1944 Russian PU Mosin Nagant Sniper

DPWLHR01

A while back I acquired a 1944 PU Mosin sniper, basically straight outta the crate, with some hints of leftover cosmoline. For a long time I've thought this rifle was a 100% original PU sniper, because every serial number matches (mag drop, top of barrel near the date, bolt, buttplate) and the PU scope has the same serial number etched into the side of the mount,which I have read is a tell tale sign the scope is original to the rifle. Also all of the serial numbers have the same light brown, almost tan hue to them. Perhaps later I can post some pictures.

Anyway, my world started to crumble when I noticed that on the left side of the barrel, there is a second serial number (parallel with the barrel vs. perpendicular like other below the date), and this serial number has a dash etched through it.

I can think of two explanations for this (1 bad and 1 good):

1) The importer (Redmond, WA) received a batch of PU snipers with really poopty barrels and swapped the barrel out.

2) In 1944 when this rifle was test fired at the factory in Russia, they swapped the barrel to a more accurate barrel or swapped the barrel for a manufacturing issue.

Does anyone have any idea on this? Do I have a gem of history or a crappy mutant cobbled together?!?!

rufe-snow

Go to this link. About 3/4 of the way down. Shows a photo of a rifle similar to yours. According to the link. It's the serial number of the original scope, that came with the rifle.





http://www.mosinnagant.net/sniper section/sniperphotos12.asp

DPWLHR01

Wow thanks for finding this info. That clears most of this up. So the wood line # is the original scope # matched to the rifle. So basically I have an original scope from the same period just not the one originally fit to this rifle (although the scope serial #'s on the rifle and the scope serial # on the scope are only 600 off !).

Anyone know how to price this rifle? It's essentially in mint condition and I am going to list it on GB.

Thanks.

swearengine

I would not plan on retiring just yet.

nmyers

IIRC, AIM Surplus was selling MN snipers about a year or 2 ago for around $600.

Neal

DPWLHR01

Hey well maybe I can't retire, but $600 sure can buy a lot of ramen noodles

asop

Rufe-Just curious as to your background? You are a very knowledgable individual on a variety of firearms and a valued member. I thank you.

rufe-snow

quote:Originally posted by asop
Rufe-Just curious as to your background? You are a very knowledgable individual on a variety of firearms and a valued member. I thank you.



First gun I bought, was when JFK was prez. Been at it ever since. Both in business, and as a collector.