Mosin-Nagant: The Rifle That Refused to Die

Updated on February 21, 2025

Some rifles fade into history, but the Mosin-Nagant refuses to be forgotten. From the trenches of war to the hands of modern collectors, this legendary rifle has seen it all. In this review, we’ll dive into its origins, battlefield stories, and why it’s still a favorite among firearm enthusiasts.

The Birth of a Mosin-Nagant

Let me take you back to a time when wars were fought with single-shot rifles, and armies were desperate for faster firepower. It was the late 19th century, and Russia had just learned a brutal lesson during the Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878). Their troops, armed with outdated Berdan single-shot rifles, were outgunned by Turkish soldiers wielding Winchester repeaters—a defeat that made one thing painfully clear: Russia needed a modern rifle, fast.

So, in 1889, the Russian military held a competition. Two designs stood out: one by Captain Sergei Mosin, a Russian officer, and another by Léon Nagant, a Belgian firearms designer. But instead of choosing one, the Russian military combined both designs. That’s how the Mosin-Nagant M1891 was born—a rifle designed to be tough, simple, and reliable in the harshest conditions.

Little did they know, this rifle would go on to become one of the most produced battle-tested weapons in history.

Mosin-Nagant in War

If a rifle could tell stories, the Mosin-Nagant would have war tales etched into every inch of its steel. This rifle didn’t just serve; it survived, through some of the most brutal conflicts in history.

World War I (1914-1918): The Baptism by Fire

When World War I erupted, the Russian Empire armed its soldiers with the Mosin-Nagant M1891. The rifle was already proving itself, but Russia’s war machine couldn’t produce them fast enough. So, they turned to the United States, where Remington and Westinghouse manufactured Mosin-Nagants under contract. Funny enough, when the Russian Revolution happened in 1917, many of these American-made rifles never made it to Russia and ended up being used in the US or sold to other countries.

World War II (1939-1945): The Soviet Workhorse

This is where the Mosin-Nagant became legendary. The M1891/30, the standard Soviet rifle, was issued to millions of soldiers during WWII. Picture the harsh Russian winters, soldiers dug into frozen trenches, gripping their Mosin-Nagants, waiting for German forces. The rifle’s simplicity and durability made it the perfect weapon for extreme conditions.

But what truly changes the game? The Mosin-Nagant Sniper Variant. Used by famed Soviet snipers like Vasily Zaitsev and Lyudmila Pavlichenko, this rifle racked up confirmed kills in the thousands, making it a feared weapon on the battlefield.

Beyond WWII: The Cold War & Conflicts Around the World

Even after WWII, the Mosin-Nagant wasn’t retired. The Soviet Union had produced so many that they were sent to Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, and even modern-day conflicts. In some places, you can still find fighters using them and hunters for big game hunting—proof that a good rifle never really dies.

The Mosin-Nagant didn’t just fight wars; it made history. Whether in the hands of a Russian conscript in 1914 or a sniper hidden in the ruins of Stalingrad, this rifle shaped the outcome of battles.

Variants & Evolution

If you think the Mosin-Nagant was just one rifle, think again. Over the decades, this workhorse went through multiple modifications—some designed for frontline soldiers, others built for elite snipers. Each version had its own unique story, and some are still prized by collectors and shooters today.

1. Mosin-Nagant M1891 (1891-1930)

The first-ever Mosin-Nagant, officially adopted in 1891, was long, heavy, and built like a tank. It featured a 30.5-inch barrel, a 5-round internal magazine, and a 7.62x54mmR cartridge—one of the oldest cartridges still in use today.

This was the rifle that Russian soldiers carried into World War I and even the Russo-Japanese War before that. But it wasn’t perfect—it was long and clunky for trench warfare, which led to improvements.

2. Mosin-Nagant M91/30 (1930-1945)

In 1930, the Soviets upgraded the M1891, shortening the barrel slightly and adding better sights and a stronger receiver. The M91/30 became the standard rifle of the Red Army in World War II, produced in the millions. If you imagine Soviet troops in battle, this is the rifle they’re carrying.

One of its most famous variants? The M91/30 Sniper Rifle, equipped with the PU scope, which turned it into a deadly long-range weapon. This was the sniper rifle used by Vasily Zaitsev during the Battle of Stalingrad.

3. Mosin-Nagant M38 Carbine (1938-1945)

By the late 1930s, Soviet troops needed a shorter, more maneuverable version for urban combat and mechanized infantry. The M38 Carbine was born—a lighter, shorter Mosin without a bayonet.

It was easier to carry but had a major downside: the insane muzzle flash and recoil. When fired, this thing spat fire from the barrel—bad news for staying hidden in combat.

4. Mosin-Nagant M44 (1944-1955)

Realizing that soldiers still needed bayonets, the Soviets added a permanently attached folding bayonet to the M38 and created the M44 Carbine. This was one of the last mass-produced Mosin-Nagant models before the AK-47 took over.

Foreign Variants: From Finland to China

• Finnish M39: Finland took captured Mosin-Nagants, improved the accuracy, and made them some of the best shooting Mosins in the world.
• Chinese Type 53: A direct copy of the Soviet M44, widely used in the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
• Polish, Hungarian, & Romanian Variants: Slight modifications on the same design, proving the Mosin-Nagant’s worldwide influence.

See all the best Mosin-Nagant models here.

Mosin-Nagant Today: A Rifle That Refuses to Die

You’d think a rifle designed in the late 1800s would be long gone by now, right? Well, not the Mosin-Nagant. Despite being replaced by modern weapons, it still finds its way into gun racks, battlefields, and hunting grounds around the world.

A Favorite Among Collectors & Shooters

Walk into any gun show or military surplus store, and you’ll probably find a few Mosin-Nagants on display. Why? Because they’re:

• Affordable: For years, you could buy one for under $100. Prices have gone up, but it’s still one of the most budget-friendly military surplus rifles.
• Historic: Owning a Mosin is like owning a piece of history—each rifle has its own war stories.
• Powerful: The 7.62x54mmR cartridge is still widely available and packs a serious punch, making it great for long-range shooting.

Still Used in Modern Conflicts?

Yes! Believe it or not, the Mosin-Nagant still sees combat 21st century. Some fighters in the Ukraine-Russia conflict have been spotted using them. In regions where weapons are scarce, this old warhorse is still considered battle-worthy.

A Budget-Friendly Hunting Rifle

In the US, the Mosin-Nagant is often modified for hunting and sport shooting. With a good scope and upgraded stock, it can take down deer, elk, and even bear. Some shooters even claim they can get sub-MOA accuracy out of a well-tuned Mosin.

Rising Prices & Scarcity

For decades, Mosin-Nagants were the go-to budget rifle for gun enthusiasts. But as surplus stock dried up, prices skyrocketed. What was once a $100 rifle now sells for $400–$800 depending on condition and rarity. If you’ve been thinking about buying one, now’s the time!

Final Thoughts

Some rifles are just tools, but the Mosin-Nagant is something more—it’s a legend. It has fought wars, survived extreme conditions, and stood the test of time for over 130 years.

Whether you hold a battle-worn WWII sniper variant, a Finnish M39, or a cheap surplus M91/30, you’re holding a rifle that has seen history unfold. It’s been in the hands of soldiers, hunters, and collectors, each with their own stories to tell.

Even today, it continues to surprise people. Maybe you find one at a pawn shop, covered in dust. Maybe you fire it for the first time and feel the raw power of that 7.62x54mmR round. Or maybe you just appreciate the craftsmanship of a weapon designed in a different era—simple, rugged, and reliable.

The Mosin-Nagant may no longer be a frontline weapon, but it will never truly disappear. As long as there are people who love history, long-range shooting, and classic firearms, the Mosin-Nagant will always have a place in their hands and hearts.

FAQs

When did they stop making Mosin-Nagants?

The Soviet Union officially stopped mass-producing Mosin-Nagants in 1965, as the AK-47 and SKS rifles became the new standard for military use. However, some countries, like China (Type 53) and Romania, continued producing them for a few more years. Despite official production ending, millions of surplus Mosin-Nagants remain in circulation today.

How much is a Mosin worth in 2025?

As of 2025, the price of a Mosin-Nagant varies based on condition, model, and rarity:

• Standard M91/30: $400–$800
• M38/M44 Carbines: $600–$1,200
• Sniper Variants (PU Scope): $1,500+
• Rare Finnish M39 Models: $1,000–$2,500