In the 90's, a large influx of ex imperial Russian and USSR mosin rifles and carbines hit the surplus market from former Soviet satellite countries in eastern Europe. Commonly known as 'Balkan"' imports, these rifle exhibit a huge range of traits but generally share several common features such as scrubbed and defaced crests on the M91s, mixed parts that are sometimes forced matched, and are generally in well used condition. A small percentage of these rifles were marked "INSTRUCTIE".
Contrary to popular belief, these Romanian-import rifles were not intended entirely for training purposes. In the 60s, Romania was becoming more and more nationalistic and began to push back against the Soviet influence in their country. After the failed Hungarian revolution in hte 50s and seeing the Soviets invade and put down the Czechoslovakian uprising, the Romanians feared a similar fate. Older obsolete but functional arms, many dating from WW1, were pulled from storage and were prepared for use by local militias and civilian volunteers to resist a possible Soviet invasion. These rifles, predominately M91s, but with a smattering of other models including 91/30s, were usually marked INSTRUCTIE on the butt stock with a red painted band. Some other variations including INSTR in white paint, INSTRUCTIE stamped on the receiver, and stocks without the red stripe also exist.
I was fortunate enough to be offered this 1916 Sestroryetsk M91 Instructie rifle from a fellow collector. Instructie rifles are hard to come by, and Sestroryetsk-made M91s are among the most sought after versions of that model. To acquire both in one rifle was a very satisfying experience.
This rifle exhibits the typical Instructie features: very well used but functional, the painted red band, and Instrucie stamped on the butt. The crests is very lightly scrubbed unlike most, and the serial number had the letter F added as a suffix which has been attributed to Romania. Interestingly, the serial number has been nearly scrubbed off and also lined out without another having been added. The handguard is heavily damaged, and the stock has a tight crack on the right side. It is a typical mix of several arsenal's parts, and it has a dark but shootable bore.
The combination of the rifle being a Sestroryetsk produced example, along with the fact that it is an Instructie marked rifle, make this well worn M91 a highly valued and appreciated addition to my collection.
Discussion Section
Discussion Section 2
Discussion Section
Discussion Section 2