about 5 different 91/30 guns.  I understand the difference with the laminate stocks but what is the difference between the $99.99 and the $139.99 guns?  I am looking for the best gun for the buck.  I don't mind spending a few more dollars for a much better gun.  Is the Laminated gun better?  Are the Laminated stocks just replacement for really bad stocks? 

[Garufa]

The laminate stocks are post-war replacement.  I don't particularly care for them as they're ugly as sin.  Not worth the extra money IMO.

[No_0ne]

I just setup an account there.  The list about 5 different 91/30 guns.  I understand the difference with the laminate stocks but what is the difference between the $99.99 and the $139.99 guns?  I am looking for the best gun for the buck.  I don't mind spending a few more dollars for a much better gun.  Is the Laminated gun better?  Are the Laminated stocks just replacement for really bad stocks? 

Laminated stocks were used mostly as postwar replacements, they could be made from wood that was unsuitable for making solid stocks, will hold up better in harsh conditions and are generally less likely to crack.  Some laminates were used during the war, but it's fairly rare to find one of those today, especially if you are looking for a stock that is still mated to its original action.

 

The main difference in the $99 guns and the $139 guns is that they do not issue refunds or replacements for condition issues, you "take your chances" on these.  Some of them have scratches in the wood or bluing issues (thus "Grade B"), mechanically they are in no better or worse condition than the higher priced rifles.  All are postwar refurbs, there won't be much, if any difference in future value between either grade.