Mosin-Nagant Model 1891

History of the 1891 Mosin Nagant Model

In the late 19th century, the Russian Empire, like other world powers, sought to modernize its military forces following the Russo-Ottoman War of 1877-1878. The outdated single-shot Berdan rifles used in the conflict prompted the need for a more advanced weapon. In 1891, the Mosin-Nagant rifle was developed as an indigenous solution, combining the best features of various rifle designs. This bolt-action rifle, known as the Model 1891 or M1891, replaced the obsolete Berdan rifles and became the standard long gun for the Russian Imperial Army during World War I.

Under Soviet rule, the Mosin-Nagant underwent modifications in 1930, resulting in the M1891/30. This version became the standard service rifle for the Soviet Army in World War II, showcasing a more rounded receiver and a new bolt design. As the conflict progressed, the M1944 carbine with a fixed hinged bayonet was introduced for close-quarters combat. The Mosin-Nagant's remarkable longevity saw it deployed in major 20th-century conflicts, from the Boxer Rebellion to the Vietnam War, with an estimated production of 37 million units and variations adapted by various countries.

Despite being phased out by more modern firearms, the Mosin-Nagant left an enduring legacy, remaining in use in conflicts like the Russo-Chechen War and even surfacing in post-2001 invasions in Afghanistan and Iraq. Its widespread adoption and production by various nations underscore its significance in the evolution of military small arms over the decades.

Specification

Basics

Designer: Captain Sergei Mosin, Émile Nagant

Designed: 1891

Manufacturer: Tula, Izhevsk, Sestroryetsk, Manufacture Nationale d'Armes de Châtellerault, Remington, New England Westinghouse, Radom, Cugir

Produced: 1891–1973

No. built: ~37,000,000 (Russia/Soviet Union)

Dimensions

Mass:

4 kg (8.8 lb) (M91/30)
3.4 kg (7.5 lb) (M38)
4.1 kg (9.0 lb) (M44)

Length:

1,232 mm (48.5 in) (M91/30)
1,013 mm (39.9 in) (carbines)

Barrel length:

730 mm (29 in) (M91/30)
514 mm (20.2 in) (carbines)

Cartridge:

7.62×54mmR
7.62×53mmR (Finnish variants only)
7.92×57mm Mauser (Polish variants & German captures)
8×50mmR Mannlicher (Austrian capture)
.30-06 Springfield (Bannerman rifles for the US civilian market)

Action: Bolt-action

Muzzle velocity:

M91/30
approx. 865 m/s (2,838 ft/s)

M44
approx. 725 m/s (2,379 ft/s)

M38
approx. 710 m/s (2,329 ft/s)

Carbines
approx. 800 m/s (2,625 ft/s)

Effective firing range: 500 m (550 yd), 850 m (930 yd) with optical sights

Feed system: 5-round interal box magazine, loaded with 5-round stripper clips

Sights:

Rear: ladder, graduated from 100 m to 2,000 m (M91/30) and from 100 m to 1,000 m (M38 and M44);

Front: hooded fixed post (drift adjustable) PU 3.5 and PEM scope also mounted

Changes

Dragoon Rifle - A shortened base rifle for cavalry units.

Cossack Rifle - A shortened base rifle, similar to the dragoon rifle of cavalry units, without the bayonet.

Carbine Model 1907 - A shorter and lighter form of the rifle for specialists and cavalry.

Model 1891/30 - Final rifle variant; standard issue from 1930 to 1945.