Mosin-Nagant M91/30
Tula Arms Plant / Izhevsk Arsenal · Rifle · Discontinued · 1930
Also known as: Three-Line Rifle, Vintovka Mosina, M91/30, Mosin
Overview
The Mosin-Nagant M91/30 is a bolt-action military rifle developed by the Russian Empire and modernized by the Soviet Union in 1930. Chambered in 7.62x54mmR, it served as the standard infantry rifle for Soviet forces from 1930 to 1945 and saw extensive action throughout World War II. The design features a robust bolt-action with two front locking lugs, a five-round internal magazine loaded via stripper clips, and a distinctive hooded front sight. Known for exceptional reliability in extreme cold conditions and rugged simplicity, the M91/30 became one of the most mass-produced military rifles in history, with over 37 million Mosin-Nagant rifles of all variants manufactured. The rifle's long 729mm barrel provided excellent accuracy and velocity with the powerful 7.62x54mmR cartridge, making it effective out to 500 meters and beyond. Finnish forces notably produced refined variants like the M39, while China, Poland, Hungary, and other Warsaw Pact nations continued production and service well into the Cold War era.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3992 g (140.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1232 mm (48.50") |
| Barrel Length | 729 mm (28.70") |
| Sight Radius | 622 mm (24.49") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 853 m/s (2799 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3540 J (2611 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 241 mm (9.49") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.62x54mmR · primary — also known as 7.62x54R, 7.62x53mmR, Three Line Rifle Cartridge
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Internal Magazine, Stripper Clip
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Bolt Safety
- Features: Stripper Clip Compatible, Integral Bayonet Lug, Two Piece Stock, Cock On Close Bolt, Hooded Front Sight
Variants
- Mosin-Nagant M1891 — Original
- Mosin-Nagant M38 Carbine — Carbine
- Mosin-Nagant M44 Carbine — Carbine
- Mosin-Nagant M91/30 PU Sniper — Sniper
- Finnish M39 (Ukko-Pekka) — Finnish Variant
- Chinese Type 53 — Chinese Copy
Service history
Operators
- Soviet Armed Forces · adopted 1930 · as M91/30
- Russian Federation Armed Forces · adopted 1991 · as M91/30
- Finnish Defence Forces · adopted 1891 · as M/91
- People's Liberation Army · adopted 1950 · as Type 53
- Korean People's Army · adopted 1950 · as M91/30
- People's Army of Vietnam · adopted 1954 · as M91/30
- Polish Armed Forces · adopted 1945 · as M91/30
- Hungarian Defence Forces · adopted 1945 · as M91/30
- Romanian Armed Forces · adopted 1945 · as M91/30
- Czechoslovak People's Army · adopted 1945 · as vz. 54
- United States Armed Forces · adopted 1916 · as U.S. Rifle, 7.62mm, Model of 1916
Conflicts
- Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905)
- World War I (1914-1918)
- Russian Civil War (1917-1922)
- Winter War (1939-1940)
- World War II (1939-1945)
- Korean War (1950-1953)
- Vietnam War (1955-1975)
Production
Estimated total produced: 37,000,000 · Production years: 1891-1965
All Mosin-Nagant variants combined; produced by Tula, Izhevsk, and numerous foreign arsenals including China, Finland, Hungary, Poland, and Romania
Origin
Country of origin: Soviet Union
Designer: Sergei Ivanovich Mosin
Discontinued: 1945
Notes
The M91/30 designation indicates the modernization of the original M1891 rifle in 1930, featuring metric sights, a round receiver, and shortened barrel compared to earlier variants. The rifle's two-piece stock was typically made from birch or laminated wood, finished with shellac or lacquer. Sniper variants equipped with 3.5x PU or 4x PE scopes were widely used by Soviet marksmen during WWII. The permanently attached cleaning rod stored under the barrel was a distinctive feature. American manufacturers Remington and Westinghouse produced M91 rifles for Russia during WWI, and many of these rifles were later used for training by U.S. forces. The rifle remained in reserve and ceremonial use in Russia and other former Soviet states long after being replaced by semi-automatic designs. Due to massive surplus, Mosin-Nagants became extremely popular on the civilian surplus market worldwide.
Background
The Mosin-Nagant is one of the most mass-produced military firearms in history, with over 37 million rifles manufactured. Soviet sniper Simo Hayha, the legendary 'White Death,' used a Finnish M28/30 variant to achieve over 500 confirmed kills during the Winter War, making him the deadliest sniper in history. Due to enormous Cold War surplus, Mosin-Nagants became one of the most affordable military surplus rifles available to civilian collectors worldwide.