Remington Mosin-Nagant

[bbguns]

Hi -
I recently came across a 1917 Remington Mosin-Nagant. All numbers are matching and there are Remington proofs (circle-R) on all exposed metal. There's a flaming bomb cartouche in front of the magazine and what appears to be a Russian eagle with 1917 cartouche on the stock. The bore is bright, not countered. The wood is in nice shape.

Here's the problem:
Somewhere in it's past, the front hand guard was shortened to 3" beyond the sling attachment and the top wood was removed.
They want $300. I realize that its collector value has been badly damaged but does anyone think this is a decent price?

Thanks

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[Patrick Chadwick]

Looking at my copy of Flaydermann (which is 10 years old) I see a 2001 price guide of very good = 225, excellent = 350.
Even allowing for general increases over the last ten years, the 300 for what you describe seems a bit borderline. The woodwork for the "long" Nagant will not be as easy to find as for a 91/30, and you will either be replacing the lot or doing some cutting-and-pasting of the fore-end. And the chances of finding a set of Remington wood at a price that makes sense are poor.

The only time I saw a US-made Nagant here it was a Westinghouse, and the dealer wanted 400 Euros for a rifle which was in very moderate condition. In other words, if it had been a normal Russian model I would not have looked twice. Prices where you live will be different.

I suggest the following way of evaluating it:
1) If you are just a collector, forget it. Whatever you put into it will not make it original again. Unless you find a set of Remington wood - and that would probably be uneconomic.
2) If you are primarily a shooter, and confident of your luck and your D-I-Y skills, you could buy it, but do not pay more than a normal Russian-made example would cost in the same condition.

[Aragorn243]

A normal Russian made 91/30 is going between $79 and $129 in the US right now. I'm guessing this rifle was not upgraded to 91/30 standard if it remains all Remington and isn't a mix and match re-arsenal. I don't know what they might be going for but $300 seems high.

[bbguns]

Thanks for the input. I have an ex-dragoon and an MO, both shoot well, spent wayyy less than $300 on the pair.
I thought i saw some complete examples of these Remingtons going for upwards of $1200 on gunbroker. Since this one has been altered, the collector value is shot (no pun) and, as a shooter, the 'basic' 91/30 for $79 seems like the better deal. Too bad this one was bubba'd...it's otherwise in decent shape.

[coppertales]

Remington Mosin Nagants were M91 only. Remington did not make a 91/30. You will find cut down Remington M91s that were modified here in the US for training purposes. They have a 03 Springfield type front sight.....chris3

[Aragorn243]

Remington didn't make 91/30's but the Soviets did. A 91/30 is any model 91 rifle upgraded to or produced to 91/30 standards, thus there are Remington 91/30's. They will be the same as any other 91/30 if they went through the refurbishment process, mixed parts from different manufacturers, forced match serial numbers, new sights, etc. I saw one as recently as last fall in at my local gun auction. I don't recall what it went for but it was less than the most recent $300+ a couple of uninformed individuals bid up the last 91/30 recent import marked standard with oiler, pouches and cleaning kit.

[douglass]

wish I was in the states, mosin snipers albeit made up ones with PU scope fetch £650 plus ($1000,64) infact I have just seen a made up Sniper with PEM scope for £1200 ($19650)
just thought i would let you know!!
cheers from Scotland
douglass

[Aragorn243]

I saw a made up sniper for $400 last fall at a gun shop. I'd like to return my ex-sniper to a sniper but I don't want to spend the cash needed to do so.

[poilu]

I would bet the serial number is in the 500,000-600,000 range. With the markings you described the Remington is one of 78,950 purchased from Remington by the US gov't after the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917. I don't believe there are many left.

[Kirk]

If all the parts are ® marked and the stock is walnut with the Remington stamp & US Ordnance stamp as well and in the condition you describe, then $300 is well worth it. It's a rare bird, even with a buggered hand guard. Ask your question at Mosin Nagant and The Mosin Nagant Forum