Inherited 1938 Mosin. Please help

All collectible military bolt rifles are discussed here. From all countries around the world.

Preservation forum, please no altered military surplus rifles or discussions on altering in this forum. Please read the rules at the top of each forum.
Post Reply
Asolostory311
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat Sep 09, 2023 6:04 am

Inherited 1938 Mosin. Please help

Post by Asolostory311 »

About 20 years ago I inherited a 1938 Mosin and I'm trying to understand it's markings and possible value. I don't plan on getting rid of it but I am curious. From what I've gathered so far it's a Tula. Any help would be appreciated.
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
User avatar
Junk Yard Dog
Owner/Founder
Owner/Founder
Posts: 48743
Joined: Sat Aug 27, 2011 12:54 pm
Location: New York

Re: Inherited 1938 Mosin. Please help

Post by Junk Yard Dog »

First thing is get some oil on that metal, I see rust, and rust is an awesome way to kill value. Second is the Finn SA stamp, and D stamp plus the Tula star. This is a 1938 Tula made 91/30 that was captured by Finland during their wars with the USSR, Winter war 1939-40, or the continuation war 1941-44. The rifle was reissued to Finnish troops, and is an older import, these came in during the late 1980's and originally sold for around $45. Not sure what they bring now, but $600 or more would be my guess as the Finn marked Mosins are sought after by collectors.
Leave it as it is. The ages have been at work on it and man can only mar it.
Don't hit at all if it is honorably possible to avoid hitting; but never hit soft.
Theodore Roosevelt
Asolostory311
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat Sep 09, 2023 6:04 am

Re: Inherited 1938 Mosin. Please help

Post by Asolostory311 »

Junk Yard Dog wrote: Sun Sep 10, 2023 1:23 am First thing is get some oil on that metal, I see rust, and rust is an awesome way to kill value. Second is the Finn SA stamp, and D stamp plus the Tula star. This is a 1938 Tula made 91/30 that was captured by Finland during their wars with the USSR, Winter war 1939-40, or the continuation war 1941-44. The rifle was reissued to Finnish troops, and is an older import, these came in during the late 1980's and originally sold for around $45. Not sure what they bring now, but $600 or more would be my guess as the Finn marked Mosins are sought after by collectors.


Thank you so much. What type of oil should I use? I have some regular gun oil if that will work. Should I use anything to scrub it down with to help remove the rust?
User avatar
Junk Yard Dog
Owner/Founder
Owner/Founder
Posts: 48743
Joined: Sat Aug 27, 2011 12:54 pm
Location: New York

Re: Inherited 1938 Mosin. Please help

Post by Junk Yard Dog »

Gun oil is fine, sewing machine oil, even car motor oil will work. Gently scrubbing the rust with 0000 size steel wool will remove it, just go easy so you don't also remove the finish.
Leave it as it is. The ages have been at work on it and man can only mar it.
Don't hit at all if it is honorably possible to avoid hitting; but never hit soft.
Theodore Roosevelt
User avatar
millman
Administrator
Administrator
Posts: 6353
Joined: Thu Aug 25, 2011 2:52 pm
Location: KY

Re: Inherited 1938 Mosin. Please help

Post by millman »

You can use a bronze brush with the oil to scrub the rust. Bronze will not hurt the finish. Wipe with a clean cloth when done and reoil. I would clean the bore as well.
“Freedom is the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.” George Orwell, English novelist, essayist, and critic, 1903-1950

Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience.

C. S. Lewis
Asolostory311
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat Sep 09, 2023 6:04 am

Re: Inherited 1938 Mosin. Please help

Post by Asolostory311 »

For the age and sitting in a storage unit I think it's held up really well. Thanks everyone!
Post Reply