I was wasting some time in a gun shop today, and they had a NICE condition (I assume refinished) 91/30 with a hexagonal receiver for $89.  Is that a good deal, or is there more specific information I need to look for?  I am so used to seeing the crap that usually shows up at my local Dunhams that I was shocked to see a pretty nice Mosin.  

If it comes with the accessories- sling, oiler, etc then that price is not too bad for a store.
The hex receiver is more rare than the rounds.
Arsenal refinsihed ones go at Wholesalers for about that price.
Check the bore.

It had a regular stock, not a laminated one... I may have to study up on them tonight and check it out tomorrow after work.  I didn't know enough to look at the arsenal mark, either.

Never really wanted one until I saw a nice one.

OK, I got a little more info on it... it is Izhevsk (triangle with the arrow) and has a 1928 date on it.    It also has an eagle with spread wings stamped on it.

Is this a somewhat sought after variation or pretty common?

Hex receivers are less common as they are earlier design.  For $89 I would jump on it.  Last show I was at they were selling hex receivered 91/30's for $125 each.   These two sites should tell you all you need to know:


7.62x54r.net/

www.mosinnagant.net/

Tons of information on all variations of these rifles.

the 91/30's dated before 1930 are dragoon guns converted to 91/30 configuration. they are a little tougher to find than post 1930 guns, id say go for it....

Well, I did it... hopefully will have pics tomorrow night.  Bore looked pretty good, didn't swallow a bullet, came with sling, oiler, pouches, bayonet.

If it has an eagle stamped on the top receiver flat, that means that receiver is from a pre-1918 rifle and was re-used when this one was made as a dragoon in 1928. Check the underside of the tang for the year the receiver was made.

The eagle is the Imperial Romanov Eagle of the Tsar Nicholas II. Anything post-revolution won't have an eagle.

Some late dragoons (this one now an ex-dragoon) were made on older receivers, usually 1914-1915 or so.  It's a neat feature to have, but not necessarily worth a lot more money.

But anyway $89 for that is a good deal. How's the bore?