Did Your Broker Recommend Buying A Mosin-Nagant?

by
posted on October 15, 2022
Mosinnagant

The average price for a Mosin-Nagant sold by Rock Island Auction in 2015 was $211.83, according to a recent blog on the company website. This year, the military-surplus beaters—once a pocket-change choice—are averaging $692.69.

If you’re old enough to remember dozens of them collecting dust in the darkest corner of your favorite gun shop, feel free to pause and clean your glasses—the above price isn’t a typo. You probably remember passing on more than one, in fine condition covered with exotic military markings, because that $89 price tag seemed outrageous.

Youngsters, whose only experience with a Mosin-Nagant is issuing one to their favorite (or not) virtual player on a video game, may not know the gun does have some real-world virtues. For one, the smell of Cosmoline is rumored to have appealing properties; an aromatic aura found to be excitable. There’s also the fact that working the safety is the kind of forearm workout that’s been known to trim hefty gym bills from budgets.

Prices make the rifles attractive for a different reason, though. During the above-mentioned seven-year period, Mosins have increased in value by more than 300 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, on the other hand, stood at $17,823 on Jan. 1, 2015. On Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022, the market’s closed at $29,210—up about 64 percent during the same time.

The warehouses and shelves full of Mosin-Nagants are no longer, although, “On occasion, we receive Mosin-Nagant rifles from customers in trade for other firearms,” Danny Garcia, manager at Money Quick Pawn and Guns in Fayetteville, N.C., said. “There is a huge market for these rifles.”

Battered versions may carry all the cosmetic appeal of Chernobyl, but there’s no denying the design flourished and was used effectively by a variety of—primarily Communist Bloc—militaries. It was the first smokeless-powder rifle fielded by the Russian army and remained largely free of any mechanical changes after the original, Model 1891, appeared. Millions of the rugged-and-reliable rifles still exist.

“Unlike other surplus rifles, the Mosins in their various configuration are reasonably priced and full of history,” Garcia said when asked about their newfound popularity. “Many collectors' first historic rifle was a Mosin-Nagant M91/30. They were imported by the hundreds of thousands and were initially available for under $100.”

Latest

Creedmoor Sports Multi-Caliber Bullet Comparator
Creedmoor Sports Multi-Caliber Bullet Comparator

Preview: Creedmoor Sports Multi-Caliber Bullet Comparator

When loading rounds tailored for a precision rifle, ensuring the bullet is loaded until it sits just off the lands is a crucial component of accuracy. Measuring this distance involves the use of a bullet comparator tool.

Mike Fuljenz Wins Highest Numismatic Honor

Prominent rare-coin and precious-metals dealer Michael Fuljenz of Beaumont, Texas, an NRA Golden Ring of Freedom member, is the 2023 recipient of the Chester L. Krause Distinguished Service Award—the highest honor bestowed by the congressionally chartered American Numismatic Ass’n, the largest organization of coin-collecting enthusiasts in the United States.

Colt's Rarest Clandestine Pistol?

According to advanced Colt collectors, only about 35 or so of the original 400 factory Colt 1911s chambered for .38 Super have surfaced in the United States postwar, with only about a dozen of those remaining in their issued condition with their original finish, and given that the war officially ended on August 14, 1945, and since the OSS was dissolved on October 1, 1945, it isn’t likely any of them were issued before the Armistice. 

New For 2023: Taurus 917C

Taurus is re-introducing a Beretta 92 clone in the form of its 917C, and this compact variant provides a "Commander-sized" option for fans of the DA/SA semi-automatic pistol.

Preview: Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro 17-Round Magazine

Springfield Armory’s Hellcat Pro is a slightly larger, yet still easily carried, version of its micro-compact Hellcat for personal defense, and the gun’s flush-fit magazine capacity was also increased to 15 rounds.

Gun Of The Week: Browning X-Bolt Target Max

Watch American Rifleman staff on the range this week to get a close look at an improved X-Bolt rifle from Browning. The Target Max is the latest iteration of the famed X-Bolt action, and it’s designed for long-range work, thanks to its Target Max customizable stock, adjustable trigger, bull barrel and more.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.