Albanian M91/30

The Albanian M91/30 is seldom encountered and not well known in the United States with the few examples imported being mixed in with Soviet M91/30s. It follows the same basic pattern as the Soviet M91/30 with some unique differences. The barrel shank markings are practically non-existent consisting only of the date and the serial number. All known examples are dated 1961 and have a four digit serial number beginning with zero. The style of receiver is the same pattern as final Izhevsk production in 1946-1948. For detailed information on receiver features and variations see the Mosin Nagant Rifle Receiver Variations page. The tang is unmarked and the stock has a noticeably different shape to the butt. Other unique stock features are covered below.

The lack of markings under the wood is noticeable with the only one evident being a "2" on the bottom of the barrel. The serial number on the receiver was placed there by Century when the rifle was imported. As mentioned above, the receiver follows the same pattern as late Soviet production.

A notable difference from all other M91/30 variations is the rear site base. It is something of a "hybrid" with the standard length of an M91/30 rear sight, but is attached to the barrel by means of a sleeve similar to the M38 and M44 rear sight bases. The leaf and slide are typical of Soviet M91/30s as is the front sight.

The bolt on this example is matching although the cocking knob appears to have an Izhevsk arsenal mark. The floorplate is also matching.

In these pictures the flat comb is evident. This seems to be typical of Albanian stocks and is also occasionally found on Chinese T53 stocks.

Besides the flat comb, the buttstock also has more drop at the heel, a more vertical buttplate and the sling slot is farther to the rear than the typical Mosin stock.

The finger grooves, barrel bands, barrel band springs and forward sling slot are consistent with late Soviet stock production. The handguard is somewhat unique with the wood in the rear section raised above the end cap. As seen above, the front end cap is typical.

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