Mosin Nagant Ex-Snipers

Mosin Nagant Ex-Snipers
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Features Index

Most Mosin sniper variations except the PU are unavailable and financially out of reach for the average collector, including myself. However, ex-snipers are relatively plentiful and can often be found for the same price as a standard M91/30. These were "de-snipered" after WWII, most likely because of the huge numbers of snipers in Soviet inventory and the cost of maintaining the optics. There is also a possibility that the accuracy had degraded below acceptable levels for a sniper, but not below acceptable levels for a standard infantry rifle. The bent bolts were replaced with a standard bolt and the stocks replaced or repaired as necessary. The mount holes were welded over and ground smooth. Different variations can be determined by the pattern of the mount holes.
PE hex top mount - early to mid '30s Early versions had two screws each side. Later versions, as pictured, had three screws each side.
PE round top mount - late '30s All versions had three screws each side.
PEM side rail mount - late '30s to early '40s This was the first case of a high wall receiver which was built specifically for the scope mount. There are two more holes, one locating pin and one screw, not visible in the picture in the locking lug and chamber area.
PEM side rail mount - late '30s to early '40s This is the same type of mount as above, but a locating pin hole is visible just behind the screw screw hole. The only difference is some were drilled through the inner wall of the receiver and some were not.
PU side rail mount - mid '40s This is the most commonly encountered version. There is one locating pin hole forward in the locking lug area that is not visible in the picture.
GECO side rail mount - mid '30s This mount is a copy of the German GECO type which the Soviets purchased and subsequently copied on a limited basis. Unlike other side rail mounts it was used on low wall receivers.