What's So Special?

[martin08]

Here are the hints. Who knows what makes this one a gem?

 

[SKS Ray]

Finn captured M38. Nice find!!!

Does it match?

 

[martin08]

You have an extremely good eye, Ray!

No, it's not matching. But it has another feature that makes it even more yummy.

 

[SKS Ray]

You have an extremely good eye, Ray!

No, it's not matching. But it has another feature that makes it even more yummy.

Whats the other feature?

 

[martin08]

Whats the other feature?

Now that would spoil the fun, huh?

 

[SKS Ray]

Hmmm, first year of Izzy production, correct stock, late rear sight. Thats all I can see from the pics.

Wait, let me guess.... its not counter bored, has a perfect bore and you got it for $50?

 

[martin08]

You're dancing all around it!

 

[SKS Ray]

You're dancing all around it!

Thats it... I'm calling Fred.

 

[martin08]

Make sure when you call him, Ray, that you get the scoop on this one, too.

Many long time Mosin collectors would give the left jewel for a chance at just one. Now, I have two!

 

[dhuze]

I don't know enough about the Mosin Nagants too tell you why some of them are special, but I was just thinking theres a rifle that you can still have a bayonet on in Mass.

I only have 2 of them and I believe neither to be collectible in any special way.

 

[martin08]

I guess I can't leave you hanging any longer, Ray. You've probably fretted half of your holiday weekend away already.

Yes, it's a first year production and a "correct" stock, as in not an M44 stock that can be found on some. But more than that, it is the "early" stock and handguard with the short shoulder fore end, as can be identified by short distance from the rear barrel band to the rear sight. The majority of M38's came with either a modified 91/30 style, or M44 style stock.

The short fore stock shoulder is mighty uncommon, and scores a 10 on the rarity scale, a Finn marked M38 is a 9 on the rarity scale. So I have an M38 configuration with very little similar company on the way. Here's a couple of good references to explain.

http://7.62x54r.net/MosinID/MosinM38.htm

http://7.62x54r.net/MosinID/MosinRarity.htm

Now, I hope you can sleep well tonight, Ray. Have a great holiday.

 

[50 BMG]

You bastard, I thought I had the only one.....but wait, mine is all matching with a Finn sling and was barreled by the Finns. When I took it out of the stock I noticed some odd markings. Sent photos to Vic and he said it was a Finn barrel. How about a Czech carbine......have one of those..and why aren't you sharing some of these finds...we down here are feeling pretty left out... Nice find buddy, now get out there and try her out.

 

[SKS Ray]

I guess I can't leave you hanging any longer, Ray. You've probably fretted half of your holiday weekend away already.

Yes, it's a first year production and a "correct" stock, as in not an M44 stock that can be found on some. But more than that, it is the "early" stock and handguard with the short shoulder fore end, as can be identified by short distance from the rear barrel band to the rear sight. The majority of M38's came with either a modified 91/30 style, or M44 style stock.

The short fore stock shoulder is mighty uncommon, and scores a 10 on the rarity scale, a Finn marked M38 is a 9 on the rarity scale. So I have an M38 configuration with very little similar company on the way. Here's a couple of good references to explain.

http://7.62x54r.net/MosinID/MosinM38.htm

http://7.62x54r.net/MosinID/MosinRarity.htm

Now, I hope you can sleep well tonight, Ray. Have a great holiday.

When I said correct stock I should have specified first production stock. I knew what it was... I couldn't imagine what else could have made it so rare.

Its definitely a find. First production run not heavily rearsenalled, and Finn stamped.

If I knew now what I knew back when I got my M38 for $39.99 during a certain distributor's 12 days of Christmas special, I'd have gotten 10 of them.

 

[martin08]

No Czech carbine yet, Fred.....

And I didn't snag this one in Maine! Sometimes you have to do what you have to do - I contacted the Gunbroker seller and asked him what it would take to end the auction early. So, it should be coming from Arizona in a week or two.

More pics to come!

 

[BigBill]

M08; Awesome mosins....

 

[KBCraig]

Buying MNs is like buying baseball cards: you have to buy an entire case and every now and then you'll get a Honus Wagner

 

[vellnueve]

Meanwhile, some of us are stuck with buying mundane rifles. I just picked up a Finn capture 91/30 - Tula barrel with SA stamp.

 

[45collector]

My Mosin was the one that Vasily Zaytsev used... I swear!

Nice rifle Martin08.