The numerous models and variations of Mosin rifles can be overwhelming to the new collector. Many times they are mislabeled by dealers, pawn shops, and individuals who are not familiar with them. When rarity can range from hundreds of pieces made to millions and value can range from less than $100 to over $500 proper identification is extremely important. Hopefully this tool will be useful in sorting out these fascinating pieces of history. Please keep in mind that there are literally hundreds of variations and it is impossible to identify all the nuances with this guide. Seemingly minor markings can drastically change the rarity and value of a rifle and further research is encouraged. Respond only to the question at the top of the page by clicking on the correct answer and you will be taken to the next question for the final indentification of your rifle. The answer for each model is linked to the corresponding page in the Mosin Nagant Models section which has more in depth information. Begin here.

Approximately how long is your rifle?

51 1/2"    48 1/2"    46 1/2"    40"

You answered 51 1/2". What is the date on the barrel?

1891-1925    1926-1927    1940-1943    No date

You answered 1891-1925. This a Russian M91, the original design of the Mosin Nagant. It was manufactured by three Russian and three "foreign" arsenals. Below are examples of early configuration (top picture), late configuration (second picture) and barrel markings. While exact logos vary through the years, you can compare the following images to identify the arsenal which built your rifle. Start over

You answered 1926-1927 or Tikkakoski Logo. This is an early Finnish M91 with a Tikkakoski manufactured barrel. There are two versions stepped and unstepped. Below is a picture of the less common stepped barrel found on 1927 dated rifles. Start over

You answered 1940-1943. This is a late Finnish M91. There were three different barrel manufacturers. You can compare the following images to identify where the barrel of your rifle was made. Start over

Tikkakoski barrel (Finland)	VKT barrel (Finland)	"B" barrel (Belgium)

You answered "no date". Which of these marks is on the chamber?

Early Finnish Civil Guard Logo

"P-Series" markings

Tikkakoski Logo

You answered Civil Guard. This is a Finnish M24 or "Lotta" rifle. Does your rifle have this mark on the right side of the chamber? Yes    No

You answered yes. Your M24 barrel was made in Switzterland by SIG. There are two versions stepped and unstepped. Below is a picture of the more common later stepped barrel. Start over

You answered no. Your M24 barrel was made in Germany and is marked "Bohler-Stahl" on the bottom and can only be seen when the barrel is removed from the stock. Here is a picture of the marking.   Start over

You answered "P-Series". This is a Finnish model that is known as a P-25, P-26, or P-27. They are Russian M91s with all the chamber markings scrubbed off the barrel and a liner installed inside the barrel. Start over

You answered 48 1/2". What style is the rear sight leaf?

You answered curved. This is a Russian/Soviet Dragoon or Cossack. They were made by Tula and Izhevsk. Below are examples of early configuration (top picture), late configuration (second picture) and barrel markings. Start over

Tula	Izhevsk	Izhevsk Cossack

You answered flat. This is an M91/30 which was built by several countries. Compare the markings below to determine where your rifle came from. Start over

Tula (Soviet Union)	Izhevsk (Soviet Union)	Tikkakoski (Finland)
Hungary	Romania	Albania

You answered 46 1/2". What style is the rear sight leaf?

Curved

Flat

You answered curved. What style is the nose cap?

Open on top

Closed on top

You answered open. This is a Finnish M28. There were two different barrel manufacturers. You can compare the following images to identify where the barrel of your rifle was made. Start over

Tikkakoski (Finland)	SIG (Switzerland) mark below wood line

You answered closed. This is a Finnish M27. There were two different barrel manufacturers. You can compare the following images to identify where the barrel of your rifle was made. Start over

Tikkakoski (Finland)	VKT (Finland)

You answered flat. How far is the front sight from the muzzle?

Approximately 1/2"

Approximately 1"

You answered 1/2". This is a Finnish M28/30. It is an evolution of the M28 and a precursor to the M39. Below is a picture. Start over

You answered 1". This is a Finnish M39. There are six major variations. You can compare the following images to identify which type you have. Start over

VKT	Sako	Sako/SkY
B	Tikka	No maker/Late date

You answered 40". Does it have a folding bayonet like the picture below? Yes    No

You answered yes. This is an M44 or T53. These were built at two Soviet arsenals and by four "foreign" countries. You can compare the following images to identify where your carbine was made. Start over

Izhevsk (Soviet Union)	Tula (Soviet Union)	Poland
Hungary	Romania	China (T53)

You answered no. What is the width of the front sight base?

Approximately 1/2"

Approximately 3/4"

You answered 1/2". Which type of rear sight leaf does it have?

Long

Short

You answered long. This is a Soviet M91/59. It is a cut down M91/30 and there are three variations as seen below. Start over

Izhevsk M91/59	Tula M91/59	Sanitized M91/59

You answered short. This is a Soviet M38. It was made at two arsenals. Below are examples of the barrel markings. Start over

Izhevsk M38	Tula M38

You answered 3/4". This is a Soviet M91/38. It is a cut down Russian M91 and there are three primary variations as seen below. Start over

Izhevsk M91/38	Tula M91/38	Sestroryetsk M91/38