The Mosin Nagant was originally developed in 1891. It is a combination of designs by Russian Army captain Sergei Ivanovich Mosin and Belgian weapons designer Leon Nagant.

Initially the M1891 was the only model of the rifle available. In 1930, it was modified and the model designation was changed to 1891/30. In 1938, a shorter carbine length version was produced and designated M38. In 1943, another carbine length version with integrated folding bayonet was developed and designated the M44.

Back to the 91/30. This rifle is the longest one I have. It is 4 feet long without the bayonet and about 10 inches longer with the bayonet attached. The 7.62x54r cartridge it fires is very powerful. The combination of a powerful cartridge and bolt action rifle makes for some pretty rough recoil. The rifle is very very simple and easy to repair, which was a good thing back then since most of the people who would be using these weapons were not exactly smart or well educated.

This particular rifle was manufactured in 1942, so it more likely than not saw action against the Germans on the Eastern Front during World War II. The Russians rearsenaled and stored these rifles by the millions in the years following the war.

This rifle is seen in the movie 'Enemy at the Gates.' During the first few scenes in the movie it is seen in its original configuration. Later on in the movie, the sniper version of the rifle is used.

Finally completed. POSP scope mounted to the side of the receiver.

Closeups of the mount and bent bolt.

The scope's sight picture. The chevrons are used to compensate for bullet drop at distance. The graph looking thing on the lower left is used to estimate distances.