Why the 1891 Rifle Remains a Favorite Among Collectors 0 5

A Canadian firearms expert expressed his opinion on Russian Mosin rifles, advising against their purchase. He noted their high reliability but emphasized that sanctions against Russia have significantly complicated and increased the cost of acquiring this weapon for residents of North America.

The Mosin rifle, created in 1891 by Russian designers Sergei Mosin and Emil Nagant, became one of the most mass-produced rifles in history. Over more than 80 years of production, more than 37 million units were released. The simplicity, low cost, and reliability of its design made it a benchmark for combat weapons in the early 20th century. The foundation of the system is the 7.62×54R cartridge — one of the oldest rifle cartridges, which is still in service and mass-produced in Europe.

According to the expert, one of the key features of the rifle is its minimal maintenance requirements. The design allows the weapon to be operated even in significant contamination. The only situation requiring regular cleaning is the use of corrosive ammunition, which is still available on the secondary market. However, even in this case, deposits are easily removed with standard barrel cleaning products.

Previously, in North America, Mosin rifles could be purchased for $100–250, making them accessible to both beginners and experienced shooters. Today, the market price has significantly increased — depending on the condition and rarity of the model, the cost ranges from $500 to $800, with particularly valuable specimens exceeding $1,000.

The main reason for the price increase has been the limited availability of new samples. Despite the vast number of rifles previously produced, their stocks on the international market are gradually depleting. At the same time, demand remains consistently high: the weapon is valued for its historical significance, durability of construction, and relatively low cost of shooting when using military surplus.

For those considering the Mosin-Nagant as a shooting weapon, it is important to take into account the availability of ammunition. Despite the cessation of production of new batches in some regions, surplus ammunition can still be found on the market, which is cheaper than commercial equivalents for .308 Win or .30-06 Springfield.

Thus, the Mosin rifle is not just a historical artifact, but a functional weapon with a time-tested design that continues to be a relevant choice for enthusiasts, collectors, and lovers of classic rifles.