[deoetdoctrinae]

One thing my meager assortment of firearms is lacking is a decent power rifle (my .22 doesn't qualify). Since dollars are scarce, in order to get the most bang for the buck I am really leaning toward a Mosin Nagant.

Several friends (and internet info sites) have strongly suggested that before firing the first round, a Mosin should be taken to a good gunsmith, to examine for safety, clean thoroughly, check headspace, etc. That sure seems to make sense, but I don't have a feel for what would be a reasonable fee for that service. Any ideas of a fair price range?

Also, any suggestions for ammo? I see Russian, Czech, Albanian, and God knows what all else among the milsurp stuff, as well as more modern non-corrosive stuff, and could use some help navigating the maze. I would primarily be punching holes in paper.

[50cal Smokepole]

I have taken a couple of long guns to a smithy for the standard cleaning/evaluations/safety check fare. That runs about one hour of shop time. Call it $45-$60 per hour, depending on your smith. Just because they charge the most it doesn't mean they're the best. Try to get some recommendations from folks who have had similar needs.

[waterhill]

I have the 1390 ( or is it the 9013? ) its a heavy beast, the one thats like 5’long. I shoot Winchester through mine, its dead nuts spot on. 100 bucks at Cabela’s

I had problems with the bolt until I put it up on the shed roof in the Texas summer heat and cleaned it real good.. They usually have a ton of cosmoline in ‘em... Read: Heat them up and clean soon after, I just use solar power...

Sweet big bore... hug her good ‘cause she will show you some love!

Have fun

[mylife]

Consider an 8mm mauser, but I agree with waterhill, just cook the cosmoline out, clean it and have fun.

Placing the metal parts in a black plastic bag in summer will melt any cosmoline away.

I use brake cleaner to spray out the tight spots.

[Sylvester McMonkey McBean]

a go-no go-field gauge will quickly determine correct headspace.

Ammunition 7.62x54r - for now is pretty cheap. The “spam cans” (440 rounds) are still less than $100.00.

jg sales, ctd, and aim surplus all have pretty decent ammunition prices. Popular ammo terms - “Light ball”=147gr, “Heavy ball”=180gr.

If you can, try to get a Finnish Mosin - typically more accurate than the standard 91/30s.

http://www.surplusrifle.com and

http://7.62x54r.net/

for more information.

Wolf, Winchester, and PRVI, and a few others all make modern (non-corrosive) ammunition in this caliber.

Lots of fun, big noise, big recoil, and big muzzle flash!

[2111USMC]

I've got an M91/30. I love it. (Only big bore rifle I own.)

Generally, if the serial number on the bolt matches the serial number on the receiver, there usually is no need to have the headspace checked (If you're worried about it, just fire it from the hip the first couple of times.)

Cleaning the cosmoline out of them is a pain in the rear. To get the chamber clean and to make the bolt work easier, there are videos on the internet that show a few cleaning techniques. I used a 20 gauge shotgun wire brush and a variable speed drill with Hoppes to clean mine out good. Made a huge difference.

If you clean your weapon after returning from the range religiously, there is no need to worry about corrosive ammo. I've fired hundreds and hundreds of surplus Chech, Yugo, Slav, Polish, and Russian through mine. I've never experienced a single ammo problem.

My rifle with all standard issue accessories only set me back $80 on sale at Dunhams.