1942 Izhevsk Hex receiver training/fighting 91/30

[racerguy00]

I really like oddball and unusual 91/30s and this one definitely fits the description. I saw it listed for sale online and consider myself fortunate to be able to have snagged it. Here are the unusual features:

Barrel is Уч/Б marked in an unusual font. According to forum member Ratnik, who has researched and written extensively on 91/30 production, this is the abbreviation for учебно- боевая. In English it basically translates as training/fighting.

The rifle has no Izhevsk factory proofs or acceptance stamps on the barel.

The serial number and prefix do not fit the normal pattern for 1942 Izhevsk rifles, either standard round receiver or for recycled hex receiver rifles.

The receiver is a reused hex which is a bit uncommon for this year and arsenal when it comes to refurbed rifles. Also interestingly enough the receiver happens to be American made...from a Westinghouse M91. There is also a lined out serial number on the top receiver flat that doesn't correspond to this rifle. It's unusual to see a number in that location, and that and the font may be a clue to the travels of the prior rifle before being broken down and eventually reused for this 91/30.

Again, according to Ratnik, the markings and lack of proofs indicates that this rifle most likely was shipped as a barrelled receiver to a repair Depot where it was built and marked as a functional trainer. Although most trainers were demilled/non-functional for firing, this one was capable of being fired. However, it was not meant to be issued to front-line troops for combat as it couldn't be guaranteed to be totally reliable in that role. Even so, it was deemed fit to be refurbed along with the multitudes of standard rifles and packed away for storage. At this time it and it's force-matched bayonet are still covered in preservative.

Thanks for looking.

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