Mosin Nagant 91/30 Scout Rifle

You might remember a few months back we posted a “firing line” sort of article highlighting the ubiquitous Russian Mosin Nagant 91/30 with a little M44 action mixed in. Also, I’ve frequently been a guest on “The Eleventh Hour” online radio show on the Prepper Broadcasting Network where we talk guns for prepping and just guns in general. On one of those episodes we talked Scout Rifles. Without going into great detail of Col. Jeff Cooper’s definition of what the multi-use Scout Rifle was and what it would be used for, one budget option we spoke about is using a Russian M4 Carbine and turning it into a scout rifle. An accomplishment that should be possible with budget optics and all under the $300 mark.

The scope was removed but you can see it pictured with a cheapo 2x20mm Handgun scope.

WELL, after a couple of months letting the idea stew, I came across a deal on an M44 that looked like a good one. Then with a google search titled “Mosin Nagant Scout Rifle” I found discussion about guys cutting down a standard 91/30 rifle and using an M44 stock to shorten up the whole package at a much cheaper overall cost than finding a full M44 in good condition. I shot the gentleman an email and he offered to sell it to me at BASEMENT cost minus the scope. Too good of a deal to pass up (seriously a steal), I found out the builder lived just 20 minutes south of me so we made the deal happen. The modified Mosin Nagant Scout has a stock that needs some work, and possibly a re-crown job on the muzzle even though the original cut job isn’t bad at all. Considering it’s gone from a 28″ barrel to a 20″ barrel I want to milk every ounce of accuracy out of it as possible.

The bolt doesn’t have numbers matching but fits the receiver perfectly and throws smooth and locks up tight. The trigger has some definite play but has been easy to stage with some practice with about a 4 pound break on the back end. The best part? It came with the rear sight replacing scope base and as is weighs just SEVEN POUNDS. That means with a lightweight scope at a quarter pound or so I’ll come in just over Col. Cooper’s 3 kilo weight limit.

In the picture you can see what looks like an M44 with no top handguards, front sight base or bayonet lug. The absent of the front sight and bayonet lugs will help improve barrel harmonics when fired making vibrations more even and less weighted to one side. Well that’s enough for now, I’ll be sure to have some video and continued build updates when I can get my hands on some stripper clips and decide on a direction with the stock, bolt handle and scope.

As you can see the mod turned out pretty accurate. The center group is the final zero at 50 yards.