How do you tell if a MN PU sniper is original or.....?

Hello all,
I have a Mosin-Nagant 91/30 PU Sniper Rifle on layaway at a gun store. How do you tell if it is original or one of those you read about where someone has just slapped a PU scope on a plain 91/30?

I went to the store today and paid a few more bucks towards it. The price tag on the rifle was $499.00. Anyway, he got it out to let me look at. I honestly don't know if it is an original factory made sniper rifle or one that they just slapped a scope on. The stock is in good shape but covered with that old looking varnish or something wich is crackind and pealing all over it, a fine looking stock showing under that in those places. The bore is in excellent condition.

The scope is in very good condition and has the little leather cups or lensecovers connected with a thin leather strap whis is passed through the hole on the mount, I reckon so you won't lose it. The reticle moves when you turn those knobs. The glass and view through it is clear as heck, not blurry towards the edges nor cloudy or scratched like some I have seen.

I was writing down pertinant info off of the gun but I had left my danged glasses in my truck. It was storming and pouring down outside so I did not want to run through the rain to get my glasses. Besides, I had to rush to get my son home in time to go to work (we drove from Montgomery, Al to the store which is Columbus, Ga.) and forgot to write the date of the rifle or maker.

But I did get this: The rifle's serial #, all matching, is C18409. The last four of that, 8409, is engraved into the scope mount too. There was some sort of mark on top of the receiver like a triangle or a pyrimid laying on its side. As far as scope markings, when looking at the tube of the scope you have a "star", under that the hammer and sickle, under that what looks like an upside down strung longbow. And under that "91/30", and under that the letter/number combo of "N4-817139". I did not see a date on the scope but the lighting was not so good where we stood and I did not have my glasses.

The gun was imported by CAI, Georgia, Vt. I can't believe I forgot to get the date off the gun.
Later,
FB

an Izhevsk rifle (which is what the triangle with an arrow in it indicates) that was made to be a sniper rifle will have the serial number on the side of the receiver. a Tula rifle will have "CH" stamped above the Tula star.

at $499 it's right in line with the repro prices and Century is one of the companies that created them from regular rifles.

rguns is the only importer that has real ones

Thanks for the info and input. While not a sho'nuff original one from WWII, I am still excited about it and can't wait to pay it off and go see how I shoots. The last 91/30 I had would hit the end of a coke can all day long at 100 yds with its iron sights. Fine rifles in my opinion!
FB

Have you reviewed the "all correct" example with the 103 picture photo montage in the MKL (Milsurp Knowledge Library)? :)

1944 Mosin-Nagant M91-30 Sniper Rifle (Mfg by Ishevsk Arsenal)

Perhaps becoming familiar with the markings and other nuances of that piece, will help you compare to examples you may find for sale in the marketplace. :thup:

BTW, $499 sounds like a good price for an authentic PU sniper .. :cheers:

Regards,
Badger

Hello Badger,
Thanks for the input. While the rifle is of course a real MN 91/30, I've been told that by the markings my scope is more than likely a Ukranian repro. It is a nice scope and even if not from WWII, I am tickled pink with it.
FB