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Mosin–Nagant

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Mosin-Nagant M91/30
TypeService rifle
Place of originRussian Empire/USSR
Service history
In service1891-1998
Used byRussian Empire/USSR, Finland, most Warsaw Pact nations.
WarsRusso-Japanese War, Russian Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan, numerous others
Production history
DesignerCaptain Sergei Mosin, Léon Nagant
Designed1891
Produced1891-1965
No. builtapprox 37,000,000 (Russia/Soviet Union)
VariantsM91 Dragoon
M1907 Carbine
M24(Finland)
M27(Finland)
M28(Finland)
M28/30(Finland)
M91/30
M91/30 PEM Sniper Rifle
M91/30 PE Sniper Rifle
M91/30 PU Sniper Rifle
M35(Finland)
M38 Carbine
M39(Finland)
M44 Carbine
T53(China)
VZ54 Sniper Rifle(Czechoslovakia)
M56(Finland)
M28/57(Finland)
M85(Finland)
Specifications
Mass4.05 kg (9.62lbs), unloaded
Length131.8cm (51.37 in)
Cartridge7.62x54R
Calibre7.62x54R
ActionBolt-action
Rate of fire15 rounds/minute
Muzzle velocity2500 ft/s (770 m/s)
Effective firing range600yds (548.64m)
Maximum firing range2000yds (1828.8m)
Feed systemfive-round magazine, loaded with five-round charger clips
SightsSliding ramp rear sights, fixed-post front sights

The Mosin-Nagant (Russian: Винтовка Мосина, also known as the Moisin-Nagant) is a bolt-action, five-round, military rifle that was used by the armed forces of Imperial Russia and later the Soviet Union and various Eastern bloc nations. Also known as the Three-Line Rifle (Трёхлинейная винтовка), it was the first to use the 7.62x54R cartridge. It was in service in various forms from 1891 until the 1960s, when it was finally replaced in its final function as a sniper rifle by the SVD (Снайперская винтовка Драгунова - Snayperskaya Vintovka Dragunova).

History

Because of experiences during the Russo-Turkish War, in which Russian troops armed with mostly Berdan single-shot rifles engaged Turks with Winchester repeating rifles, the Russian Main Artillery Administration undertook the task of producing a magazine-fed, multiround weapon in 1882. After failing to adequately modify the Berdan system to meet the requirements, a "Special Commission for the testing of Magazine[-fed] Rifles" was formed to test various new designs (such as the Mauser, Lee-Metford, and Lebel). A young captain named Sergei Ivanovich Mosin submitted his "3-line" calibre rifle, an archaic Russian measure (3 linii equals 0.3 inches or 7.62 mm), in 1889 alongside Léon Nagant's, a Belgian 3.5-line design. When trials concluded in 1891 all units to test the rifles indicated a preference for Nagant's design and the Commission voted 14 to 10 to approve it. However more influential officers pushed for the domestic design resulting in a compromise: Mosin's rifle was used with a Nagant-designed feed mechanism. Thus the 3-line rifle, Model 1891 (its official designation at the time) came into being.

Production began in 1892 at the ordnance factories of Tula Arsenal, Izhevsk Arsenal, and Sestroryetsk Arsenal. Due to the limited capacities of these facilities, an order of 500,000 weapons was placed with the French arms company, Manufacture Nationale d'Armes de Châtellerault. By the time of the Russo-Japanese War in 1904, approximately 3,800,000 rifles had been delivered to the army.

Between adoption in 1891 and 1910, several variants (see Variations produced in the Soviet Union) and modifications to existing rifles were made, including changed sights, the inclusion of a reinforcing bolt through the finger groove (due to the adoption of a 147-grain pointed (spitzer) round), the elimination of the steel finger rest behind the trigger guard, new barrel bands, and the installation of slot-type sling mounts to replace the more traditional swivels. A handguard was also added.

With Russia's entrance into World War I, production was restricted to the M1891 dragoon and infantry models for the sake of simplicity. Due to the desperate shortage of arms and the shortcomings of a still-developing domestic industry, the Russian government ordered 1.5 million M1891 infantry rifles from Remington Arms and another 1.8 million from New England Westinghouse in the United States. Massive numbers of Mosin-Nagants were captured by German and Austro-Hungarian forces and saw service with both militaries' rear-echelon forces and the German navy. Many of these Austrian weapons were sold to Finland in the 1920s.

During the Russian Civil War, both the infantry and dragoon versions were in production, though in dramatically reduced numbers. Following the victory of the Red Army, a committee was established in 1924 to modernize the rifle that had by then been in service for over three decades. This effort led to the development of the Model 1891/30 rifle based on the design of the original dragoon version. Changes included the reintroduction of flat rear sights and restamping of sights in metres, instead of the antiquated arshinii on tsarist weapons; a cylindrical receiver replacing the octagonal (or "hex" as some call it) one around 1936-37; changing the blade front sight to a hooded post around 1932-33; and shortening the barrel 5 mm. Also, a new bayonet with a spring-loaded catch was designed for it. By 1945, approximately 17,475,000 M1891/30 rifles had been produced.

The Mosin-Nagant was adapted as a sniper rifle in 1932 and was issued to Soviet snipers during World War II (WWII). Early Mosin-Nagant Model 1891/30 sniper rifles had a 4x PE or PEM scope, a Soviet-made copy of a Zeiss design. They were replaced by the smaller, simpler, and easier-to-produce 3.5x PU scope. It served quite prominently in the Battle of Stalingrad, which made heroes of men like Vasily Grigoryevich Zaitsev. The Mosin Nagant rifle was also used by Lyudmila Pavlichenko, another famous Soviet sniper that fought during World War II. The sniper rifles were very much respected then and now for being very rugged, reliable, accurate, and easy to maintain. Sniper-modified models are highly sought after and valued by collectors, especially in the West.

In the years after World War II, the Soviet Union ceased production of all Mosin-Nagants and withdrew them from service in favour of the SKS series carbines and eventually the AK series rifles. Despite its growing obsolescence, the Mosin-Nagant saw continued service throughout the Eastern bloc and the rest of the world for many decades to come (see Foreign Mosin-Nagants). Mosin-Nagant rifles and carbines saw service on many fronts of the Cold War, from Vietnam and Korea to Afghanistan and along the iron curtain of Europe. They were used not only as reserve infantry weapons, but also as front-line infantry weapons as well.

Recently, a large quantity of Mosin-Nagants have found their way onto markets outside of Russia as antiques and collectibles, and also as a dependable, reasonably accurate, and cheap plinking and hunting rifle. Due to the large surplus created by the Soviet industry during World War II, these rifles can be acquired today for as little as $75 for a standard model. Sniper models are much more expensive, when they can be found. So-called "fake" sniper rifles which are either forgeries or replicas, are often found for sale as actual Mosin-Nagants, and care must be taken to avoid scams and mistakes.

Foreign Mosin-Nagants

Austria-Hungary

The Austro-Hungarian Empire captured substantial quantities of Mosin Nagant rifles from the Russians during World War I. These rifles were re-furbished and re-issued to troops in the field. Some were modified to fire the Austrian service round, the 8x50r mm. The Austrians also manufactured various ersatz bayonets for the Mosin.

Eastern Europe

With Russia's, and eventually the Soviet Union's, heavy influence on Eastern Europe it is not surprising that many Mosin Nagants found their way into the hands of soldiers in the various Balkan Wars, World War I, WW II, and in the Cold War. The militaries of Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Estonia, Hungary, Poland (see individual heading below), Romania, and Serbia all used Mosins at some point in the twentieth century. Mosins in these countries often underwent various refurbishment and modifications and were usually in use until the 1960s or 1970s as training rifles. Many rifles were also produced locally in the cold war years. Notably, Hungary produced commercial grade, high quality copies of M44 carbines, 91-30 rifles, and PU-scoped 91-30 sniper rifles. Czechoslovakia manufactured the Vz. 54 sniper rifle, based on the 91-30, although it has the appearance of a very modern sporting firearm.

People's Republic of China

During the 1920s and 1930s, Chinese Communist forces received Mosin-Nagant rifles from the Soviet Union for use against Nationalist forces during the Chinese Civil War. China began production of the M1944 carbine version of the Mosin-Nagant in 1953, leading to its Chinese designation "Type 53". It's likely that the machinery used to make them was provided by the Soviet Union in the early 1950s, at the height of Sino-Soviet relations. They differ little when compared to Soviet weapons with the Chinese Type 53 carbine utilising "Chu-wood" rifle stocks. Though mostly replaced in China's main forces by 1957, the Chinese Type 53 Carbine continued to be in service with provincial militias well into the 1970s and later. Many Chinese Type 53 carbines, along with locally produced versions of the SKS carbine and the AK-47 rifle, were sent to different corners of the world by Beijing as military aid with many Type 53 carbines finding their way to places like South-East Asia and Africa.

Finland

Prior to 1917, Finland was part of the Russian Empire, and military units were equipped with the various models of the Russian-made M1891 Mosin-Nagant bolt-action service rifle. After gaining independence, Finland purchased many more Mosin rifles abroad, primarily Austrian- and German-captured Russian rifles from World War I. These older rifles were usually refurbished; this process could be as minimal as a Finnish Army property stamp and a new sling or as drastic as a complete redesign, with new stocks, fittings, sights, triggers, and more accurate barrels. The Finnish army and Civil Guard designed and manufactured several new models of Mosin-Nagants, using original French, Russian, and American receivers. Finland never manufactured receivers, relying instead on existing receivers from its stockpiles of purchased and captured Soviet rifles. During the Winter War of 1939-40, and the Continuation War of 1941-44, Finland captured additional Mosin-Nagant rifles from the Soviets in huge quantities. Finland also purchased these rifles from Spain, left over from the Spanish Civil War, and from Nazi Germany's stockpile of captured arms. Many of these rifles were simply reissued for use.

The Finnish army continued refurbishing and reissuing Mosin-Nagants well after its wars with the USSR were over. There are Finnish M1939s with barrel dating into the early 1970s, when they were issued as officer training rifles. Finland still issues the 7.62 TaK 85, a substantially modified and modernized sniper rifle built on the Mosin-Nagant action.

Models of Finnish Mosin-Nagant rifles were identified by numbers: M/91-M24 Lotta rifle, M27, M28 and M28-30 Pystykorva, and M39 Ukko-Pekka. It is worth noting that Finnish rifles M27, 28, 28-30, and 39 were issued with knife bayonets instead of the standard Soviet quadangular socket bayonet.

Finnish Mosin-Nagants are known for their accuracy and dependability. The famous Finnish sniper Simo Häyhä is widely considered to be the most successful in history [1], and used the M28 Pystykorva rifle.

Germany

The German Empire in World War I captured large quantities of Mosin-Nagants. These received various modifications, notably for use with the 8 mm Mauser cartridge. Many were fitted with adaptors so that the issue German Mauser blade bayonet could be used. These rifles were issued to second line units and to the Navy. The Wehrmacht also captured hundreds of thousands of all models of Mosin Nagants in WW II. Some of these were sold to Finland, many were issued for training and guard duties, and used in occupied areas. After World War II Mosin-Nagants were issued to East German border guards.

North Korea

Both the Soviet Union and the People's Republic of China provided massive numbers of Mosin-Nagants to North Korea during the Korean War. However, given the policy of consummate self reliance still in effect there today it is possible that the North Koreans produced some rifles themselves. There is evidence that as late as 1993 Mosin-Nagant sniper rifles were still in use.

Poland

In the 1920s Poland converted about 77,000 Mosin Nagant dragoon rifles to caliber 7.92 Mauser (8x57mm). Many alterations were made — barrels were rebored and rechambered to 8 mm, and cut down to 23" length. Other modifications were done to bolts and receivers to enable the 8x57 rounds to load from Mauser stripper clips and feed properly. Rear sights were modified to fit the trajectory of the 8x57 round. Stocks and handguards were shortened, and Mauser-type front bands and bayonet lugs were added. Mauser style blade bayonets, made by Perkun, were issued for use. Some rifles had the Mosin sling escutcheons replaced by wire swivels. The resulting rifles were designated Karabinek wz. 91/98/23, wz. 91/98/25, or wz. 91/98/26 — each with minor differences.

Wz. 91/98/25, et al, were used to equip some Horse Artillery and Cavalry units in the regular army until Polish-made Mauser rifles became available. Beginning in the early 1930s, they were issued to Border Guard and National Guard units.

The rifles are stamped on the knoxform with a small Polish eagle and measured caliber, i.e. "7.91" , 7.93". The eagle and rifle serial number is also stamped on the left side of the receiver and on all bolt parts, and on the magazine floorplate, buttplate and stock. It has a unique and distinct appearance among Mosin Nagant variations, and is easily identified by the Mauser front band and bayonet lug, Polish markings, and 42" OAL.

After World War II the Polish produced large quantities of the M-44 (Kb. wz M48) carbine at the Radom arsenal. Many of these did not go into direct military service but rather were put in storage, in the event they were ever needed. These Mosin Nagants can be identified by an 11 inside a circle stamped on the rifle's receiver. This mark is their "country code" that identifies which Eastern European country it was produced in. In addition to being stored they were produced in ideal conditions on Soviet equipment, making them some of the best examples of the Mosin-Nagant in the world.

Turkey

Like Germany and Austria-Hungary, Turkey captured many Mosin-Nagants during World War I. Many were also acquired through German aid or when Whites sought asylum after the Russian Civil War. These rifles were used during the Turkish War of Independence and again against Greek forces in the Greco-Turkish War.

Others

US and Allied military forces encountered Mosin-Nagant rifles and carbines in action in the hands of NLF guerrillas and North Vietnamese Army soldiers during the Vietnam War. These weapons originated from Warsaw Pact countries, the Soviet Union, and the People's Republic of China. A number of Russian M-1944s and Chinese Type 53s were used as grenade launching rifles, equipped with locally made copies of the US M7 grenade launcher. PU-scoped M91/30 sniper rifles were also encountered. Many Soviet and Chinese-made Mosin-Nagant rifles and carbines (along with many Soviet and Chinese-made SKS carbines and Russian-captured Mauser Kar-98k rifles) were brought back to the United States as war trophies by US troops who served in Vietnam.

A few rifles were also used by the United States. When the Tsar was overthrown in 1917, the US Government cancelled the contracts originally held by New England Westinghouse and Remington. Rather than deliver the remainder of the orders to the Bolsheviki, all rifles in transit were purchased by the US military. The rifles in Britain armed the US and British expeditionary forces sent to North Russia in 1918-1920. The rifles still in the US ended up being primarily used as training firearms for the US Army. Some were used to equip US National Guard units, SATC and ROTC units. Designated "U.S. Rifle, 7.62mm, Model of 1916", these are among the most obscure U.S. service arms. In 1917, 50,000 of these rifles were sent via Vladivostok to equip the Czechoslovak Legions in Siberia to aid in their attempt to secure passage to France. After WW I, remaining rifles were declared surplus and sold to members of the National Rifle Association for only $3.34 each, beginning the long familiarity of Americans with the Mosin Nagant.

Virtually every country that received foreign military aid from the old Soviet Union used Mosin Nagant rifles at various times. Spanish Republicans bought tens of thousands of Mosins of all types during the Spanish Civil War. It is estimated that almost all of the Soviet production of M91/30 rifles in 1936 and 1937 went to Spain.

During the Cold War period, Middle Eastern countries under the sphere of Soviet influence—Egypt, Syria, Iraq, and Palestinian guerilla factions—received Mosins in addition to other more modern arms.

The Mosin-Nagant has also seen action in the hands of the Mujahadeen in Afghanistan during the Soviet Union's occupation of the country during the 1970s and the 1980s. Its use in Afghanistan continued on well into the 1990s and the early 21st century by Northern Alliance forces.

The Mosin-Nagant is currently being used by forces in the Iraq War and the current war in Afghanistan. They have also been used by Chechen rebels in Chechnya alongside other modern Russian firearms in the ongoing war there.

Variations produced in Russia and the Soviet Union

  • Model 1891 Infantry Rifle (Russian name: пeхoтнaя винтовка образца 1891-гo года) The primary weapon of Russian and Red Army infantry from 1891 to 1930.
  • Dragoon Rifle (Russian name: драгунскaя) Intended for use by mounted infantry. 2.5 inches (64 mm) shorter and 0.9 pound (0.4 kg) lighter than the M1891.
  • Cossack Rifle (Russian name: казaчья) Introduced for Cossack horsemen, it is almost identical to the Dragoon rifle but is sighted for use without a bayonet.
  • Model 1907 Carbine At 11.37 inches (289 mm) shorter and 2.1 pounds (0.95 kg) lighter than the M1891, this model was excellent for cavalry, engineers, signalers, and artillerymen. It was stocked nearly to the front sight and therefore did not take a bayonet. It was produced at least until 1917 in small numbers.
  • Model 1891/30 (Russian name: винтовка образца 1891/30-гo года, винтовка Мосина) The most prolific version of Mosin-Nagant. It was produced for standard issue to all Soviet infantry from 1930 to 1945. Its design was based on the Dragoon rifle.
  • Model 1938 Carbine A rifle based on the M1891/30 design that was in service from 1938-1945, though examples produced in 1945 are quite rare. Essentially a M1891/30 with a shortened barrel and shortened stock, this carbine did not accept a bayonet.
  • Model 1944 Carbine This carbine was introduced into service in late 1943 and remained in production until 1948. Its specifications are very similar to the M1938, with the major exception of having a permanently affixed, folding quadrangular-bladed bayonet. These were in use not only by the USSR, but also its various satellite nations.
  • Model 1891/59 Carbine Existing M1891/30 rifles that were cut down to carbine length. Little is known about them. Some collectors are generally suspicious of this so called "91/59", and feel it may have been produced for commercial sale by arms importers in the United States and Canada[citation needed]. There is growing evidence that the 91/59 carbine was made in the Soviet Union for reserve military forces and for militia forces during the 1950s.

References

  • Military Heritage did a feature about the collectible Finnish version of the Mosin-Nagant rifle--supplies are limited due to the Internet and the limited production runs for the Finnish version (Chuck Lewis, Military Heritage, October 2005, Volume 7, No. 2, p. 26, p. 27, .p 70, p. 71), ISSN 1524-8666.
  • Lapin, T.W. (2003). The Mosin-Nagant Rifle 3rd Edition. Tustin, California: North Cape Publications. ISBN 1-882391-21-7
  • Doug Bowser. Rifles of the White Death.
  • Markku Palokangas. Sotilaskäsiaseet Suomessa 1918-1988. (Reportedly out of print and written by the director of the Finnish war museum, but has an estimated year 2005 cost of US$350 when the three volume set can be found.)

External links

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