Recently, I made the decision to add a large caliber rifle to my collection and after some deliberation and research, chose the .308 as the caliber of choice. The decision was helped when I started to look at the various rifles available that shoot that caliber. One of the originals - the Mosin Nagant 91/30 - a Russian battle rifle that has a long history of solid and reliable performance.
Here's a picture of the rifle I bought (after clean-up).
The 91/30 is a simple design, bolt-action rifle, with an internal 5-round magazine. It actually shoots a 7.62mm x 54R round, which is the equivalent of the modern .308Win round. There were millions of 91/30's manufactured and it has been used in almost every major battle worldwide. While prices are beginning to head north, the basic 91/30 can still be purchased for under $200. Two drawbacks - 1) the rifle is very heavy (> 8lbs.) and is very long (48").
Another deciding factor - cost and availability of ammunition. There is an abundance of war surplus ammo stored virtually all over Europe and Russia. Much of it was packed in the 1970's and has remained untouched since it went into the storage cans. The good news is that the 7.62x54R cartridge can be purchased for less than $.30/round. In today's crazy ammo market, that's less than most pistol ammo. And certainly less than .308 ammo.
This is what the ammo looks like in the "spam" can.
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Each can contains 440 rounds. You open it like you would a sardine can with the opener (seen at the front right of the crate).
For reference, this is how the 7.62x54R compares to other common calibers:
From left: .22LR, .380ACP, 9mm, 5.56, and 7.62x54R
I took the Mosin when I went deer hunting this past season. Didn't shoot anything but we did put some holes in a paper target. At 50 yds. I was putting shots into a 2" circle with iron sights.
All in all, I'm happy with my decision to buy a Mosin. It's simple, clean looking, and solid. I planned to leave it as I bought it, although I am contemplating adding a scope.
Then I saw the ProMag Archangel stock for the Mosin Nagant at a gun show. One look and I knew I had to have it. You can see why.
The Archangel stock is lighter (polymer), stronger (fiber reinforced); has an adjustable cheek rest and butt pad (pull length), and provides a removable magazine. To finalize the set-up, I added a bipod and a Witt Machine muzzle brake.
The gun now looks very modern, is lighter, and has a full free-floating barrel.
Can't wait to go hunting with this baby.
