Hey guys, I'm planning to head down to Buda tomorrow (my only day off this week!) to pick up one of the 30+ Mosins I was told Cabela's currently has sitting around on sale.
Anything in particular I should know about choosing a Mosin? Never bought milsurp or "used" before; my Marlin had barely 100 or so rounds through it when I got it and my FNP was brand new.
So far I've been told to take a bore light and inspect the bore for pitting, to pick a hexed receiver over a round one if possible, look for matching receiver/stock serials, and to try and get one that isn't completely oozing in cosmoline (somehow, I get the feeling that describes ALL of them).
What about other things though, like manufacture date, arsenal (Tula vs Ishvesk?), etc? What does a "bright" bore look like? The trigger should feel "crisp," right? How can I differentiate between a laminated and unlaminated stock (I realize it sounds like an obvious thing, but one can never be too careful)? In addition, how is the Cabela's store-brand 7.62x54R as far as value/reliability, assuming they still have some for just over $10 a box? Should I be getting earmuffs as well to replace my plugs, given the exceptionally loud report of the 91/30?
I know it sounds like a lot of questions for a cheap $100 rifle, but at the same time, I can't really afford to throw money away like this regularly, so I want to make sure I get the most bang for my buck, no pun intended.
Thanks in advance.
Anything in particular I should know about choosing a Mosin? Never bought milsurp or "used" before; my Marlin had barely 100 or so rounds through it when I got it and my FNP was brand new.
So far I've been told to take a bore light and inspect the bore for pitting, to pick a hexed receiver over a round one if possible, look for matching receiver/stock serials, and to try and get one that isn't completely oozing in cosmoline (somehow, I get the feeling that describes ALL of them).
What about other things though, like manufacture date, arsenal (Tula vs Ishvesk?), etc? What does a "bright" bore look like? The trigger should feel "crisp," right? How can I differentiate between a laminated and unlaminated stock (I realize it sounds like an obvious thing, but one can never be too careful)? In addition, how is the Cabela's store-brand 7.62x54R as far as value/reliability, assuming they still have some for just over $10 a box? Should I be getting earmuffs as well to replace my plugs, given the exceptionally loud report of the 91/30?
I know it sounds like a lot of questions for a cheap $100 rifle, but at the same time, I can't really afford to throw money away like this regularly, so I want to make sure I get the most bang for my buck, no pun intended.
Thanks in advance.