Gun Show Find

[qz2026]

Here is a very nice M-91. Tula Tom and I were at a gun show on Saturday and I snatched it up for about what I think it should have sold for. Maybe a little less. The funny part was that the rifle was tagged at just under $600. As we walked around we discussed what would be a fair but a much lower price. So, what the heck, I offered it to him and he immediately said yes. OMG... that was too easy! Anyway we laughed about it for quite some time afterwards and speculated what we could have gotten it for...

Anyway back to the rifle. This is probably the nicest Sestroryetsk shank stamping I have ever seen - at least laid my hands on. The receiver is original to the rifle. The stock could be as well but that's hard to verify. There is a s/n stamping on the left butt stock and some other number on the right butt stock.

My thought is that this was a Austro-Hungarian capture that was eventually used in the Balkans. There are no obvious stamps on the stock like a "W" or pine cones. The weathered steel, non matching parts, lack of a cleaning rod and rear sling hanger smacks Austro-Hungarian and subsequent use in the Balkans. Very cool rifle. All imperial parts, many being Sestroryetsk.

The gun doesn't chamber or extract rounds correctly. This, I am sure is due to a somewhat flattened type 1 interrupter/ejector. I've ordered a new one which I am sure will resolve the problem. Headspace (no-go) almost went all the way down. So, just for S&G's, I also ordered a new bolt head. I was fortunate that both replacement parts are Sestroryetsk. I also found a long, in the white, M-91 cleaning rod hiding in the basement. Make any sense out of the stampings under the butt plate? 910r? Life is good.

[bunkysdad]

Beautiful. It's good to see these new reports of gun show finds.

[Junk Yard Dog]

$600? Nice rifle, remember that any resistance to closing the bolt on the no go is a pass, your rifle passed, you do not need a new bolt head. Looks like one of the Balkan hoard we got 20+ years back, we don't see them so much these days.

[qz2026]

$600? Nice rifle, remember that any resistance to closing the bolt on the no go is a pass, your rifle passed, you do not need a new bolt head. Looks like one of the Balkan hoard we got 20+ years back, we don't see them so much these days.

Understand. Just taking the worry out of being close... This is the first time I have had one that almost touches the rail and was "spongy" there as well. I suppose a field gauge would have rendered better results. I have one... should have checked it. I'd be more comfortable with a bolt that locks up a little higher...

[bunkysdad]

Well it's important to be comfortable.

[Fledge]

Wow, great find, and a Sestroryetsk too! I guess the seller didn't want to cart it home. I love the lack of bluing on this M91....congrats

[desdem12]

Man shes purdy Nice one

[SA1911a1]

That is a very nice find. Congrats!

[Lee-online]

Wow, sure does have a nice clear barrel shank.

Wire hanger looks SCW, does it have any import marks?

[qz2026]

No import but they are too thick for SCW... Never know though...

[Fledge]

One of the best imperial stamps I have seen.

[qz2026]

If you notice the stamp on the receiver (pictured in center) is different from the crest on the shank. Indicates they were made in different places, I think

[WWW]

Tease! So what was this much lower price?

I'm going to a gun show tomorrow. I won't expect to find anything near as nice as this. Or anything at all.

[Longcolt44]

Nice rifle and great pictures.

[TulaTom]

He left out the part where he said check out that hot woman in the next aisle. I turn my head for only an instant. Next thing I know he's showing me this Sestroryetsk he has in his hands! No hot woman. No women period. Just a bunch of scraggly looking old farts and a couple old Turk Mausers on the table left for me to look through.

Beautiful antique Sestroryetsk! It's my turn next time.

[Judi and her Mosins]

Very nice........Imperial stamp is so crisp clear and deep .

quote: Tula Tom
He left out the part where he said check out that hot woman in the next aisle. I turn my head for only an instant. Next thing I know he's showing me this Sestroryetsk he has in his hands



I see, I better buy me some "hussy" outfits for the summer gun shows. Remember if your wife catches you gawking. Chances are good for me your not going to purchase nothing but flowers for the spouse.

[Junk Yard Dog]

Or we will be purchasing the flowers for his funeral . I never took my eyes off the prize once I spotted it at any show, flea market or whatever. The lady could be doing a strip dance over there then setting herself on fire, business first, once the precious is mine then I go get the marshmallows.

[qz2026]

He left out the part where he said check out that hot woman in the next aisle. I turn my head for only an instant. Next thing I know he's showing me this Sestroryetsk he has in his hands! No hot woman. No women period. Just a bunch of scraggly looking old farts and a couple old Turk Mausers on the table left for me to look through.

Beautiful antique Sestroryetsk! It's my turn next time.

Who me? I wouldn't do such a thing Yes... it's your turn next time. I've got you 2-1 now. In all three cases the other person would have bought the rifle Funny he didn't mention the time when he said, Tom, I think that's a 91/38 at the next table only for me to find him fondling an M-91 Puolustuslaitos with a shit eating grin on his face

[qz2026]

Very nice........Imperial stamp is so crisp clear and deep .

quote: Tula Tom
He left out the part where he said check out that hot woman in the next aisle. I turn my head for only an instant. Next thing I know he's showing me this Sestroryetsk he has in his hands



I see, I better buy me some "hussy" outfits for the summer gun shows. Remember if your wife catches you gawking. Chances are good for me your not going to purchase nothing but flowers for the spouse.

LOL... we are both single, so the mention of a hot woman requires an instant look-around

[entropy]

The stock is from 1910. And that sure looks like a pine cone next to it.