Winter War Finned 91/30

[NinerMaine]

Despite my best efforts, I could not walk away from this Mosin when I spotted it at a large Southern Maine retail outlet that is close to the NH border. Thanks to Martin and his thread here, I knew what it was when I picked it up:

http://www.northeastshooters.com/vb...2-And-First-41-Marked-Mosin-for-Me?highlight=

While I have been trying not to expand the Mosin branch of my collection and instead conserve the funds for the other branches, I just liked this gun too much and could not pass it up at the $110 price tag.

It is a 1938 Izhevsk 91/30 that was captured by the Finns in the Winter War with the 41 mark and the stacked front sight. No numbers match and is a mix of Izhevsk and Tula parts. I especially liked the stock, which also has the remnants of CCCP cartouche.

I do have one question for the Mosin experts. The added serial number with what looks like an asterisk, was that done by the Finns or the importer?

Thanks for looking.

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[DudeTotallyKyle]

Wow, gorgeous gun! Nice find!

 

[SkuaSeptember]

I was in there a week ago Thursday thinking - "These are interesting but I really have no idea of what I'm looking at or what to look for." Ah well, education is a gradual process. Enjoy your find!

 

[NinerMaine]

I was in there a week ago Thursday thinking - "These are interesting but I really have no idea of what I'm looking at or what to look for." Ah well, education is a gradual process. Enjoy your find!

I would not have known what it was either if it was not for the thread I linked to in the OP. Knowledge is everything in collecting. It is also dangerous as you keep finding bargains you just have to buy. Ignorance would be a lot cheaper.

 

[martin08]

Wow. Missed this one for a few days, Niner. Good eye, sir.

These are some of the best bargains still out there, IMO. When you look at captured Mausers at $400 and up, a Mosin is still a deal at usually $200 and under. The 41 stamped guns are also less common than other Finn captures.