Original Finnish Captured Mosin-Nagant M/91rv Dragoon Cavalry Rifle by Izhevsk serial 76656 – dated 1895 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. These are so very rare, and this is the only example that we can remember having. A real pre-1899 Antique Russian Mosin-Nagant Dragoon Rifle, more officially referred to as the “Three Line Dragoon Rifle”. This version was made intended for mounted Dragoon Light Cavalry, and was 2 1/2 inches shorter and 0.9lbs lighter than the full length Model of 1891 Infantry Rifle. This also means that it is the same dimensions as the later Model 91/30 rifle used throughout the 20th century. Some Dragoon Rifles were later updated to the 91/30 standard, and are referred to as “Ex-Dragoon” rifles.

This example however does not look to have been so converted, as it still has the original rear sight. However, it was definitely captured and refit by Finland to become a Model M/91rv Cavalry Rifle, with a sling slot based on the German Karabiner 98a. The original Russian sling slots would also still be retained, as there was no reason to remove them.

It does have the later stock cross bolt for use with the heavier “Spitzer” bullets used, and the butt plate does look to be a Soviet era replacement, with the “Arrow in Triangle” marking of Izhevsk. The buttstock has been correctly modified with a slot and leather buckle attachment, just like a Swedish M1894 Mauser Carbine. There also looks to have been some type attachment on the fore stock, now covered with steel plates.

The rifle has lots of issue markings, and is marked with serial number 76656 over the chamber. The bolt is non-matching, and is marked with the “Bow and Arrow” marking of Izhevsk Arsenal. There is also an SA inside a rectangle, for Suomi Armeija (Finnish Army), which indicates capture during the “Winter War” or “Continuation War” during the WWII Era.

It still has the original flip up rear sight, which correctly goes up to 3200 арши́ны (arshíny) an archaic measurement used by Russia through the first world war. Roughly equal to 71.12 cm, the ranges on the left side of the sight have been crossed out, and new measurements in meters added in hundreds of meters (12 x 100 arshíny = 8 1/2 x 100m). The numbers on the sight ladder for long range have not been altered.

The receiver displays an Imperial Russian Double Headed Eagle across the chamber ring over Cyrillic letters Л К, which is also seen on the end of the barrel.

The markings on the barrel are:

(Imperial Eagle)
Л К
ИЖЕВСКІЙ
Оружейньій заводъ.
S2.
1895г.
76656
КА3
(Bow & Arrow)

These indicates original manufacture in 1895 at Izhevsk arsenal, a major producer of Mosin-Nagant rifles and carbines. The factory itself was founded in 1807 at the request of the Czar, and continues to manufacturer small arms do this day. Other parts of the rifle are also marked with the Bow and Arrow proof of Izhevsk, Czarist markings which were discontinued following the Russian revolution and subsequent civil war.

Condition of the rifle is very good, especially considering the age and amount of service it must have seen. The stock is in good condition, with the expected dents, dings, and other damage from long service. It has almost certainly been refinished at arsenal in the past, possibly several times, but it still has a lovely color with lots of figuring to the grain. The metalwork is in good shape, with the finish worn to a grayish patina overall. It still retains the original cleaning rod, which is in good shape, still threading properly into the stock. The rifle cycles well, with a crisp dry fire.

The bore shows clear lands and grooves, with a mostly bright finish, showing some light oxidation and fouling in the grooves. There is only a little bit of rounding to the grooves, so it did not see extensive service. The first inch of the bore has been counterbored, thought to improve accuracy by removing worn lands at the muzzle.

A wonderful piece of Russian and Firearms history with some very interesting modifications! Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1895
Caliber:  7.62×54mmR Russian
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 29 Inches
Overall Length: 49 Inches
Action type: Bolt Action
Feed System: 5 Round Internal

More on the Mosin-Nagant Rifle:
The Russian “Mosin-Nagant” bolt-action rifle is arguably the most-produced rifle in history, with around 37 million being produced in various versions in several different countries. This number easily surpasses the Lee-Enfield, Mauser GEW98 and Mauser K98K in number produced. The reasons for this are multiple, including both the size of Russia and later USSR, as well as the long service life of this design, which is still in use today in some locations.

The history of what is known as the “Mosin-Nagant” rifle begins in the late 19th century in Russia, following the Russo-Ottoman war. During the course of the war, it became apparent that Russian troops needed a modern bolt-action rifle to compete with the rest of the world, so they started evaluations in 1889 on what would become the general issue rifle for infantry troops. Three designs were submitted, and at the time in Russia bullet diameter was measured in “line”s, where one line was 1/10 of an inch. This is what gave rise to the official name of the rifle, the “3-line rifle, Model 1891”, as it was in .30cal, or 7.62mm. The name “Mosin-Nagant” is in reality somewhat of a misnomer, as the design chosen was designed by Mosin, not Nagant. However due to legal issues with Nagant over certain design aspects of the rifle, his name was attached to the design as well, leading to the name used in most of the world, the “Mosin-Nagant Model 1891”. Three other models would subsequently be put into service prior to WWI: the M1891 Dragoon, the M1891 Cossack, and the M1907 Carbine.