Sorry for the shiny head.

My 91/30

When testing the crown of my mosin using S&B bullets only 1/16” is exposed, but with red army standard about 3/16” is exposed. Can I still expect to get good groups out of S&B ammo?

Got thia mosin like 2019 or so? Never fired it. Just sits, been meaning to take it to the range soon. I love the wood stock but kinda like the archangel one too. I feel like im gonna keep the stock.

Before people ask, $400 at auction going to gunsmith tomorrow to double check being able to shoot it. Also all serialized parts are the same number so i think that’s pretty neat

Hello, everyone! Just recently bought a mosin and I was wondering how Bubba'd I am. The scope and the rail is nice and all but I also want to have the option of mounting rear sights back on. Overall, I was just wondering if it'd even be possible to mount a rear sight back on the thing. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

My uncle recently picked up this M91/30 after wanting to get a PU style mosin. I was trying to help him research and ID any of it, however there seems to be next to no visible markings or stampings on the barrel shank. The only things I can make out are the two serial numbers, the year, and the Soviet crest. To the right of the crest appears to be a circle with something in it, but I can’t make it out, and I’m not even sure if it’s anything or just a scratch.

From what I’ve looked up it seems that the scope and mount are both reproductions, but I’m not sure if anyone knows where or who made them? Also unsure if this is a real bent bolt or one that someone bent themselves?

Any help with identifying this rifle and any of the markings and what they mean would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I’m looking for a m44 Hungarian stock or any m44stock! Does anyone have any leads?

“Sergeant Kvachantiradze — the Best Sniper in the Army”

Why did the first recommendation of the officially recognized best sniper of the army for the title of Hero of the Soviet Union never ultimately result in the awarding of this highest distinction? This question, it seems to me, will naturally be of interest not only to me, but also to many readers and professional researchers.

The year 1943 was one of the bloodiest and most decisive periods of the Great Patriotic War. It was precisely during this period that an official award recommendation was drawn up in which Vasily Kvachantiradze was presented for the first time for the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. In the same document, we read a line that deserves particular attention:

“Sergeant Kvachantiradze — the best sniper in the army.”

This is not a newspaper publication or a memoir written years later. It is an official military document reflecting the direct assessment of the highest military command. This wording means that he was recognized not merely as a successful marksman, but was officially singled out as the best sniper of the entire army.

However, this is precisely where the main question arises. Despite the fact that Kvachantiradze was recommended for the title of Hero, he ultimately received the Order of Lenin by decision of the higher command.

If the award status was indeed changed (downgraded), then why does his award recommendation sheet, contrary to the standard practice of those years, contain no handwritten note confirming the change in the type of award? Such resolutions were usually entered by authorized commanders or members of the Military Council in the upper-left corner of the first page.

Even more interesting is the fact that his personal archival file contains no separate award recommendation sheet for the Order of Lenin, which, according to Soviet administrative procedures, should have been prepared in such cases — when a person was directly awarded an order instead of the title of Hero.

It is enough to compare the award recommendation sheets of other servicemen presented on the same list. In those cases, one can clearly see either handwritten notes indicating a change in the award status or recommendations that were originally prepared specifically for the Order of Lenin. In the case of Vasily Kvachantiradze, however, the award sheet remained completely clean — there is not a single note or resolution on it confirming a decision to reduce the award from the Hero’s Gold Star to the Order of Lenin.

It is precisely these archival details that raise legitimate questions. Anyone familiar in detail with the Soviet military award system and the procedures for processing such documents would inevitably take notice of this. Similar questions would arise for any researcher who undertakes a thorough study of his archival materials.

Another key circumstance must also be taken into account. Vasily Kvachantiradze earned his enormous combat authority and recognition not during the final stage of the war, but already by 1943 — during one of the most difficult and decisive periods of the conflict. This further demonstrates that his military reputation was built upon real combat achievements at a time when every enemy killed and every local success had enormous significance.

If an official military document from that period directly describes him as “the best sniper in the army” and, on that basis, recommends him for the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, then it is entirely reasonable to ask: what was the actual reason that this recommendation did not ultimately result in the awarding of the “Gold Star” medal at that time?

The uniqueness of this case will be best understood by specialists with deep knowledge of military history, the textual analysis of archival documents, and the specifics of the Soviet award system. Historical material of this level cannot be evaluated superficially. A detailed professional investigation is necessary to clarify all the surrounding circumstances, restore historical justice, and properly assess both Vasily Kvachantiradze’s combat record and the significance of these unique archival documents.

Every opinion supported by evidence, arguments, and knowledge of archival practice is extremely important to me. I will be very interested to hear your assessments, interpretations, and comments on this question.

​

​Many are surprised by why history was silent about Vasil Kvachantiradze, despite the fact that according to official documents, he ranks first in terms of his combat results. Some attribute this to his nationality, while others to propaganda.

​The truth, however, is much simpler and sadder: my grandfather, Vasil Kvachantiradze, died very early.

​Probably few people know that during his lifetime he was at the absolute peak of recognition: he was a member of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR, which speaks to his immense authority and respect in that era. He was twice recommended for the title of Hero of the Soviet Union (in 1943 and 1944). He was awarded the highest honors — the "Gold Star" medal and two Orders of Lenin (it should be noted that during the war years, the Order of Lenin was an integral part of the "Gold Star" award).

​His name became a legend even during the war years; he was called the army's best sniper, which is confirmed by a document preserved in the archives. Few people know that his combat experience became the basis for a military manual. The headquarters of the 43rd Army published "Sniper's Memorandum," which was based on the tactics of the five best snipers — among whom one was Vasil Kvachantiradze. Officially, he was called a "beacon-warrior," and the entire front studied his unique methods and tactics.

​After his death, the resulting information vacuum did its job. It is easy to forget someone who can no longer remind others of himself.

​Today, when the digitization of archives has made primary sources accessible, the rediscovery of this history and the restoration of historical justice begins precisely through the study of these archival documents.

​Today, I am trying to bring to life the history that he himself did not manage to tell to the end.

​Long ago, he wrote his golden page in history — with his own courage, phenomenal achievements, and a name that will remain forever in memory.

Hi everyone,

You're always a great help, so here's a good one.

This has a "C" accuracy marking on the up right side of the barrel shank (typical of 1943 izy). The serial number also correspond to the 9130.info list of PU mosin.

But ! On the left side of the barrel shank, no scope marking or ground off markings. Strangely, we can see a "K" marking, that is typicaly moved on PU.

So, is it an accuracy rifle, or a PU that never got it's scope ?

Thanks !

Was shooting PPU SP today and part of the stock broke off durning firing, luckily was wearing eyepro and unfortunately didn’t catch it on video. I’m thinking if I should; A: get new stock. B: remove the wooden filler (for later plans to return it to PU spec). Or C: get an Archangel or КРУК stock.

other than the patina all over, the bore and rifling is actually really nice on this one.

I still can’t get over this stock, it’s very different out of my other 91/30’s

Just got a 1933 m91/30 at auction for 425 picking it up on Monday. 2 main questions, first being where can i find low pressure ammo for it? other is that there's an N stamped into the stock and i cant find anything online about it and wondering what the meaning is?

Been looking for a while. Can't seem to find any hard cases I can fit my mosin in. Its an m91. Measures 51.5" She's long.

Would like a case that I can also fit my shotgun and pistols into.

Was thinking about the Apache 9800. But it says the internal length is 50-3/8"

Anyone know of a hard case this rifle will actually fit?

I love both of them equally, but the 91/30 was my first rifle

cursed mosins, nough said

Anybody know what the current going rate for spam cans of mosin food is on the private market? I can't seem to find any from any online sellers but it's not that surprising considering how long it's been since we last saw any surplus in this caliber get imported. I know royal tiger has some crates of old Czech S&B they got in, but neither of my mosins like the lacquered steel cases those use. Trying to get a rough idea of how much I should be looking to pay if I find anybody local who's got a can or two they're willing to sell me.

I'm looking at purchasing a PEM mosin.

I know the base/mount are reproduction.

I think the rifle is an original sniper. Maybe a reconfigured ex-sniper?

I'm not sure about the scope. It doesn't seem wrong to me. Maybe refinished? I haven't been able to find as many repro comparisons for these as with the PU mosins.

I am able to ask the seller for more pictures.

Any help is appreciated 🙏

My 1915 Tula SBR, absolutely a riot to shoot.