Is that old Mosin Nagant rifle kicking around in the back of your gun safe more valuable than you think it is?
The short answer? Probably not.
But it could be, maybe.
It is no secret that the vast majority of Mosin Nagant rifles are not worth more than the few hundred dollars they tend to sell for at gun shows, gun shops, and pawnbrokers.
However, as with just about anything even remotely collectible, there are certain specific items that can be incredibly valuable.
The same thing holds true in the world of firearm collecting — even with a rifle like the Mosin Nagant with over 37 million individual weapons manufactured.
Certain Mosin Nagants can be much more valuable than the run-of-the-mill, gun show rifle.
Although the odds of your old Mosin Nagant being worth a significant amount of money are very low, there is a small chance that your specific rifle is worth at least a little more than the average.
So, let’s take a look at some of the factors that could lead to a Mosin Nagant being more valuable than most.
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Condition
This is a pretty obvious factor of value when talking about any sort of collectible or historic firearm.
Dings and damage that possibly occurred during battle on issued rifles add some character to a Mosin Nagant. But let’s be honest here…damaged rifles are typically worth less money than rifles of a higher quality.
Of course, that is unless you happen to have Vasily Zeitseiv’s sniper rifle.
That said, even a pristine Mosin Nagant packed in cosmoline and stored in a warehouse since WWII isn’t going to allow you to retire to an island somewhere.
Rarity
Over the course of its 120+ year history, there have been many different variants and experimental models of the Mosin Nagant rifle.
Some of those models are incredibly rare. A fair rule of thumb is that the rarer a certain rifle is, the higher the value of that rifle will be.
Let me just take a moment here for a small disclaimer.
I’m no expert on the history of specific Mosin Nagant rifles or their value. There are experts out there on which specific models and serial numbers make some Mosin Nagants very valuable, but I am not one of them.
This article is more about the basic concept of what could make a Mosin valuable.
Ok, now that we have that out of the way, let’s talk a little more about rarity.
There is an interesting historical anecdote that I think is worth sharing.
Without going into extreme historical detail, here is the basic story.
In 1916, the Russian government ordered approximately 3.3 million M1891 Mosin Nagant rifles from Remington Arms and New England Westinghouse in the United States.
Remington got an order for 1.5 million rifles and Westinghouse was set to make the other 1.8 million.
Russia ordered these rifles due to a shortage of arms and the lack of a well-developed domestic industry capability.
Before all of the rifles could be made and delivered to Russia, certain events occurred. And this led to Bolsheviks taking over the Russian government and quickly defaulting on the contracts with the arms manufacturers in the United States.
This meant that Remington and Westinghouse were left with several hundred thousand rifles.
The United States government then bought all of the remaining rifles and saved the companies from bankruptcy.
But some of the remaining rifles had already been shipped all the way to Great Britain. Those were used to arm the U.S. and British expeditionary forces in 1918 and 1919.
The rifles that remained in the U.S. became training guns for the Army. They were also used to arm some National Guard, SATC, and ROTC units.
This is where it gets interesting for collectors and those interested in firearm history…
During the interwar period, the precursor of the Civilian Marksmanship Program, known then as the Director of Civilian Marksmanship, sold some of the rifles to civilians for $3.
These rifles, designated as “U.S. Rifle, 7.62mm, Model of 1916”, became treasured by collectors.
Why?
Because they lack any stamped or engraved marks required of any military surplus arms imported into the States.
Even more valuable...any of these rifles not rechambered for the .30-06 Springfield round.
You might see why it’s so hard to pinpoint the value of certain Mosin Nagants and why only certain rifle models are truly valuable.
Markings
The markings on Mosin Nagant rifles can help collectors and gun owners understand if they’re in possession of a valuable firearm or not. These markings really tie into the rarity discussed above.
Frankly, there’s not enough time in this single article to even attempt to scratch the surface of all of the different markings for all of the variations of Mosin Nagants.
But some examples of rare Mosin Nagants include the PEM Side Mount Sniper version, the Tula 1891, the Finnish “SA” marked rifle and M91rv Cavalry Rifle.
Accessories
Rare accessories for the Mosin Nagant rifle can also be extremely valuable to collectors.
There were quite a few oddball add-ons made in small quantities for the Mosin. And those small quantities make these extras rare.
So rare that fakes or reproductions are common and also that they can fetch a very pretty penny on the collector market.
Some of the more interesting ones include an experimental bayonet designed in 1905. It may have even been issued in small numbers during the Russo-Japanese War.
There was a wire-cutter attachment that paired with the experimental bayonet allowing soldiers to cut wires on the battlefield.
And if you think that is cool, then the Modrakh Device will interest you even more.
Using a simple non-magnified periscope and a trigger with the mother-of-all trigger connecting rods, this device allowed a soldier to fire the Mosin Nagant from below a trench without exposing themselves to enemy fire.
Conclusion
The odds that your gun show Mosin Nagant rifle is extremely valuable are pretty doubtful.
However, there are Mosin Nagant rifles out there that can be much more valuable than many of the common, mass-produced versions.
Even if you don’t have a valuable Mosin Nagant, it may still be worth your time to do a little research into the history of your specific rifle.
If you find it’s a common model, you at least learned a little more about a fascinating topic.
And if you’re looking to pick another one up, there’s plenty of retailers happy to accommodate.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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84 Leave a Reply
Hi.
I will appreciate any info available about the price of a Ostri Hungarian (AZF) Capture Mosin Nagant M91 with a total barrel length if 31" in 8x50mm caliber. Marked SA boxed in the barrel with C.H. as the snipers Finnish rifles. Thanks.
Need a Bolt action for New England westinghouse compgany 1915 serial 835842
New England westinghouse compgany 1915 serial 835842
I have a Mosin Nagant, Russian markings on the receiver and date stamped 1907. Serial number is N384. Stock is stamped AV3] 495. It is in good shape. Still fires great. Im wondering about the history and what it's worth
Mine has a receiver, bolt, scope with the same serial numbers, TK319 DATE 1943.
SHOOTS LIKE A DREAM, 400 yds. 4 in. group.
What would it be worth?
We have a 1946 M44 Russian 7.62x54R rifle with bayonet and ammo. Any idea of the value?
I believe I have the same one..
I have a 1943 PW ARMS REDMOND WA, M91/30
7.62 x 54R, Russia Ser RMN012591 w/bayonet I’ve had this gun since 2014, never fired it. Local Sheels store in Springfield IL offer $2000. I declined, he said you know what you have.. (I replied I do now). I’d really like to know what it worth..?
Bout what they offered lol
I have a 1944 Izhevsk mosin nagant 7.62x54r sniper as far as I can tell with the proof mark on the barrel C with a circle.
Matching numbers on the bolt, barrel and scope mount. Metal clips in the stock where the slings go through. Anyone with sniper configuration?
I also have a 1944 lzhevsk mosin 7.62×54r all matching I'm not sure if it's the sniper or not but I'm trying to find out!
I have a old Russian (?) 7.62 Rifle. The print is in Russia I think. I can read 1905r / 13680. I have no use for this wondering what kinda price to put on it.
Hey I need help. I just bought a 1917 M91 imperial russian mosin with a finnish SA mark on the rifle. The thing is it's also a german capture from ww1 because the butt-stock is marked Deutsches Reich. I don't know the rarity or value of this though and would appreciate feedback
I have an Mosin M39 and have been looking for a cleaning rod for several years now. Can anyone point me in the right direction. Also where can I find bayonets for my Mosins? Any help is appreciated.
I have a 1943 PW ARMS REDMOND WA 7.62 x 54R all matching Ser #’s w/bayonet . Round Receiver. On top just below the date has a Arrow in a triangle pointing up to a M or a X in a square. Several other markings. I was told in was a Pre-WWII
I have 2 rifles in great condition and there are quite a few markings on them, one has "SA", "1941" a sickle and hammer, some letters in a circle which I think are "0" in one and "k" in another and by end of barrel CAI ST AIB VT
M91/30 RUSSIA 7.62X54R
I DONT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THESE SO THE MARKING MAY BE OFF SLIGHTLY AND THERE ARE A FEW MORE LIKE A TRIANGLE WITH AND ARROW IN IT. WHERE CAN I GO OR WHO CAN I TALK WITH TO IDENTIFY THESE RIFLES. THERE ARE NUMBERS STAMPED IN THEM AS WELL WHICH I ASSUME ARE SERIAL NUMBERS 5 NUMBERS LONG
Go to russian-mosin-nagant com there is info on that page that can help you with markings and origins
I love pewpewtactical articles but this one was bullshit. Good condition and a bayonet?? That’s all you got?? Didn’t even mention hex receivers vs round receivers.
Rifle in the header pic is not a 91/30 it's an early M91. Has flat pre spitzer sights and rear sling swivel on the magazine housing. AND no recoil bolt through the finger groove. I'll give you $100 for that old junk.
Um, the rifle in your header shot is not a 91/30. It's a M91, and a very early one, with flat , pre spitzer sights and magazine housing mounted sling swivel. If that stock is unsanded it's worth big bucks. Looks like it might be since the stock cartouche is visible.
How much do you want for it?
I have a mosin nagant stamped 1945r k Y with circle around it. It's
5
It's in great condition no scratches has bayonet on it and all serial numbers match what do you think it'd be worth? Would u be interested?
I have a old sniper Russian sniper rifle I want to know what it is worth
I have a Russian Negant markings are. PM arms Redmond WA M91/30 7.62 x 54R Russian SER. 020322 bayonet,trigger and bolt all have matching Ser. Number.
I have a Mosin-Nagant that was made in Finland the sling has sling swivles and not mounted through the stock the way Russian one are made
Hello found Mosin-Nagant rifle in my father’s gun safe. It has Russian engraving with date of 1923 on it. Does anyone know anything more about this gun? Total newbie regarding guns. Thank you
Hello,
I have a Mosin-Nagant 7.62 my father got from the Montinard Indians during the Vietnam War.
It had the original bayonet mounted with articulated swivel.
This is now missing from the 1990s, thank you little brother.
I am looking to find another rifle, maybe broken, to salvage these parts off of.
A h ideals were to loom/purchase?
Any help and guidance is appreciated.
V/r Mike
I have a Model 39, dated 1944, Sako, wartime stock in "MINT" condition. I have not seen a Finn even close to this one. I have had or still have, a Model 27, 39's & 28. Great rifles.
I have One with the Mark SA, serial Numbers
36493. Year 1942
Mine is an 1891 model. Has 1914 stamped on it along with Czar Nicholas II seal. Believe it's a Finnish capture. SA on it as long with Finnish and Russian markings. Was explained to me that typically Finnish captures would be scrubbed and restamped, but mine wasn't. Manufacturing by Sestroryetsk.
I have all matching serial number 1027. No idea of value
There are a lot of markings on them. The main marking should be on the receiver just under the site. That tells you wich factory. Rest of weird markings are factory control markings. Then they is military approved markings. If double dated and has mo it is ministry of defense. If marked on receiver sa it will be Finnish. There are a few sites that deal with the markings on the web. Even the the U.S. made them for Russia during the great war. Long history and many types were made.
I have a 1928 Tula russian Naggant in very nice shape has the SA on the side of the chamber!! Can anyone here tell me if it's worth anything or is it just another Ol Nagant????
I just purchased a Remington Armory 1918 hex receiver mosin today. I see no signs of any import markings and it is what I consider good shape. I honestly don't know much else. Any help on what else I can look for to identify more history on this would be great.
Thanks
Good score great rifle I’ve got the NewEngland Westinghouse model but had to settle for the Remington bayonet hopefully sooner than later I find the proper one!
I have a mosin nagant m44 7.62x54r I don't know much about it except it has letters inside of different shapes all over it pretty much
I have a 1953 Mosin, with the bayonet mount, and all the markings, but not the original stock and have cleaned it up. I did some research into the time frame at which it was made and wars it most likely had seen and am interested in its value. If anyone gas any info or references as to get an estimated value. Please let me know. Thank you.
1891/59 Mosin
In 1959 the Soviet Union anticipated an American Invision. A batch of new Izhevsk armory stored Mosin 1891's were sent to either Romania or Bulgaria (History is unclear) to be re-armored. The weapons barrels were shortened to 18.5 inches and forward wood furniture was fitted to match new barrel length. They are reported to have been returned for distribution to what the Soviets called The Home Guard. The Home Guard was a second line civilian defence force. The American invasion never materialized and many of the weapons were again stored in the Izhevsk Armory.
The 91/59 shortened barrel makes for a heaverier barrel with a reduced weapon weight. Accuracy is very good especially since open rear iron sights and hooded blade front sites are used. The sights were also modified to reflect 1000M expected range as opposed to the 2000M sights of the original 1891 Mosin. Still chambered 7.62 X 54R the weapon is reported to be the best of the Mosin Nagant Carbines and exceeds the short range expectations of the 1891 long rifles.
Submitted by Lemuelovich
The 1891 Mosin sights were in arshini, not meters. It wasn't until the 1920s that the Soviet Union adopted the metric system and changed their sights to metric.
I do have a 91/30 prototype, it have a folding bayonet, and no it is not a m44. It shows all inspections stamps ect , of course all matching. They are so rare that they are unknowed to most mosin collector. It is in exelent condition, a total of 100 of those came in canada few years back. Nobody knows how much where made. Bore is exelent, shiny and crisped groove. As it was never issued. I never shoot it and probably never will.
I have a 1903 Russian rifle i just purchased it has a long bayonet attached but I really don't know anything about them I do have pictures of it if I can send them to you thank you
What if it is Russian stamped on top 1904 and has the SA on the left side facing the butt.
I have a tikka hex 1942 that has russian proof with Finnish proof over stamp plus other rare stamps and markings.
Know anyone that can appraise this price???
I have a Remington Mosin Nagant rifle built in late 1917. Serial in high 500 000s. I believe it was sporterized at the factory. I say this because the rifle never was cut for the Arshin site. It has only v notch and square notch rear site, two way flip up.
It also has turned down bolt handle that is long and angled to rear. It is not a Bent Bannerman style, or a cut and welded fake sniper rifle. Bolt serial matches the rest of the gun and has a Remington proof mark at base of bolt handle.
Stock is modified factory stock with possible Buffalo horn forend.
How can I get an expert to examine my rifle or at least look at some pictures to see if it has some value?
Thanks in advance. Randy
I got an all numbers matching pu sniper with original dust caps and recently picked up a Westinghouse in original caliber in really good shape not refinished! With original leather sling.
I have a Remington 1917 Mosin that I would like to discuss with anyone that has more info on it. I think it is one of the Civilian sold rifles with no import marks.
I have a 1921 russian m91/30 hammer sicle stamped rifle with numbers matching what could i get for it
I have a true dragoon, manufactured in 1895, octagon receiver. In better than fair condition. What would it be valued at?
I have a 1900 'Finned' Dragoon.
I have a Tula PCFCP hex mosin marked 1924r #1155 in beautiful condition. Worth anything?
I have a remington i also have a 91/30 sniper tula and a carbine
Now I'm going to have to pull mine out and check it...
I Have a 1901 Finnish , boxed SA , any value
Made in france
I have a Westinghouse marked Mosin Nagant 1915 matching number in original 7.62 x 54 , hex receiver, beautiful gun. #1273*** would this be one of the above mentioned valuable ones?
Yes, that would be more valuable than your average Mosin Nagant. The Westinghouse and Remington Mosins are in short supply these days and normally bring at least double the price of a standard Mosin.
No mention of the Mosin carbine rifle. How come?
Are 1944 new old stock never fired m44 carbines worth anything?
Hey sir, I have a 1939 Finnish mosin nagant made by sk.y in 1939. Gun is in mint condition has the SA markings on the upper left side near bolt and the s in gear marking behind rear sight . Every thing matches . Would you say I have a rare mosin?
Just baught a 22 cal Nagant rifle. Hadn't done my research on the gun so it was a guess to what it was worth. I'm pretty sure it was imported as it had a car tush that said Mo in a rectangle and a D in a circle. Serial number is AB05879 built in 1954. Anybody got any ideas?
Hi Brian, I have two of these Mosin Nagant, and both have the Hexagon barrel right by the bolt, and I heard these are more rare and worth more ? What are your thoughts, as that is one thing you never mentioned or talked about ?
Hex receivers are generally slightly more valuable, but normally not by very much at all. Value will mostly depend on the condition and the exact model/factory/date of the rifle.
I purchased an Albanian SKS in the early 2000's for $160 and it turns out only 18,000 were ever produced and only 5,000 or so are still in existence worldwide. Last I checked they are worth a minimum of $750.
been looking for picture of mosin nagant made by westinghouse.i held one yesterday.its longer than the original 01-30.thanks for the picture of top of barrel.price is $600.
Wow, a ten-thousand word article with only about ten words devoted to useful information. Really crappy work, Brian.
1400 word article, but whos counting.
Shoulda been about 140.
I have 1 with a 1906r on the stamp with matching numbers curious what it’s worth
Mine says russian and has a russian symbol stamped on it...is it rare?
Probably not. Russia built more than 35 million of them.
NO! Tell me of 37million made, what makes yours special?
I found an old black 1901r Russian M91 with a hex receiver, the bolt is damaged but looks like it works, buddy said I can have it for $15. Is it worth anything?
Definitely worth more than $15 for parts alone
I have a 1916 M 91 Finnish Army Rifle in excellent condition all matching serial numbers and has the KMK button intact( I have been told they were removed for some reason by the Russians). It has the original strap and one collector said it had a few rare features. I am in Canada but have uploaded images to a Gun collector site in the states and was told I could sell it there for over a thousand. Here in Canada the most I was offered was $500. It was purchased from the grandson of the original owner/soldier who immigrated to the US after the war at a yard sale in Maine.
Thanks for sharing Bonnie - that's pretty wild! You definitely don't see $1k Mosins every day - but sometimes owning a rare little piece of history is nice too. Decisions!
Hang on to it! It is probably worth a little more than you paid for it. Don't think you will make much more if you sell it. Leave it to a desreving family member (son or Daughter) by that time it should br worth significantly more. Remember there were more than 37 million of these made. littlr by litte this number of usable guns will decrease and those that are a little special now will be wortth much more in 30-50 years.
Hi, i got an demilitarized Mosin Nagant from the New England Westinghouse company 1915
561731 and a boxed sa. anyone know if its Rare or how much is it worth in demilitarized Condition.
thanks for Help
Westinghouse 1915 SA missing rod cleaner, bayonet, and rear sight. Has everything else, including strap. Value?
That is impossible to determine without knowing several more points of information, also we aren't experts on the market value of Mosin Nagants.
Serial 9130248931value?
Sorry, it is impossible to tell based off just the serial.
So I bought a mosin for $150 about a year ago. I think it's cool but I don't know if it's rare or not. I can't find anything about the model. Its a 1920 izhevsk hex reciever it has all number matching if that helps. I don't know quite what I have my hands on so if anyone could help that would be awesome.
I recently purchased a Mosin Nagant at a yard sale for $100. It is stamped with VKT D 20534 1942 and has a boxed SA. Do you think it is a rare rifle?
Not rare but not common,one of the better ones.
The very first photo shows not a ‘91/30’ but a FAR FAR More valuable unupdated dragoon model from around 1900. Notice the lack of recoil lug in the finger groove. The solid, not split barrel bands, see the front sight? Not a post and globe, but a bare bareleycorn. The rear site is also a flat leaf, not the leaf with the slightly upturned end on a 91/30. How about the lack of sling estucheons on the stock? Yup. Notice the sling swivel ha going off the front of the magazine? Another clue there. KIND OF IRONIC HUH?! An article thats supposed to help people learn more about their Mosins is written by someone who mistakes a $3,000+ rifle for a common $270 one. OOPS! Lol