91/30 as a deer gun

[TX_Mauser24/47]

So, as a history nut and C&R fan, I am torn. I picked up a Mosin, not too long ago, at a gun show for a cheap price. I got the gun for right around $75 because the proprietor felt like the stock was in terrible condition. I'll admit, the stock is rough, its been beat up, thrown around, and looks like someone tried to stain a part of it. The kicker? The barrel and bore are in near perfect condition. Everything mechanical seems to function perfectly. The dilemma begins with the fact that I live in white tail country, Texas, and never have had money for a deer rifle (namely because I spend my money on C&R guns). So, I ask, should I replace the stock and use it for hunting? IF so, that raises another question, I found a sniper bent-bolt that I am almost positive will work. So I could mount a scope but in Texas you can shoot most deer using iron sights. I still do not know how I feel about sporterizing. Thoughts? Suggestions?

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[jmoore]

Hunt with it "as is". Works fine. Deer won't know the difference.

But I also hunt deer with iron sighted revolvers, so you just have to decide what YOUR limitations are.

There are enough sporterized rifles out there already if you need a scoped rifle, they are generally very cheap. Probably less than you would squander "fixing" that Mosin to join the ranks of existing "Bubba" rifles.

[the old gringo]

i use a model 38 for one deer every year. weaver makes a 4x scout scope s&k makes a solid base to replace the rear sight if you want . the mn will shoot right up there with any of the big 3 deer rifles if it has a good bore .be careful changing bolts but enjoy the rifle no matter of stock or sights by the time i try to use all my old mil. rifles the season just is not long enough

[TX_Mauser24/47]

I have never been a fan of sporterizing historical rifles, I would greatly prefer to keep them in their original condition. This will be the first year, since I was around 13, that I will have a hunting license in Texas. Between high school sports, college, college sports, jobs and the like I just got behind on taking the mandatory hunter safety course. I have been ok with MN iron sights out to around 100 yards shooting hogs. I think I can make it through the hunting property ill be on without a scope. Any suggestions on the rapidly deteriorating stock? It seems to be developing a small crack where the trigger guard meets the stock, and where the magazine meets the stock. I am pretty sure it will be a non-issue for a while, but for long-term care I am not sure what to do with that. Thus far with my weapons I have been lucky, this is the only one with any real blemishes on the stocks whatsoever.

[Aragorn243]

Only two issues I can think of are make sure you are using soft point bullets and not the military surplus ammo. The other being the safety. Practice, practice, practice with that as it is hard to get on and off and a quick shot on a deer is going to be harder than usual.

As for the stock, if you can post some photos it would be more helpful. Most MN stocks these days are in pretty good shape having been re-arsenaled. It's possible that what you have is not a run of the mill recent import Nagant.

[TX_Mauser24/47]

I am currently in South Korea, away from my guns, I have tried to take a picture of the stock before, but it just becomes hard to see the small nuances. The cracks are maybe the width of a hair. All around, after that the damage is cosmetic. Minor dings and dents, things I expect from a surplus. The other two Mosins I own are both re-arsenaled, and the stocks are in great shape. One of them appears to never have been fired. Like I said, back on topic, I bought this one at gun show and for a steal (usually in my area it seems mosins are going for about double). One last note, the safety is perhaps my least favorite part of the Mosin, they are pretty hard to take off quickly for sure.

[jmoore]

One last note, the safety is perhaps my least favorite part of the Mosin, they are pretty hard to take off quickly for sure.

In this case, I just leave the bolt handle up. Turn down when required. Fairly easy and quiet.

[Midmichigun]

TX,
How far would you want to "go" with the stock. Right now, you can get "new"/ used stocks for a reasonable price, as I recall. Last year a bunch of "demilled" MN's came into the country that were cut up. I believe the stocks were in good shape... therefore they do exist.... Save the original aside, and put on a better condition one. Or use the original until it doesn't work anymore with a spare as backup.
I have restored/ repaired stocks before using wood dowels and biscuit type cuts. Generally, cracks are opened up, degreased, and filled with a good quality epoxy and wood dust. Or you drill out the area, and insert wood dowels coated in epoxy.... Brass pins could be used. But at a certain point, you get a frankenstein look.

And I view the MN's as the Springfields of our time.... not necassarily as a quality unit.... but as a rifle type that is being bubba'd as a rapid rate..... 30 years from now you will tell your grandchildren about getting them for $100.00, and THEY will be amazed... JMHO!

Without seeing pictures, I would wonder if your stock is cracking due to drying up... you may want to try some linseed oil... or tung oil.... But... pictures... pictures.... pictures....!

[yoyo2123]

linseed oil is a good idea i resently did a chinese type 53 and jap type 1. Japanese rifle looks great and chinese rifle is still in the works. linseed oil also does not do anything to reduce value it only preserves wood.

[Aragorn243]

I had actually planned to take my 91/30 hunting. I have an ex-sniper that I re-scoped with a PU set up but I unfortunately can't see through the scope due to eye issues. I can shoot it at the range because I can see fine without wearing my glasses but that isn't going to work in the woods.

Progressive coatings with linseed oil will give it a finish nearly the same as the shellac they put on it but it won't flake off and is easily repaired if it get scuffed or scratched. It takes a long time, perhaps 40 coats but it can be done. I just put a coat on while I'm watching TV. Only takes a few minutes, let it dry for a day or two and repeat.