Mosin Nagant Rifle Guide to Proofs and Markings

All content copyright 7.62x54r.net The numerous markings and proofs found on Mosin rifles can be overwhelming to the new collector. Often the meaning is unknown even to the most knowledgeable researchers. However, many are known and they often reveal a lot about the individual rifle. The more commonly encountered markings are shown here with brief explanations of their meanings. Russian and Soviet Mosin Nagant Marks Including marks from Chatellerault, Remington, and New England Westinghouse Finnish Mosin Nagant Marks Including a few with uncertain meanings but obvious Finnish origin Other Country's Mosin Nagant Marks Poland, Hungary, Romania, China, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Germany, Serbia, Spain, Turkey, United States, Yugoslavia Unknown Mosin Nagant Marks Marks of varying rarity, including their country of origin when known Mosin Nagant Serial Numbers Pictures illustrating the various serial numbering patterns of different countries SA Marked Finnish Mosin Nagants Sizes, locations, and orientations of the SA mark Finnish Marked Russian and Soviet Mosin Nagants SA, D, 41, Civil Guard, and POULUSTUSLAITOS marks Mosin Nagant MO Marks Pictures, data and information on this mark with a sortable data table Mosin Nagants with Painted Marks Pictures of marks from a variety of origins Mosin Nagant Import Marks Pictures and information on import marks by various companies over the years

Russian and Soviet Mosin Nagant Marks

All content copyright 7.62x54r.net Marks Introduction Row Column A Column B Column C

Chatellerault M91

Izhevsk Imperial M91 or Dragoon

Izhevsk Cossack

Izhevsk pre-1928 Soviet M91 or Dragoon

Izhevsk post-1928 Soviet Dragoon or M91/30

Izhevsk post-1938 Soviet M91/30, M38, or M44

Sestroryetsk Imperial M91

Tula Imperial M91, 1st pattern (courtesy of Robert Jensen)

Tula Imperial M91

Tula "Peter the Great" Imperial M91

Tula "Hammer" M91

Tula "Script" M91

Tula "PCFCP", 1st pattern

Tula "PCFCP", 2nd pattern

Tula "CCCP" pre-1928 Soviet

M91

M91

M91 or Dragoon

Intentionally left blank

Tula post-1928 Soviet Dragoon or M91/30

Tula post-1937 Soviet M91/30, M38, or M44

Remington Armory 1915-1917

Remington Armory 1917-1918

New England Westinghouse Company early "curved logo" with large arc

New England Westinghouse Company late "curved logo" with small arc

New England Westinghouse Company "straight logo"

New England Westinghouse Company "straight logo", "stylized eagle"

See the New England Westinghouse Barrel Marks page for more detailed information.

9 Imperial Eagle from Peter the Great M91 Barrel shank Imperial Eagle from New England Westinghouse M91 Barrel shank

Imperial Eagle and Cyrillic PK "Probaya Komissiya (Proof Commission)" Receiver and Barrel shank

10 KA3. Cossack rifle mark Barrel shank Hammer & Sickle stamped over Eagle Receiver Fox Arms logo New England Westinghouse subcontractor Receiver (courtesy of "Paul Reckamp")

11

Chatellerault mark Side of tang Chatellerault mark Barrel shank

Chatellerault mark Side of tang

12 Izhevsk Bow and Arrow (pre 1928) Barrel shank Izhevsk Arrow in Triangle (post 1928) Barrel shank Soviet Crest Barrel shank

13 Izhevsk Bow and Arrow Cocking knob

Izhevsk Bow and Arrow Bolt body

Izhevsk Bow and Arrow Sear/Bolt stop

14

Intentionally left blank

Tula Hammer (pre 1928) Receiver

Tula Arrow in Star (post 1928) Barrel shank

15 Quality Control mark Bolt body Sestroryetsk Arrow Trigger Sestroryetsk Arrow Cocking knob

16 Tula Star Bolt body Tula Star Cocking knob

Tula Hammer in Circle Bolt body

17 Remington Circle R Bolt body New England Westinghouse E Bolt body New England Westinghouse N Follower carrier spring

18 Refurbishment mark Barrel shank Tula "S P" Sniper mark Barrel shank

Tula "S N" Sniper mark Barrel shank

19 Provisional black powder proof Barrel shank Point of aim proof Barrel shank

Final black powder proof Barrel shank

20 Concentric "00" Accuracy proof Barrel shank (information courtesy of Vic Thomas)

"00" replaced concentric "00" for a brief time in the late '20s at Izhevsk Accuracy proof Barrel shank (information courtesy of Vic Thomas)

1891/59 M91/59 cut down from M91/30 Barrel shank

21 "bisected diamond 54" Ukrainian refurbishment mark and date Barrel shank

MO with extra date Ministry of Defense

MO with two extra dates Ministry of Defense

22

Tula Hammer and date (pre 1900) Tang

Tula Hammer and date (post 1900) Tang

Tula Star and date (post 1928) Tang

23

Izhevsk Bow and Arrow and date (pre 1928)

Izhevsk Arrow in Triangle and date (post

Tula Star and date stamped over

Tang

1928) Tang

Izhevsk Arrow in Triangle and date

24

Sestroryetsk Arrow and date (2 digit pre 1900) Tang

Sestroryetsk Arrow and date (3 digit post 1900) Tang

Training rifle mark On top of tang Also found on barrel forward of rear sight

25

Chatellerault Circle C and date Tang

Chatellerault Circle P, no date Tang

YY training rifle mark M44 bayonet locking ring

26

New England Westinghouse M with arrow (Can be other letters) On top of tang, no markings on bottom

Remington Circle R, no date Tang courtesty of Michael Coogan

Remington Circle R, no date Tang courtesty of Michael Coogan

27

Tula "hammer" cartouche with date Stock (courtesy of "doctundra")

Soviet "PCFCP" cartouche Stock (courtesy of "CR Hound")

Soviet "CCCP" cartouche Stock

28

Tula "Arrow in Star" and date Stock (courtesy of "JMG")

Arms depot/refurbishment mark from a Soviet facility located in Ukraine Stock

Crown over Cyrillic "NP" possibly stock acceptance mark under buttplate (courtesy of "FinnFanatic")

29

Remington cartouche Stock

NEW "English Contract" Stock (courtesy of "Empire Arms")

New England Westinghouse cartouche with date Stock (uncommon) (courtesy of Peter S.)

30 Cyrillic letters - 2 in an oval believed to represent a training school M91/30 stock (same rifle as to the right) (courtesy of "JMG")

YY training mark M91/30 stock (same rifle as to the left) (courtesy of "JMG")

Sling maker's mark Sling reinforcement (uncommon) (courtesy of JMKDEVCO)

Finnish Mosin Nagant Marks

All content copyright 7.62x54r.net Marks Introduction Row Column A Column B Column C

M91 SAT RIIHIMAKI (courtesy of Steve K.)

SIG M24 Suojeluskuntain Yliesikunta

Bohler-Stahl M24

(Civil Guard) logo

"Christmas Tree" on M24 barrel shank Meaning uncertain, possibly indicates barrel was shortened from rear and rechambered because of throat erosion

P-26 (or P-27) and S Found on P-series relined barrels "S" stands for Salerno where process was developed

Tikka M91 Early Tikkakoski logo 1926 with date on bottom of barrel

Tikka M91

Tikka M91 Late Tikkakoski logo

VKT M91 Early VKT (Valtion Kirvaaritehdas) logo

VKT M91 Late VKT logo

B M91

B/VKT M91

B/VKT/Liege M91

Tikka M27

VKT M27

SIG M28 Suojeluskuntain Yliesikunta

Tikka M28

Sako/Sk.Y M28/30 Suojeluskuntain Yliesikunta

(Civil Guard) abbreviation

(Civil Guard) abbreviation

Sako M39 Sako Logo

Sk.Y M39

VKT M39

B M39

Late Tikka M39

"Late Date" M39

"No maker, no date" M39

"No maker, 48" M39

"PSV", "Late Date" M39

Meaning unknown

10

Early Tikka M39

Tikka M91/30

Tikka M91/30

11

Intentionally left blank

Intentionally left blank

Arms Depot 1 M28/76 target rifle

12

Puolustuslaitos (Defense Department) Used for 2 months in 1942 before the adoption of [SA] Barrel shank Boxed SA Suomen Armeija (Finnish Army) property mark

Boxed SA t t stands for Taisteluvlinehallinto (Ordnance Department) (information courtesy of Vic Thomas)

13

PR.2 Unknown Found on Tikkakoski M91 and M39 rifle barrel shanks partially obscured by the stock AV1 (stylized) Arms Depot 1 P-Series Barrel shank Crossed Cannons and AV1 Early Tikka M91 Receiver

14

Suojeluskuntain Yliesikunta (Civil Guard) acceptance stamp Barrel shank

Suojeluskuntain Yliesikunta (Civil Guard) logo and serial number Tikka M28 barrel shank =II= Inspection mark, can be I or III also Civil Guard M24, M28, and M28/30 buttplates

15 Finnish Inspector's stamp "Kosti Eakola" Barrel shank Finnish Inspector's stamp Barrel shank Finnish Inspector's stamp Barrel shank

16 Sako part mark M28/30 nose cap Sako part mark M28/30 rear sight base Sako part mark Cocking knob

17 Sako proof Barrel shank VKT proof Barrel shank 3600 proof Barrel shank

18 Belgian Liege proof Some M91 B barrel shanks 2 Indicates 2nd grade accuracy Barrel shank behind rear sight M28/30 and M39 D Barrel throat opened for Finnish D166 cartridge Barrel shank

19

BOHLER-STAHL M24 German barrel on bottom hidden by stock

M24 SIG barrel shank above wood line

M28 SIG barrel shank below wood line

20

Suojeluskuntain Yliesikunta (Civil Guard) district number preceded by "S" Barrel shank

Suojeluskuntain Yliesikunta (Civil Guard) "double S" number The second S indicates it was not a Civil Guard standard issue, but was transferred to the CG from the Army. Barrel shank

Suojeluskuntain Yliesikunta (Civil Guard) district number remarked indicating transfer to another district Barrel shank

21 HV "Hirivapaa" (Jamb Free) M28/30 Magazine bodies 41 Meaning uncertain, found on captured Russian and Soviet rifles dated 1942 and earlier Barrel shank Stylized "VS" Subcontractor's Mark M39 rear sight blade (info Vic Thomas)

22

Front sight blade height (0.68cm)

Front sight blade height (0.81cm)

SY superimposed over SAKO gear logo

Allows armorer to verify that front sight Struck and re-numbered front sight blade has not been altered in the field height Barrel behind front sight and top of sight blade Barrel behind front sight and top of sight blade M39 M39

Found on early M28s, uncommon Barrel shank (courtesy of "DsrtVW")

23

SK.Y lined out with Sako logo added M28/30, reason unknown (courtest of "Alsky")

NSD Nylands Sdra Found on M24s from the Nylands Sdra Civil Guard District (courtesy of "Guitarzan")

KLP Kymen-Laakson Piiri Found on M24s from the Kymen-Laakson Civil Guard District

24

Stockmaker's mark (can be other letters)

Stockmaker's mark

Stockmaker's mark

25 AV3 (Arms Depot 3) Stock mark Stockmaker's mark Civil Guard district number M28 Stock, under buttplate (courtesy of "CH")

26

Suojeluskuntain Yliesikunta (Civil Guard) logo and year M28/30 Stock

SAKO logo M39 Stock

SYT - Cut down M91 stock met standards M28 Stock (in fingergroove)

27 Boxed SA Suomen Armeija Stock, likely done in field, atypical (courtesy of "capnduane")

Intentionally left blank

SA/T and SA Sling "dog collars"

(courtesy of "JMKDEVCO")

Other Country's Mosin Nagant Marks

All content copyright 7.62x54r.net Marks Introduction Row Column A Column B Column C

Polish M44 "Oval 11" country code

Hungarian M44 "02" country code, Hungarian crest

Romanian M44 Romanian crest, Arrowhead in triangle

2 "shi" meaning "test" or "trials" 1953 T53 following serial number

Chinese T53 Arsenal 296 Year and month of production "Shi" meaning "test" or "trials" after serial

Chinese T53 Four character logo

number

Chinese T53 Three character logo Arsenal 26

Chinese T53 Arsenal 26 in triangle

Albanian M91/30

Polish no mark, no date Tang

Hungarian 02 and date Tang

Romanian arrowhead in triangle and date Tang

Chinese no mark, no date Tang

Albanian no mark, no date Tang

Chinese triangle 21 part mark Bolt

Polish oval 11 part mark Barrel band

Polish diamong P part mark Bolt

Polish diamond Y part mark Cocking knob

Romanian arrowhead in triangle part mark

Romanian C in triangle part mark

Hungarian 02 part mark

Butt plate and other parts

Butt plate and other parts

Butt plate and other parts

8 AZF "Artillerie Zeugs Fabrik" Austrian arsenal mark Receiver OEWG "Ostereichische Waffenfabrik Gesellschaft" Austrian arsenal mark Receiver JSE in oval "Josef Springers Erben" Austrian arsenal mark Barrel (and sometimes receiver)

9 WWF (over Russian eagle) "Wiener Waffen Fabrik" Austrian arsenal mark Receiver Walking Bear "Berndorfer" Austrian arsenal mark Receiver

Intentionally left blank

10

Serbian crown Barrel shank

F.L.P.Mi. "Fire Extinguishing Police Mi(unknown city)" Latvia Barrel (and sometimes receiver) F.L.P.Riga (capital of Latvia) is also known Serbian C (Cyrillic S) Barrel shank

11

Romanian "INSTRUCTIE" Training rifle Receiver

Romanian "Ex" (Exercitiu) Training rifle Barrel shank (and sometimes receiver)

Struck and redated to 1916 Crest of King Ferdinand of Romania Allied aid to Romania during WWI Barrel shank (courtesy of Greg Kirkman)

12 Bosnian shield Romanian M44 barrel shank Kossuth crest Hungarian Revolution of 1956 Izhevsk M44 barrel shank

DDR (East German) triangle 1 property mark Barrel shank

13 Made in USSR sometimes "URRS" US importers mark used on rifles from Spain Indicates the rifle was used in the Spanish Civil War

Belgian "Blindee" 8mm conversion Barrel shank and receiver

R Budapest Hungary arsenal rework mark

Barrel shank or receiver

Receiver (courtesy of JMKDEVCO)

14

Czech arsenal marks (and Russian eagle) M91/38 cut down from M91 Receiver

"S*5" Czech provincial issue mark '5' is the Ceske Budejovice Province Receiver (courtesy of "Deros")

"S*4" Czech provincial issue mark Receiver (courtesy of "finnmn")

15 4.K. 8 Austrian or German unit marking 4th Kompanie (Company) Rifle(?) #8 (courtesy of "finnmn"/picture and "kh"/info.) 4.K. 235 Austrian or German unit marking, struck through see picture 9B Receiver (courtesy of Arlon)

Czech arsenal marks (and Russian eagle) M91/38 cut down from M91 Receiver

16

Deutschland German WWI property mark Receiver LTII in oval Luft Transport II German unit mark Barrel shank

ADMzDeutschR German WWI depot mark possibly Metz or Mainz Receiver (courtesy of JMKDEVCO)

17

DEPOT CUST Custrin Depot German WWI depot mark Receiver (courtesy of Peter S.)

CTN DEUTSCH Custrin Depot German WWI depot mark Receiver (courtesy of "kalash")

ART DEP CUSTR Custrin Depot German WWI depot mark Receiver (courtesy of "Ron W")

18 Turkish sight elevations Rear sight leaf (courtesy of "Mitch Stevens collection")

U.S. Flaming Bomb Reciever (courtesy of Arlon)

Eagle X2 U.S. Springfield Armory Inspectors mark Barrel, New England Westinghouse

(courtesy of Arlon)

19 Polish diamond OW Stock Polish serial number (uncommon) Stock Chinese serial number late production (1960) T53 Stock

20 Hungarian "circle B" stands for Budapest arsenal "02" is the Hungarian country code Stock

Hungarian Number in circle Stock at rear sling slot

Romanian Arrowhead in triangle Stock

21

Romanian Number in circle

Romanian Triangle with multiple characters

Romanian CR1 in square

Stock on top of comb

Stock

Stock

22 Romanian "INSTRUCTIE" with red band Stock Romanian "INSTR" Stock

Romanian "EXERCITIU" with black butt Stock

23

Yugoslavian 1.TRZ 1 Tehnicki Remontni Zavod "1" stands for Cacak, Serbia "TRZ" translates to "technical repair facility" refurbishment mark Soviet M44 Stock

Yugoslavian BP 124 in triangle Vojna Radionica 124 (Military Workshop 124) refurbishment mark Soviet PU sniper Stock (courtesy of "TANKERFRANK")

Spanish MP8 property mark Indicates use in the Spanish Civil War when found on a Mosin Nagant Stock

24

Czechoslovakian made carbine stock Japanese Training rifle from Hosei University in Tokyo

Czechoslovakian made carbine stock

25 Bulgarian "Pinecone" Stock Bulgarian "Pinecone" Stock Bulgarian "Pinecone" Stock

26 Bulgarian "Pinecone" Stock Bulgarian "Pinecone" Stock

U.S. Flaming Bomb Stock (courtesy of "Empire Arms")

27

German Deutsches Reich property mark, WWI

Austrian "W" mark Stock heel (courtesy of "doctundra")

Austrian "A" (adapted for 8x50R) mark Stock (picture courtesy of "doctundra") (information courtesy of "kh")

Stock (courtesy of "Levi")

Unknown Mosin Nagant Marks

All content copyright 7.62x54r.net Marks Introduction Row Column A Column B Column C

XO-48 Unknown, Soviet

XO-47 Unknown, Soviet

H* Unknown, Soviet

KO in "tombstone" Unknown, Soviet (courtesy of "M240G") Triangle in circle Unknown, Soviet KO in "tombstone" Unknown, Soviet

3 Star 25 Associated with triangle 25 and star Unknown, Soviet?

Triangle 25 Unknown, Soviet?

Star on high wall flat Associated with triangle 25 Unknown, Soviet?

4 T in oval Unknown, Soviet Found on M38s Barrel shank 41 Unknown, Finnish Found on Finnish captured Russian/Soviet rifles Barrel shank

T in oval Unknown, Soviet Found on Soviet M38 Stock

5 "Circle OG" Unknown, Soviet Stock

RAF over C (also M) Unknown Found on M91 and M91/30 stocks imported from the Balkans (courtesy of "wizdomthrift") Crown over D Unknown Extractor in parts lot, no rifle

PM 86 Unknown, Soviet (courtesy of "rocker98")

PM Unknown, Soviet (courtesy of Tom B.)

PM Unknown, Soviet (courtesy of "Gunhorde")

KP Unknown, Soviet (courtesy of "rocker98")

rp Unknown, Soviet (courtesy of "Kzman")

rp and 3 in Tula star Unknown, Soviet (courtesy of "Kzman")

8 KY 56 Unknown, Finnish KLP M24 barrel (courtesy of "Mike O") Boxed 23 (2 is double struck) Unknown, Soviet M44 and M91/30 barrels

M Unknown, Soviet (courtesy of "M240G")

CP 1622 Unknown, Soviet Buttplate (courtesy of "rocker98")

German Suetterlin script "N" 1894 Sestroryetsk receiver (courtesy of "wizdomthrift")

Star A, Soviet? Receiver (courtesy of "Springbank")

10 Crossed Hammers, Soviet? M91/30 Stock (courtesy of Justin Weber) Boxed P M91/30 Stock (courtesy of Justin Weber)

Crossed Hammers, Soviet? Bayonets and rifle barrel shanks Possibly a refurbishment facilities mark (courtesy of "SturmGrenadier")

11 Star, Soviet? Stock, 1947 Izhevsk M44 Same rifle as mark to right (courtesy of "Gunhorde")

Flaming Bomb, Soviet? Stock, 1947 Izhevsk M44 Same rifle as mark to left (courtesy of "Gunhorde")

39, Soviet? M38 Barrel (courtesy of "Gunhorde")

12 P60 M44 barrel (courtesy of "mupples") K over 2-9 in box left rear of receiver (courtesy of "varosebud")

P875/Star M38 receiver (courtesy of "mupples")

13

rB 2-51-9 other numbers in same format known carbine handguard (courtesy of Tombstone Arms)

rB 2-54-7 butt of stock (courtesy of Tombstone Arms)

38/B/10 in bisected circle 1932 Izhevsk M91/30 tang (courtesy of Joe Stairrett, Post Rock Surplus)

14

Intentionally left blank

Intentionally left blank

circle B Russian/Soviet Barrel shank

Mosin Nagant Serial Numbers

All content copyright 7.62x54r.net Marks Introduction

Definitions:
Matching A rifle with all four serialed parts (barrel, bolt, floorplate, and buttplate) numbered the same. A matching rifle could be all stamped matching or force matched. All stamped matching A rifle on which all four serialed parts have stamped (as opposed to electropenciled) numbers with alpha prefixes when applicable. Force matched A rifle that has had one or more parts renumbered to match the barrel. Evident by the presence of a lined out number, signs that a previous number has been ground off, electropenciled numbers, or numbers without an alpha prefix when applicable. Mis-matched A rifle with one or more of the three secondary serialed parts (bolt, floorplate, or buttplate) numbered differently than the barrel. Finn matched A Finnish built or marked rifle that has had the bolt renumbered to match the barrel. Although buttplate and floorplate numbers may or may not match it would still be considered Finn matched. A rifle with a mis-matched number on the bolt body, but the last few digits of the barrel number on the bolt knob would still be considered Finn matched. Electropenciled A method of etching parts with a serial number which was often used during refurbishment. Alpha prefix The letters preceding the serial numbers on Soviet and Eastern European Mosin Nagants. They represent a block of 9,999 rifles and were apparently assigned at random.

Primary serial numbers on Mosin Nagant rifles, like most

1 European firearms, are on the barrel, rather than the receiver as in the United States.

Secondary serial numbers are found in three other locations on

2 the majority of Mosin Nagants. Bolt

Magazine floorplate

Buttplate

Cocking knobs were also numbered on the earliest Russian

5 production and Remington M91s. Numbered cocking knobs are uncommon now and it is rare to find one that matches. They are most often encountered on rifles built in Finland from salvaged parts.

Stocks are occasionally numbered.

6 M91s from the Balkans (seldom matching)

Later Soviet production such as M38s, M44s, and M91/59s which were probably numbered during refurbishment

Soviet replacement stocks in pencil in the barrel channel

Soviet postwar M44 stocks stamped under the buttplate

10

Late Chinese T53s instead of the buttplate

11

Bayonets are also numbered at the base of the shaft

Cleaning rods are not typically numbered but here is a case where
12 one is. It is not matched to the rifle and it is possible that it is not a serial number, but represents something else.

Chatellerault prefixed the number with an "N" which stands for

13 "number" and is not a letter found in the Cyrillic alphabet. It is technically not a part of the serial number although it is usually included in the serial number by US importers and FFL holders for record keeping purposes. Production started at serial number 1 and ran straight through to the end of the contract.

14

Here is a renumbered bolt that has the "N" prefix on it. Since the "N" was not part of the serial number it is usually not found on the numbered parts other than the barrel. This was probably done in a country other than Russia where the meaning of the "N" was not recognized.

15

Tula used the same "N" prefix until 1928 when the barrel markings
changed. Each year started over at serial number 1.

Tula began to use "No" above the serial number when the barrel
16 markings changed in 1928. This also stands for "number" just as the "N".

17

Izhevsk did not use the "N" prefix or the "No" symbol. Each year
started over at serial number 1.

18

Sestroryetsk used "No." above the serial number, which means

"number" just as the "N". Each year started over at serial number 1.

New England Westinghouse used "No." above the serial

19 number, which means "number" just as the "N". Production started at serial number 1 and ran straight through to the end of the contract.

20

Remington used "No." above the serial number, which means

"number" just as the "N". Each year started over at serial number 1.

Serial numbers repeated at the Russian/Soviet arsenals and at

21 Remington each year as seen on this rifle and the one following. 1932 Tula M91/30, serial number 94015.

22

1935 Tula M91/30, serial number 94015.

Letter suffixes follow some serial numbers. These are typically

23 found on M91s from the Balkans and are thought to have been added by other countries. They are not part of the original numbers. Letters which have been observed are "G" (possibly Turkey).

24

"E"

25

"F", most common of the letter suffixes

"T", very uncommon 26 Picture courtesy of JMKDEVCO.

Receivers are sometimes numbered but in most cases it was done

27 by the importer. Russia, the Soviet Union, Eastern European countries and China almost never numbered the receiver, including rifles produced in France and the United States. An exception is the earliest Tula production as seen on this 1891 M91. Picture courtesy of Robert Jensen.

28

Sure signs that it is an importer number is the use of a "dot matrix" type stamp, the use of Latin rather than Cyrillic letters on a Soviet rifle, or the inclusion of other import information along with the number. See the Mosin Nagant Import Marks page for more information.

29

Receivers used by Finland were apparently numbered in some cases. Because of the use of different sizes and fonts of stamps used by Finland and importers it is difficult to be certain if a Finnish receiver number is original or not. As with all Mosin Nagants, if it is a dot matrix type stamp it is not original.

30

Belgian "Blindee" 8mm conversions are an exception where the serial number is placed on the receiver rather than the barrel. In these cases the barrel was shortened from the rear for rechambering which removed the original serial number and did not leave enough barrel shank to easily renumber it there.

31

Another exception is this 1931 Izhevsk Dragoon. The reason for the number on the receiver rather than the barrel is not clear in this case and is not typical.

Cyrillic "alpha prefixes" came into use at Tula in 1937. These

consist of two letters followed by a number of four digits or less. The prefixes were apparently assigned at random and changed when number 9,999 was reached. No known records of the order in which they were assigned exist. Because of the random use of the Cyrillic characters it is impossible to know whether a rifle was built early or late in that years production. Also, "low" serial numbers have no significance because it is not known whether their block was first, last, or somewhere in the middle of the year. Occasionally a rifle is reported with a single Cyrillic character, but in all cases it has been found that the second character was a Cyrillic "Z" which looks like the number "3". Izhevsk began using this system in 1938. See The Russian Alphabet page for a list of Cyrillic characters.

32

33

The same Cyrillic characters were also stamped on the other serial numbered parts. Bolt

34

Magazine floorplate

35

Buttplate

Other letters are sometimes stamped above the alpha

prefixes. These are translations of the Cyrillic characters and were placed there by the importer (Century) to comply with BATF regulations. It is now a common practice for importers to assign a new serial number to each rifle and the translations are not required in that case. See the Mosin Nagant Import Marks page for more information.

36

Restamped numbers on secondary parts of refurbished rifles

37 often don't have the alpha prefix. Barrel with original number

38

Bolt

39

Magazine floorplate

40

Buttplate

Electropenciled numbering is another method of renumbering

41 secondary parts during a refurbishment which was done freehand rather than with a stamping die. Barrel with original number

42

Bolt

43

Magazine floorplate

44

Buttplate

Struck through original serial numbers are sometimes found on

45 secondary parts with the new number added beside it. New number stamped

46

New number electropenciled

Unconventional serial numbers are also found on Mosin

Nagants. Here is an uncommon case where the original serial number on the barrel is struck out and a new one added. It is a Czech M91/38 cut down from an M91. An interesting side note is the "Serbian crown" mark to the right of the Izhevsk "bow and arrow" arsenal mark. The secondary parts are matched to the new barrel number. Barrel

47

48

Bolt

49

Magazine floorplate

50

Buttplate

51

This 1897 Finnish marked Dragoon also has it's serial number lined out and a new one added. The only other number on the rifle is on the bolt body and it does not match either the original or new numbers on the barrel. Whether the renumbering was done in Finland or not is a mystery.

52

This 1940 Tula M91/30 has the original serial number with the Cyrillic prefix lined out and a new three digit number stamped above it. No other numbers on the rifle match. Picture courtesy of spoojul.

53

This M91 has the barrel serial number divided in two parts by the Izhevsk arsenal mark. It also has the "N" prefix which is not usually found on Izhevsk rifles. The barrel was probably renumbered in Romania when the date was changed and the crest of King Ferdinand of Romania added. It is atypical. Picture courtesy of Josh Norris.

54

This is an Izhevsk M91/30 that has the "No" symbol before the serial number. It also has an unusual "PM 86" mark whose meaning is unknown and it's possible it is one of a special series that were numbered outside of regular production. Another PM 86 M91/30 has been reported numbered 437. Picture courtesy of rocker98.

55

This M1907 carbine has no serial number at all on the barrel however the other parts are numbered. The buttplate and magazine floorplate match each other and the Remington bolt retains the matching cocking knob, but is not the same number as the floorplate/buttplate. Picture courtesy of Al.

56

This 1939 Tula M91/30 has had the original serial number with the Cyrillic prefix scrubbed and a new 6 digit number without a prefix stamped in it's place. The remains of the original number are still partially visible below the new number.

57

This 1944 Tula M91/30 is MO marked and has a 4 digit serial number without the Cyrillic prefix which was typically used at that time. It is possible that they unique serial number is related to the MO mark, but that is only speculation. There is no apparent evidence that another number was scrubbed or overstamped.

58

This 1943 Tula M91/30 is an ex-PU sniper and similar to the one above in that it has a 4 digit serial number without the Cyrillic prefix which was typically used at that time. There is no apparent evidence that another number was scrubbed or overstamped.

59

Later production Soviet rifles have numbers on the underside of the barrel and receiver. These don't seem to match each other or the serial number. They are repeated though with several cases of the same number appearing on different rifles. It is assumed that these were used for inventory tracking during production and are not serial numbers.

Poland followed the Soviet pattern by using an "alpha prefix", but

with Latin letters rather than Cyrillic along with other differences. The first year of M44 production, 1951, used a single letter for the prefix and a five digit number beginning with zero for lower numbers. The numbering of secondary parts also followed the Soviet pattern and included the bolt, floorplate, and buttplate. Electropenciled or restamped numbers have not been documented on Polish parts but the sample is small. Picture courtesy of JMKDEVCO.

60

61

In 1952 two characters were used for the prefix and the five digit number, beginning with zero when required, was retained.

In 1955 the two character prefix was retained, but the numbers were four digit with a zero at the beginning of the number if required. 62 Thanks to Karl-Heinz Wrobel for information on the changes in the Polish numbering system.

Hungary followed the Soviet pattern of using a two character

63 "alpha prefix", but with Latin letters rather than Cyrillic, followed by a four digit number. Numbers with less than four digits haven't been observed but the sample is small and inconclusive. The numbering of secondary parts also followed the Soviet pattern and included the bolt, floorplate, and buttplate. Electropenciling has not been documented on Hungarian parts but the sample is small.

64

Restamped numbers, including the alpha prefix, are occasionally found on Hungarian rifles with the original number struck through. Magazine floorplate

65

Buttplate

Romania followed the Soviet pattern of using a two character

"alpha prefix", but with Latin letters rather than Cyrillic, followed by a number of four digits or less. Single digit serial numbers have been observed, but due to the random use of the prefixes these cannot be considered "low" numbers other than within their prefix block. The numbering of secondary parts also followed the Soviet pattern and included the bolt, floorplate, and buttplate. Renumbering of secondary parts by Romania is apparently uncommon with many rifles simply having mismatched parts with their original numbers left in place. These parts are often from the Soviet Union, Poland, and Hungary so the numbers may not follow the Romanian patter exactly. Electropenciling has not been documented on Romanian parts and restamped numbers are seldom seen. In the few cases documented the alpha prefixes were not included and the numbers did not match. The parts could have come from the Soviet Union and not been restamped in Romania.

66

China began T53 production in 1953 and the first year serial
67 numbers have an "A" prefix and are followed by the Chinese character "shi" which means "test" or "trials".

68

In at least some cases only the last digits of the full serial number were stamped in the secondary locations. Bolt, atypical location

69

Magazine floorplate

70

With the second year of production (1954) China began to use a 7 digit serial number.

The full number was also stamped in the secondary locations. 71 Bolt

72

Magazine floorplate

73

Buttplate

74

During the last year of production (1960) China began to use a letter prefix and 4 digit number.

75

The buttplate was no longer numbered in later production but the stock was.

Albania made a limited number of M91/30s and the few that have
76 been documented all have a four digit serial number beginning with zero. The numbering of secondary parts is typical and includes the bolt, floorplate, and buttplate.

Finnish serial numbers do not typically have letter prefixes or

77 suffixes and can be from 2 digits to 6 digits in length, some with a zero or zeros for the first digits.

Receivers used by Finland were apparently numbered in some

78 cases. Because of the use of different sizes and fonts of stamps used by Finland and importers it is difficult to be certain if a Finnish receiver number is original or not. As with all Mosin Nagants, if it is a dot matrix type stamp it is not original.

Secondary serial numbers are found in the typical locations of

79 the bolt, magazine floorplate, and buttplate. However, the manner of numbering them is different from the Russian/Soviet rifles and with the exception of the bolt they are often mismatched. This is not considered detrimental by most Finnish Mosin Nagant collectors. Finland did not produce bolt bodies and all of theirs are from

purchased or captured rifles. Old serial numbers are often lined out and new ones stamped beside them, often with only the last four digits. In some cases several old numbers are present.

80

This bolt was scrubbed clean and the new number stamped on the body.

81

This bolt was scrubbed clean and the last four digits of the new number stamped on the knob. This is common on Finnish rifles.

82

This bolt was scrubbed clean and no new number stamped.

83

This bolt had several old numbers lined out and the last four digits of the new number stamped on the knob.

84

This bolt had a new number stamped on the knob which was later lined out and a new complete number stamped on the body.

85

This bolt had the complete serial number stamped on the body which was lined out and the last four digits of the same number stamped on the knob.

86

In this case only three digits are stamped on the knob rather than the typical four digits.

Floorplates can be found in several configurations. 87 Scrubbed clean, common

88

Old number left in place, common

89

Old number lined out, less common

90

Old number scrubbed and last four digits of the new number stamped, less common

91

Buttplates are often scrubbed, but occasionally have an old number lined out. The last two digits of the serial number were sometimes stamped on the rear of the plate but many of these are now mismatched.

92

This is an uncommon case where a bolt head is numbered to match the rifle. Pictures courtesy of JMK.

93

Another uncommon case where an M39 nose cap is numbered on the bayonet lug with the last three digits of the serial number. Pictures courtesy of Claven2.

94

M27 winged connector bars were numbered to match with the last 3 digits.

95

Numbers are also found on the underside of the barrel and receiver. These are not serial numbers but tracking numbers used during production before the final serial number was assigned.

96

Finnish stocks are numbered in some cases, but these are not the same as the rifle's serial number and should not be expected to match.

97

Finnish M28/30s and M39s have sight graduations on the side of the rear sight base that are often mistaken for serial numbers by new Mosin Nagant collectors.

Civil Guard rifles also have District numbers which have an "S"
prefix. This lead to some confusion when the Army took over all stocks of small arms during the Continuation War and it is not unusual to find a Finnish rifle with more than one serial number. The extra numbers are often struck out and sometimes the Civil Guard District number is used as the serial number. This is an M24 with a two digit serial number of 11 which has been struck out. The Civil Guard district number of S 862 then became the rifles serial number.

98

99

The bolt on the above rifle still has the 11 on the body, but has the knob restamped with 862.

100

An M24 with the Civil Guard District number struck out and the original serial number left intact.

101

An M24 with the serial number on the side of the barrel and a Civil Guard District number on the receiver which is struck out.

102

The opposite side of the above rifle with another Civil Guard District number on the barrel.

103

A lined out Civil Guard District number with a new District number stamped above it. On the opposite side of the barrel is the original serial number which is also lined out.

104

An M28 with the serial number lined out.

105

The same rifles bolt with the last two digits of the serial number obliterated on the bolt number.

106

The Civil Guard District number on the opposite side of the barrel of the same M28.

107

The Civil Guard District number complete with the S prefix stamped on the bolt body.

SA Marked Finnish Mosin Nagants

All content copyright 7.62x54r.net Return to Mosin Nagant Virtual Museum Return to the Marks Introduction Return to 7.62x54r.net Home Page The Finnish SA property mark stands for Suomen Armeija, or Finnish Army, and is one of the most recognizable marks on Mosin Nagants. It came into use in late 1942 and replaced the "Puolustuslaitos" mark for obvious reasons. Although it is common, it is by no means universal on Finnish built Mosin Nagants and it's location, size, and orientation varies greatly. It is nearly always on the barrel shank and the most common location is the left rear at the woodline. In later production it is usually found on the forward top of the barrel shank. This page illustrates the SA mark, or lack thereof, on 57 different Finnish Mosin Nagants from all eras, models, and makers. Civil Guard rifles are included because they were incorporated into the Army stocks during the Continuation War and most received the SA mark as they came back through the depots for repair or storage. It must be understood that this sample is relatively small and "firm conclusions" cannot be drawn from it. The purpose is to give an overview showing typical placement of the SA mark on Finnish built rifles along with a few atypical examples. For Finnish marks on purchased or captured Mosin Nagants, see the Finnish Marked Russian and Soviet Mosin Nagants page. Summary of Locations Mark location Number Percentage

Left rear woodline, does not include multiple marks Approximately left rear woodline, high or forward Top, across bore Top, with bore Other, does not include multiple marks Multiple, with one mark at left rear woodline None Total M24, originally Civil Guard rifles Size and location is inconsistent among these. 1. Small mark at left rear woodline 2. Large mark at left rear above woodline

21 5 18 2 4 4 6 60

35.0 % 8.3 % 30.0 % 3.3 % 6.7 % 6.7 % 10.0 % 100 %

3. Large mark at left rear woodline

4. Mark forward on right above woodline courtesy of "GregCandR"

P-Series The small sample of two rifles show consistency. Mark at left rear woodline 2 rifles like this

1920s Tikka M91 It is relatively uncommon to find two SA marks on one rifle such as the 2nd and 3rd ones here. 1. One mark slightly forward at left woodline 1926 2. Two marks at left woodline 1926

3. Two marks, one at left rear woodline and one forward on right above woodline 1927 (this is one rifle)

M27 These are relatively consistent with the majority in the "typical" location. 1. Mark inverted right side center above woodline 1928 Tikka 2. Mark at left rear woodline (4 like this) 1928 Tikka, 1933 Tikka (2), 1932 VKT 3. Mark at left rear above woodline (2 like this) 1932 Tikka, 1933 Tikka

M28, originally Civil Guard rifles These are relatively inconsistent in regards to size and placement. 1. Mark at left rear woodline SIG barrel 2. Mark at left rear above woodline SIG barrel

3. Small mark at left rear woodline Tikka barrel

4. Mark at top across bore Tikka barrel

M28/30, originally Civil Guard rifles With the small sample it is difficult to determine what is "typical" although M28/30s often follow patterns established with M28s. 1. Mark at left rear woodline 1938 2. No mark 1938

3. No mark 1940

M39 The VKT and B barrels seem to be consistent with more variation in the Sako, Sk.Y, and post-war rifles. 1. Large mark at left rear woodline (2 like this) 1941 Sako, 1926 Tikka 2. Small mark at left rear woodline 1941 Sako 3. Mark at top across bore 1945 Sako

4. Two marks at left rear woodline, one high 1944 Sako courtesy of "Stewie"

5. Mark at forward left above woodline 1943 Sk.Y.

6. Six marks on left side and top 1942 SK.Y. courtesy of "GregCandR"

7. Mark at top across bore 1943 Sk.Y.

8. Mark at top across bore (4 like this) 1942 VKT (2), 1944 VKT (2)

9. Mark at top across bore 1942 B (2 like this)

10. Small mark at left rear woodline 1941 Tikka

11. Small mark at left forward woodline "48" no date

12. No mark 1967 no maker

13. No mark No maker, no date

1940s M91 Although the VKT, VKT/B, and B are each different, they are relatively consistent within the variations. Tikka, on the other hand, varies in placement. 1. Mark at left rear woodline 1941 VKT (3 like this) 2. Mark at top with bore 1942 VKT/B (2 like this) 3. Mark at top across bore 1942 B (4 like this)

4. Mark at left rear woodline 1941 Tikka

5. Mark at top across bore 1941 Tikka

6. No mark 1940 VKT

7. No mark 1943 Tikka

M91/30 The three 1944 Tikkas are essentially identical in placement of the SA mark with the small "T" for Taisteluvlinehallinto, or "Ordnance Department". 1. Mark at left rear woodline 1943 Tikka (2 like this) 2. Mark at top across bore, with "T" 1944 Tikka (4 like this)

Finnish Marked Russian and Soviet Mosin Nagants

All content copyright 7.62x54r.net Return to Mosin Nagant Virtual Museum Return to the Marks Introduction Return to 7.62x54r.net Home Page

Finland acquired many Russian and Soviet Mosin Nagants by various means including capture and purchase. Not all of them were stripped for parts and rebuilt with Finnish barrels, but were put back into service as they were, or with minor repairs and upgrades. Sometimes the only means of identifying these rifles is by the Finnish markings, of which there are several. The most common is the "boxed SA" mark which is an abbreviation of Suomen Armeija (Finnish Army) and used as a property mark. Another common mark is the "D" mark, usually found on the chamber, but sometimes on the rear sight base. This indicates that the throat of the rifle was opened up to allow use of the Finnish D166 round which required more room for the larger ogive of the bullet. If the rifle was used by the Civil Guard it will have an "S" followed by a number which indicates the Civil Gaurd district it was issued to. If it has two Ss and a number that is an indication that it was an army rifle that was loaned to the Civil Guard. Most Civil Guard rifles were transferred to the army when the Civil Guard was disbanded and also have the "boxed SA" mark. "=S=" is the Civil Guard acceptance mark which sometimes accompanies the S number. All the Civil Guard marks are less common than the army marks. "41" is believed to indicate the year 1941, but it's exact meaning is unclear. It possibly indicates repairs were made at that time. A truly rare Finnish mark is "PUOLUSTUSLAITOS" meaning "Defense Department" which was only used for two months in 1942 before being replaced with the "boxed SA". Another uncommon Finnish mark on Russian/Soviet Mosin Nagants is the "3600" pressure proof. Apparently the Finns questioned the strength of these rifles and felt a need to proof them. The vast majority of Finnish captured and purchased rifles were not re-proofed. The pictures below show the various styles and typical locations of the marks. For the use of the boxed SA mark on Finnish built rifles, see the SA Marked Finnish Mosin Nagants page. 1. 1893 Izhevsk M91 SA mark

2. 1894 Chatellerault M91 SA mark, D mark, courtesy of Peter S.

3. 1894 Chatellerault M91 SA mark, two D marks

4. 1894 Sestroryetsk M91 SA mark

5. 1896 Izhevsk Dragoon SA mark

6. 1896 Izhevsk M91rv SA mark

7. 1897 Izhevsk M91 Dragoon D mark

8. 1900 Tula M91 SA mark

9. 1905 Izhevsk M91 Two SA marks, D mark

10. 1909 Sestroryetsk M91 SA mark, D mark

11. 1915 New England Westinghouse M91 with curved logo SA mark, D mark

12. 1915 New England Westinghouse M91 with straight logo SA mark, "double S" Civil Guard number

13. 1915 New England Westinghouse M91 with straight logo SA mark on receiver, courtesy of "Mike O"

14. 1917 Remington M91 SA mark, "=S=" Civil Gaurd acceptance mark, lined out Civil Gaurd number

15. 1917 Sestroryetsk M91 SA mark, Civil Gaurd number on receiver and bolt

16. 1919 Izhevsk M91 Dragoon SA mark

17. 1920 Izhevsk M91 Dragoon SA mark, 41 mark, D mark on rear sight base

18. 1923 Izhevsk M91/30 SA mark, 41 mark

19. 1924 Tula M91 Two SA marks, D mark, 41 mark

20. 1925 Tula Dragoon Two SA marks, D mark, courtesy of "NWSwede"

21. 1931 Izhevsk Dragoon SA mark

22. 1932 Izhevsk M91/30 Two SA marks, PUOLUSTUSLAITOS mark, D mark, 41 mark

23. 1933 Izhevsk M91/30 41 mark

24. 1933 Tula M91/30 SA mark

25. 1935 Tula M91/30 SA mark

26. 1935 Tula M91/30 SA mark, D mark, 41 mark

27. 1937 Izhevsk M91/30 SA mark, D mark

28. 1937 Izhevsk M91/30 SA mark, 41 mark

29. 1937 Izhevsk M91/30 SA mark, PUOLUSTUSLAITOS mark, D mark, 41 mark

30. 1941 Izhevsk M38 SA mark

31. 1943 Izhevsk M91/30 SA mark

32. 1943 Tula M91/30 SA mark, 3600 proof

33. 1944 Izhevsk M44 SA mark, courtesy of "Radom"

Mosin Nagant MO Marks

All content copyright 7.62x54r.net Marks Introduction Mosin Nagant Virtual Museum Mosin Nagant Theories, Opinions, and Observations The purpose of this page is to illustrate a combination of markings found on Mosin Nagant rifles that are not yet fully understood. The rifles are commonly known as "MO marked" by collectors. The markings consist of the initials "MO" and one, in some cases two, two digit numbers added after the original manufacture date. The "MO" and the added numbers may or may not be related. The markings are found on M91/30, M38, M44, and M91/59 Mosin Nagants and M1895 Nagant revolvers. Two captured Mauser 98k rifles with an MO mark has been observed. No other models of Mosin Nagants or SVTs have been observed with the marks. One TT-33 has surfaced that has second date and a very faint mark that is believed to be an MO. MO is known to be the Russian abbreviation for "Ministerstvo Oborony", or Ministry of Defense. The Defense Ministry was established on March 15th, 1953 in a merger of the Military and Naval Ministries (Voennoe Ministerstvo, Voenno-Morskoe Ministerstvo, "BM" and "BMM"). The numbers are thought to represent dates because of their placement and the fact that they are always larger than the previous date. However, all the known dates are between 1942 and 1953 when there was no MO except for the last nine and a half months of 1953. There are a few known firearms with double dates that lack the MO mark, but they are the rare exception. Likewise, few MO marked firearms without a second date have been reported. There is an obvious relationship between the date and MO marks yet just as obvious a conflict with the establishment of the MO and the dates. Based on information from sources in the former Soviet Union the MO marked firearms were used by the Defense Ministry Militarized Security force, or "Voenizirovannaya Ohrana MO", abbreviated VOHR MO. Those are not per se troops, but security guards employed by the MO. They wore

military uniforms with special insignia of position (not rank insignia) and were separate from the army. These units were used to guard various MO facilities. It is possible that the date markings were placed on the firearms at the time of transfer from the army proper to the security force of some forerunner of the MO. These marks may also be unrelated to the MO mark. The MO mark itself is thought to have been placed on the firearms after March 15th, 1953, either at the time of transfer from regular army stocks or to mark all VOHR firearms. The practice of applying the MO mark probably ended before 1959 as few M1891/59 Mosins are known to have the MO mark. However, only a small percentage of the rifles in Russian arsenals have been imported to the US so the statistical sample is small. These theories have not been confirmed and are being researched at this time. If you have an MO marked firearm that you would like to have included on this page with a credit, please send the information to 7.62x54r@7.62x54r.net Include the model, arsenal, original date, MO dates and any other unusual features in the text of the e-mail. Refer to the 7.62x54r.net Submittal Guidelines for information on contributing photographs to this page. Thank you in advance for your contribution. Thanks to Lt. S. of the Russian Reserves, Tuco, Vic and the members of Gunboards.com, Karl-Heinz Wrobel, author of Drei Linien - Die Gewehre Mosin-Nagant, and Dennis Kroh of Empire Arms for their research and contributions to the information on this page. - 7.62x54r Notes on findings to date: The "typical" range for second dates is 1942 to 1953, inclusive. The "typical" range for third dates is 1946 to 1953, inclusive. Third dates don't occur on second dates past 1950. This page includes 175 firearms with 105 pictures. Breakdown by Model Model M1895 (Nagant Revolver) TT33 (Tokarev Pistol) M91/30 M38 M44 M91/59 k98 Total Quantity 11 1 125 16 19 1 2 175 Percentage 6.3 % 0.6 % 71.4 % 9.1 % 10.9 % 0.6 % 1.1 % 100.0 %

Breakdown by Dates NA Illegible 2nd Date 3 1 0 35 1 0 36 1 0 42 20 0 43 1 0 44 2 0 45 8 0 46 8 1 47 17 1 48 18 1 49 12 0 50 25 8 51 17 6 52 17 7 53 24 7

3rd Date 144

Raw Data Chart Click on the column headers to resort the table by the data in that column. The sort order can be reversed by clicking on the column title a second time. Please be patient while the page reloads after sorting. Return to the original order by sorting the # column. Models other than M91/30 are highlighted in yellow. Examples outside the "typical" date range or lacking MO marks are highlighted in blue. # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Model M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M1895 M91/30 TT33 k98 k98 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M38 M91/59 M1895 M1895 M1895 M1895 Arsenal Tula Izhevsk Tula Tula Izhevsk Izhevsk S/42 27 (Erma) Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Tula Tula Tula Tula 1st Date 2nd Date 3rd Date MO 1931 1933 1940 1922 1931 1943 1936 1939 1940 1941 1941 1941 1941 1941 1902 1912 1916 1917 NA NA NA 35 36 194? 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA yes yes yes no no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes Other DDR marked NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA scrubbed scrubbed NA scrubbed Picture 32A 51B 17A 08A 42A 34A 45A 43B NA 51A 45B 02B 22B NA 36A 34B 16B 05B Source "Noah Zark" "Icerider" "Dr. L. Gewehr" "Charlie" "Scott Sanders" "powderhead" "alb87" "BARQS19" Britt "blasterboy82" "drcello" 7.62x54r Ken Andersen "Nirvana" 7.62x54r Vic Benson "GoShoot" 7.62x54r

19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46

M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M1895 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30

Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Tula Tula Izhevsk Izhevsk Tula Tula Izhevsk Izhevsk Tula Tula Tula Izhevsk Tula Tula Izhevsk Tula Izhevsk Tula Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Tula Tula Izhevsk Izhevsk

1922 1926 1938 1939 1933 1939 1938 1919 1939 1928 1943 1932 1935 1936 1939 1942 1942 1930 1930 1932 1940 1933 1936 1941 1938 1942 1929 1933

42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 43 44 44 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 46 46 46 46 46 46 46 46 47

NA NA NA NA 46 48 50 53 NA 53 50 NA NA NA NA NA NA 53 53 NA NA 47 50 50 51 51 52 NA

yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes

NA NA NA NA 46 stamped over 42 NA NA 2 MO stamps NA NA NA DDR marked NA NA NA CH marked, not drilled NA 2 MO stamps, Tula receiver NA DDR marked DDR marked NA NA NA NA CH marked, not drilled 2 MO stamps DDR marked

NA NA NA 39A 14B NA 28A 11B NA 19A NA NA 31B 24B NA 46A 27A 26B 07B NA 12B NA NA 25B 02A NA 06B NA

Empire Arms "Hasso" Aztec Int. "El Capitan" "Mike O" Empire Arms "coktnlokt" "Ol'Duke" Empire Arms "slimedog" "powderhead" "ofd291" "fingolfen" "rocker98" C. M. Boone "seldridge" "Chris G" "rocker98" Mosin-Nagant.net Aztec Int. "Jack Lawman" Empire Arms Empire Arms "derghost" 7.62x54r Empire Arms Empire Arms "marktaylor"

47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73

M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M38 M91/30 M44 M44 M44 M44 M44 M38 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30

Izhevsk Tula Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Tula Tula Izhevsk Tula Izhevsk Tula Tula Tula Tula Tula Tula Tula Izhevsk

1933 1935 1939 1941 1943 1944 1944 1944 1944 1945 1942 1944 1930 1928 1930 1923 1932 1932 1933 1933 1935 1935 1935 1936 1938 1939 1940

47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 48 48 48 48 48 48 48 48 48 48 48

NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA 50 50 51 52 52 53 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes

NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA original "44" restamped NA "triple date" carbine Original date (1933) and arsenal marks scrubbed NA DDR marked NA NA NA 1931 receiver 1943 receiver, barrel redated NA ex-sniper ex-sniper ex-sniper ex-sniper, second date struck ex-sniper NA NA

NA NA 42B 15B NA NA 43A NA 20B NA NA 19B NA 01A NA NA NA NA 29B 41A NA NA 37B 33B NA 53A NA

Empire Arms "Kirk1978" "bvchurch" "Mike O" Empire Arms "Mike Bluemel" "skohler1" "Denny" 7.62x54r Aztec Int. "Mogollon" 7.62x54r Empire Arms 7.62x54r Charlie B. Empire Arms "powderhead" "Enigma" "lvmb" "tojones" Don R. "Marcus" "JMKDEVCO" 7.62x54r "Jim combo" "learjet60" "M2Carbine"

74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100

M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M38 M91/30 M38 M91/30 M38 M38 M38 M38 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30

Tula Tula Tula Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Tula Tula Tula Tula Tula Izhevsk Izhevsk Tula Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Tula Tula Tula Tula Tula Izhevsk

1944 1930 1931 1943 1943 1944 1926 1928 1931 1933 1933 1933 1942 1944 1944 1941 1934 1941 1942 1941 1943 1926 1931 1932 1933 1940 1943

48 48 48 48 48 48 48 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50

NA 53 50 51 51 51 53 52 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA 50 52 52 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes

hex receiver, drilled for scope single MO mark NA NA ex-sniper, 2 MO stamps Original date (1932) scrubbed and redated 1944 NA laminated stock NA NA NA NA ex-PEM sniper NA Original date and arsenal marks scrubbed NA NA "triple date" carbine "triple date carbine" NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

03A 41B 23B NA 09B 44A NA 49B 37A 39B NA 25A 24A 04A 22A 09A 10A 35A 38B 08B 18B 38A NA 32B NA 31A 30A

7.62x54r "Coils" "Chris G" "Don R" "M240G" "ab4ka" Charlie B. "Gun_Nut_73" "rocker98" Frank R. "Elokoman" "Chris G" "Chris G" 7.62x54r "seldridge" "Texxut" "Mosin Addict" "USMCsean" 7.62x54r "Charlie" "slimedog" "SigForum" "Fairlane" "archie360" "boltactionsforever" Randy Wood "Jimbo USA"

101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128

M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M44 M44 M44 M38 M38 M38 M91/30 M91/30 M1895 M1895 M1895 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M1895

Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Tula Tula Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Tula Tula Tula Tula Tula Tula Tula Tula Tula Izhevsk Tula Tula

1943 1932 1933 1934 1935 1942 1943 1943 1944 1944 1944 1944 1944 1944 1944 1942 1933 1930 1925 1932 1941 1934 1934 1939 1939 1942 1942 1943

50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 51 51 51 51 51 51 51 51 51 51 51

NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA 52 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes

NA NA NA NA NA NA NA ex-sniper NA NA NA NA NA NA NA date overstamped w/ 1938 DDR marked NA NA DDR marked NA ex-sniper ex-sniper, GECO pattern ex-sniper ex-sniper NA NA NA

21B NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA 50A 20A 11A 36B 17B 27B 35B 33A NA 47A 21A NA NA 48B 49A NA NA NA NA

"lvmb" Empire Arms "Yuccales" Empire Arms Empire Arms "bric_1911" Empire Arms "Marcus" Britt "tojones" "Grimjack" "Mosin Addict" "Gunhorde" "M240G" "rocker98" "woettinger" "coleridge" Empire Arms Michael Hale "lvmb" "mowens41usa" "Rockcrusher" "jaz5833" "Sweet Old Bob" "spudbest" Empire Arms Aztec Int. "Titan Tom"

129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156

M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M38 M38 M38 M38 M44 M44 M44 M44 M44 M44 M44 M44 M44 M44 M44 M1895

Izhevsk Tula Tula Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Tula

1943 1936 1938 1943 1943 1944 1903 1926 1927 1930 1933 1943 1941 1944 1942 1943 1944 1944 1944 1945 1945 1945 1945 1944 1944 1945 1945 1936

51 51 51 51 51 51 52 52 52 52 52 52 52 52 52 52 52 52 52 52 52 52 52 53 53 53 53 53

NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes

ex-sniper ex-sniper ex-sniper ex-sniper NA ex-sniper NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

14A 01B 30B 12A NA NA NA 07A NA 10B 26A 18A 28B 29A 03B NA 46B NA NA NA 05A 13B NA 04B 13A NA 15A 16A

"Mike O" 7.62x54r C L Cogar "mauserdad" Empire Arms "Peepsight" Tim Kampa "Poot" Andy "Mosin Addict" Nick Carinci "Nylo" "woettinger" "woettinger" 7.62x54r Gail Carboy "marktaylor" Aztec Int. "ofd291" Aztec Int. 7.62x54r "Hornet" Don R. 7.62x54r "Hornet" Aztec Int. "Mike O" "Texxut"

157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 Row

M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30 M91/30

Tula Tula Izhevsk Tula Izhevsk Tula Tula Tula Tula Izhevsk Izhevsk Izhevsk Tula Izhevsk Izhevsk Tula Izhevsk Tula Izhevsk

1926 1925 1926 1926 1928 1928 1929 1929 1930 1933 1934 1931 1926 1929 1928 1939 1938 1943 1943 Column A

53 53 53 53 53 53 53 53 53 53 53 53 53 53 53 53 53 53 53

NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

yes no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes

NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA 2 MO stamps, PM 86, DDR NA NA NA NA NA NA NA 53 and MO struck through

40B 48A NA 52B NA 50B 52A 23A NA 47B 40A NA NA NA NA 06A NA NA 44B Column B

"derghost" "Preachere" "Dick G" "learjet60" "The Redbear" "blasterboy82" Eugene O. "Chris G" Andy Moe "Preachere" "Nefarius" Empire Arms Empire Arms Empire Arms Empire Arms Empire Arms "manygunsmike" "Fairlane" "alb87"

1928 Izhevsk M91/30 (ex-dragoon) /47/52 MO DDR "triangle 1" marked

1936 Tula M91/30 /51 MO ex PE hex sniper

1938 Tula M91/30 /46/51 MO

1941 Izhevsk M91/30 /42 MO

1944 Tula M91/30 /48 MO hex receiver drilled for scope mount

1942 Izhevsk M38 /52 MO MO is very small and just above the 5 in the serial number

1944 Tula M38 /49 MO

1944 Izhevsk M44 /53 MO

1917 Tula M1895 revolver /42 MO original markings scrubbed

1945 Izhevsk M44 /52 MO

1939 Tula M91/30 /53 MO Courtesy of Empire Arms

1929 Izhevsk M91/30 /46/52 MO (twice) Courtesy of Empire Arms

1926 Izhevsk M91/30 /52 MO Courtesy of "Poot"

1930 Tula M91/30 /45/53 MO Courtesy of "Tuco" at Mosin-Nagant.net

1922 Tula M1895 revolver /35 No MO mark and outside of the typical date range Courtesy of "Charlie" 9

1941 Izhevsk M38 /50 MO Courtesy of "Charlie"

1943 Izhevsk M91/30 /48/51 MO (twice)

Courtesy of "M240G" 1941 Izhevsk M38 /49 MO Courtesy of "Texxut" 10

1930 Izhevsk M91/30 /52 MO Courtesy of "Mosin Addict"

1934 Tula M91/30 /49/50 MO Courtesy of "Mosin Addict" 11

1919 Tula M1895 revolver /42 M.O. and MO/53 Courtesy of "Ol'Duke"

1944 Izhevsk M44 /50 MO Courtesy of "Mosin Addict"

12

1943 Izhevsk M91/30 /51 MO ex PU sniper Courtesy of "mauserdad"

1940 Tula M91/30 /46 MO DDR "triangle 1" marked Courtesy of "Jack Lawman"

13

1944 Izhevsk M44 /53 MO Courtesy of "Hornet"

1945 Izhevsk M44 /52 MO Courtesy of "Hornet"

14

1943 Izhevsk M91/30 /51 MO ex PU sniper Courtesy of "Mike O"

1933 Tula M91/30 /42/46 MO 46 stamped over 42 Courtesy of "Mike O"

15

1945 Izhevsk M44 /53 MO Courtesy of "Mike O"

1941 Izhevsk M38 /47 MO Courtesy of "Mike O"

16

1936 Tula M1895 revolver /53 MO Courtesy of "Texxut"

1916 Tula M1895 revolver /42 MO Courtesy of "GoShoot"

17

1944 Izhevsk M38 /50 MO Courtesy of "M240G"

1940 Tula M91/30 no second date, MO Courtesy of "Dr. L. Gewehr"

18

1943 Izhevsk M91/30 /52 MO Courtesy of "Nylo"

1943 Izhevsk M38 /50 MO Courtesy of "slimedog"

19

1928 Izhevsk M91/30 /44/53 MO Courtesy of "slimedog"

1933 Izhevsk M91/30 /47/50 MO Original date and arsenal marks scrubbed

20

1944 Izhevsk M44 /50 MO Courtesy of "Grimjack"

1944 Izhevsk M44 /47 MO original "44" restamped

21

1932 Tula M1895 MO/51 Courtesy of "lvmb"

1943 Izhevsk M91/30 /50 MO Courtesy of "lvmb"

22

1944 M91/30 /49 MO Original date and arsenal marks scrubbed courtesy of "seldridge"

1941 Izhevsk M38 /42 MO courtesy of Ken Andersen

23

1931 Tula M91/30 /48/50 MO courtesy of "Chris G"

1929 Tula M91/30 /53 MO courtesy of "Chris G"

24

1942 Tula M91/30 /49 MO ex-PEM sniper courtesy of "Chris G"

1936 Tula M91/30 /45 MO courtesy of "rocker98"

25

1941 Izhevsk M91/30 /46/50 MO courtesy of "derghost" 1933 Tula M91/30 /49 MO courtesy of "Chris G"

26

1933 Izhevsk M91/30 /52 MO courtesy of Nick Carinci

1930 Izhevsk M91/30 /45/53 MO courtesy of "rocker98"

27

1942 Tula M91/30 /45 MO courtesy of "Chris G"

1944 Izhevsk M38 /50 MO courtesy of "rocker98"

28

1938 Izhevsk M91/30 /42/50 MO courtesy of "coktnlokt"

1941 Izhevsk M38 /52 MO courtesy of "woettinger"

29

1944 Izhevsk M38 /52 MO courtesy of "woettinger"

1933 Izhevsk M91/30 /48 MO restamped date and 1943 Izhevsk receiver courtesy of "lvmb"

30

1943 Izhevsk M91/30 /50 MO courtesy of "Jimbo USA"

1938 Tula M91/30 /51 MO ex-sniper courtesy of CL Cogar

31

1940 Tula M91/30 /50 MO courtesy of Randy Wood

1935 Tula M91/30 /45 MO courtesty of "fingolfen"

32

1931 Tula M91/30 MO No 2nd date and DDR marked courtesy of "Noah Zark"

1932 Tula M91/30 /50 MO courtesy of "archie 360"

33

1933 Tula M91/30 /50/52 MO DDR marked courtesy of "coleridge"

1936 Tula M91/30 /48 MO ex-sniper, second date struck

34

1943 Izhevsk TT33 /4? MO courtesy of "powderhead"

1912 Tula M1895 /42 M.O. courtesy of Vic Benson

35

1941 Izhevsk M38 /49/52 MO courtesy of "USMCsean"

1942 Izhevsk M38 restamped date to 1938/50, no MO mark courtesy of "woettinger"

36

1902 Tula M1895 revolver /42 MO original markings scrubbed 1944 Izhevsk M44 /50 MO courtesy of "Gunhorde"

37

1931 Izhevsk M91/30 /49 MO courtesy of "rocker98"

1935 Tula M91/30 /48 MO ex-sniper courtesy of "JMKDEVCO"

38

1926 Tula M91/30 /50 MO courtesy of "SigForum"

1942 Izhevsk M38 /49/52 MO

39

1939 Tula M91/30 /42 MO courtesy of "El Capitan"

1933 Tula M91/30 /49 MO courtesy of Frank R.

40

1934 Izhevsk M91/30 /53 MO MO PM 86 and Triangle 1 marked courtesy of "Nefarius"

1926 Tula M91/30 MO /53 courtesy of "derghost"

41

1933 Tula M91/30 /48 MO courtesy of "tojones"

1930 Tula M91/30 /48/53 MO courtesy of "Coils"

42

1931 Izhevsk M91/30 /36 courtesy of "Scott Sanders"

1939 Izhevsk M91/30 /47 MO courtesy of "bvchurch"

43

1939 Erma k98 /42 MO courtesy of "BARQS19"

1944 Izhevsk M44 /47 MO courtesy of "skohler1"

44

1944 Izhevsk M91/30 /48/51 MO 1944 stamped over original date of 1932 courtesy of "ab4ka"

1943 Izhevsk M91/30 MO /53 courtesy of "alb87"

45

1936 S/42 k98 /42 MO courtesy of "alb87"

1941 Izhevsk M91/30 /42 MO courtesy of "drcello"

46

1942 Tula M91/30 /45 MO courtesy of "seldridge"

1944 Izhevsk M44 /52 MO courtesy of "marktaylor"

47

1925 Tula M1895 MO /51 courtesy of "Michael Hale"

1933 Izhevsk M91/30 MO /53 courtesy of "Preachere"

48

1925 Tula M91/30 /53 courtesy of "Preachere"

1934 Tula M91/30 /51 MO ex-sniper, GECO pattern courtesy of "jaz5833"

49

1939 Tula M91/30 /51 MO ex-sniper courtesy of "Sweet Old Bob"

1928 Izhevsk M91/30 /49/52 MO laminated stock courtesy of "Gun_Nut_73"

50

1928 Tula M91/30 MO /53 courtesy of "blasterboy82"

1944 Izhevsk M91/30 /50 MO courtesy of "tojones"

51

1941 Izhevsk M91/30 /42 MO courtesy of "blasterboy82" 1933 Izhevsk M91/30 MO courtesy of "icerider"

52

1929 Tula M91/30 MO /53 courtesy of Eugene O.

1926 Tula M91/30 MO/53 courtesy of "learjet60"

53

1939 Tula M91/30 /48 MO courtesy of "learjet60"

Mosin Nagant with Painted Marks

All content copyright 7.62x54r.net Marks Introduction Mosin Nagant Virtual Museum The most commonly encountered Mosin Nagant rifles with painted stock marks are the Romanian Instructie and Exercitiu Rifles which have red bands (in most cases) and black butts respectively. Occasionally "Instructie" or a variation of it is also painted on the stock. Other painted marks are encountered less frequently and have a variety of origins and meanings, which are often uncertain. This page will collect these types of marks in an

attempt to add to the general knowledge base about them and possibly establish patterns. To submit a picture to be included here please see the 7.62x54r.net Photograph Submittal Guidelines page. 1943 Izhevsk M38 This stock also has a Bulgarian pinecone mark and the rifle has a Hungarian bolt. The "15" is probably a rack number and if not Bulgarian, then almost certainly from somewhere in the Balkans.

1948 Izhevsk M44 This Arabic "91" has been identified as Syrian by Kevin Carney of North China Arms.

1954 Romanian M44 While this rifle is not marked with "Instructie" or a variation, it does have a red band identical to the type found on these rifles. It is included here because unlike most Instructie rifles it is numbered, in this case "494". The meaning of the number is unknown.

1938 Izhevsk M91/30 The origins of this "S" or "5" are unknown at this time. Picture courtesy of "anonymous".

1904 Izhevsk ex-Dragoon (M91/30) This rifle has an "F" suffix to the serial number which is possibly Romanian but certainly Balkan. However, it still has the Imperial Eagles on the barrel and receiver which is not typical of Mosin Nagants from that area of Europe. It does have the typical "slashed box" refurbishment mark. The meaning of the "H", or "I", is unknown. Picture courtesy of "markus".

1926 Tula M91/30 Unknown marks. Picture courtesy of "2DOGS".

1955 Chinese T53 Unknown Chinese character. Picture courtesy of "2DOGS".

1952 Hungarian M44 Syrian marks. Picture courtesy of "M240G".

1927 Tula M91/30 Albanian mark. Picture courtesy of "M240G".

1942 Izhevsk M91/30 Albanian marks, note the red band. Picture courtesy of "M240G".

1942 Izhevsk M91/30 Unknown marks, note the red band at the buttplate. Picture courtesy of "M240G".

1954 Romanian M44 with Hungarian stock Unknown marks. Pictures courtesy of "M240G".

1942 Izhevsk M38 Arabic "90". Picture courtesy of "Ron W".

1943 Izhevsk M38 with Hungarian stock Arabic "209" over red circle. Picture courtesy of "Ron W".

1915 Tula M91 with Serbian marking "250" Picture courtesy of "Ron W".

1922 Tula M91 "50A" Picture courtesy of "Ron W".

1943 Tula M91/30 Bluish paint on magazine. Picture courtesy of "Ron W".

1943 Tula M91/30 Green square on top of buttstock. Picture courtesy of "Ron W".

1939 Tula M91/30 Red stripe around buttstock and blue "Z" on one side. Picture courtesy of "Ron W".

1943 Izhevsk M38 Arabic "44" from Egypt. Picture courtesy of "The Hebrew Hammer".

Mosin Nagant Import Marks

All content copyright 7.62x54r.net Marks Introduction Mosin Nagant Virtual Museum Mosin Nagant Theories, Opinions, and Observations There is often confusion among collectors about the meaning and purpose of import marks. ATF rules and importer practices have changed over the years leading to a wide variety of marks with different information and in different locations on the firearm. On occasion import marks are mistaken for original marks, especially when they are simply a number or letters rather than the importers name or location. Most collectors prefer firearms that are not import marked, and some will only purchase non-import marked examples. Currently import marks are a fact of life though. Some marks are more discreet than others and these are usually preferred. When purchasing a firearm sight unseen over the internet an unsightly mark can be a disappointment. Referring to the pictures on this page should give a collector a good idea of what type of marks to expect on a new Mosin Nagant whether it is a current import or an older one. Many of the marks used on Mosin Nagants by various importers over the years are included with the meanings of abbreviations and other relevant information. The numbers in the first column are for reference when discussing the marks with other collectors. Please refer to them in any correspondence regarding the pictures. The second column contains the exact lettering and punctuation of the mark on the firearm. Notes are in the third column and the pictures in the fourth column are thumbnails which link to larger pictures. The marks are highlighted for clarity only and are not

normally as "stark" as they appear. Many collectors subdue the import marks with various cold blue products rather than highlight them. This page is under construction with M91/59, M91/38, Eastern European, and Chinese Mosin Nagant import marks to be added as time allows. # 1 The abbreviations stand for: "Century Arms International St. Albans, VT" This mark is found on Tula, Izhevsk, and Sestroryetsk M91s Mark Notes Model 91 Picture

C.A.I. ST. ALB. VT. M91 7.62R RUSS

2 C.A.I. ST. ALB. VT. M91 RUSSIAN 7.62 X 54R

A variation on the above mark

3 This mark is found on New England Westinghouse and Remington M91s

M91 US 7.62 X 54R C.A.I. ST. ALB. VT.

M91 U.S.A. 7.62 X 54R C.A.I. ST. ALB. VT.

A variation on the above mark

5 C.A.I. ST. ALB. VT. M91 7.62R FINLAND 6 M91 FINLAND 7.62 X 54R C.A.I. ST. ALB. VT. This mark is found on VKT, Tikka, and B M91s, and M24s

A variation on the above mark

7 This mark is found on M24s CAI ST. A. VT M91 7.62R SWITZ When these were imported it was mistakenly believed that they were made in Switzerland.

8 Besides the marks shown above, the serial number may be stamped on the receiver by Century also. This is not always the case and some rifles with barrel marks will not have the number on the receiver. In most cases if there is a serial number on the receiver, rather than the barrel, it was placed there by the importer. Civil Guard rifles will sometimes have the "S number" on the receiver which was often used by the Finnish Army, and the importer, as the serial number.

597051

242100

10 SAMCO MIA FL M1891 7.62X54R FINLAND 11 This mark was used by Samco of Miami, Florida

1381

12

Samco imports may or may not have the serial number added to the receiver in one of two types of stamps. 46060

13 Samco also placed this mark on some of the rifles they imported. It is the complete Finnish name for "VKT" which means "State Firearms Factory".

VALTION KIVAARITEHDAS

Model 27

14 The abbreviations stand for: "Century Arms International St. Albans, VT" CAI ST. ALB. VT M27 7.62R FINLAND This mark is found on Tikka and VKT M27s. M27s are not usually numbered on the receiver. Model 28 15

MARATHON PROD. INC. WETH, CT. FINLAND

Marathon Products is no longer in business. Marathon imports are not numbered on the receiver.

16 This M28 is mismarked as an M27 by CAI CAI ST ALB. VT M27 7.62R FINLAND CAI M27 imports are seldom numbered on the receiver.

Model 28/30

17

MARATHON PROD. INC. WETH, CT.

A variation on the Marathon mark. M28/30s are not usually numbered on the receiver.

18 MARATHON PROD. INC. WETH, CT. The Marathon mark is sometimes found on the right rear of the receiver.

Model 39 19

CAI ST. A. VT. M39 FINLAND 7.62 X 54R

The abbreviations stand for: "Century Arms International St. Albans, VT" This mark is found on all variations of M39s.

20 This mark was used after Century moved from St. Albans to Georgia, VT. M39s are typically numbered on the receiver.

M39 FINLAND 7.62 X 54R C.A.I. GEORGIA VT.

21 Inter Ordnance Monroe NC Finland 7.62x54R M39

22 I/O M39 imports are marked on the barrel and numbered on the receiver with a "dot matrix" type mark. 70505

Model 91/30 23

C.A.I. ST. ALB. VT. M91/30 RUSSIA 7.62 X 54R

The abbreviations stand for: "Century Arms International St. Albans, VT"

24

M91/30 7.62 X 54R RUSSIA C.A.I. ST. ALB. VT.

A variation on the above mark

25

M91/30 RUSSIAN 7.62 X 54R C.A.I. ST. ALB. VT.

A variation on the above mark

26

M91/30 RUSSIA 7.62 X 54R C.A.I. GEORGIA VT.

This mark was used after Century moved from St. Albans to Georgia, VT.

27

M91/30 RUSSIAN 7.62 X 54R C.A.I. GEORGIA VT.

A variation on the above mark

28 N84199 Most Century imported M91/30s are numbered on the receiver.

29 VV1220 Later M91/30s with Cyrillic letter prefixes in the serial number have the serial number marked on the receiver with the English versions of the letters.

30 M91/30 RUSSIAN 7.62 X 54R C.A.I. GEORGIA VT. 9130025496 Century now places the entire import mark on the receiver with a new serial number. The new number typically begins with the model designation.

31

M91/38 RUSSIA 7.62 X 54R C.A.I. ST. ALB. VT.

An M91/30 mismarked as an M91/38

32

M91/30 FINLAND 7.62 X 54R C.A.I. ST. ALB. VT.

The Century mark for Finnish M91/30s.

33

PW REDMO WA

PW Arms of Redmond, Washington uses a small mark on the barrel.

34 TG KNOX TN 91/30 762X54 RUSSIA

Tennessee Guns of Knoxville, TN uses a small "dot matrix" mark on the bottom of the barrel with a new serial number on the receiver.

35

M93550

36 AH5130

In some cases Tennesee Guns places the serial number on the flat of the bolt opening. courtesy of "ThreeJs"

37

COLE DIST S'VILLE KY

Cole Distributing of Scottsville, Kentucky uses a small mark on the barrel. 38

9130

7.62

RUSIA

39 M91/30 RUSSIA 7.62 X 54R G.W.S. SMETHPORT PA GWS brought in some of the first rearsenaled M91/30s and sold them through Allegheny Arsenal. They are no longer importing Mosin Nagants.

40 S/N 9130-9641 Russia M91/30 7.62x54R Aztec Ocala FL Aztec International used a small import mark on the receiver with a new serial number that begins with the model designation.

Model 38 41

M38 RUSSIAN 7.62 X 54R C.A.I. ST. ALB. VT.

The abbreviations stand for: "Century Arms International St. Albans, VT"

42

M91/38 RUSSIA 7.62X54R C.A.I. ST. ALB. VT.

An M38 mismarked as an M91/38.

43 M38s have Cyrillic letter prefixes in the serial number and the serial number is marked on the receiver with the English versions of the letters by Century.

DN 4569

44 M1938 RUSSIAN 7.62 X 54R C.A.I. GEORGIA VT. M3807907 45 TG KNOX TN M38 7.62X54 RUSSIA Tennessee Guns of Knoxville, TN uses a small "dot matrix" mark on the bottom of the barrel with a new serial number on the receiver. Century now places the entire import mark on the receiver with a new serial number. The new number typically begins with the model designation.

46 S/N 38-2913 Russia M38 7.62x54R Aztec Ocala FL Aztec International used a small import mark on the receiver with a new serial number that begins with the model designation. Model 44 47

M44 RUSSIA 7.62 X 54R C.A.I. ST. ALB. VT.

The abbreviations stand for: "Century Arms International St. Albans, VT"

48

C.A.I. GEORGIA VT M44 RUSSIAN 7.62 X 54R

This mark was used after Century moved from St. Albans to Georgia, VT.

49 Some Century imported M44s have the English version of the Cyrillic serial number prefixes stamped above the original marks on the barrel. The entire serial number is also stamped on the receiver.

OR 5983

50 CN1931 C.A.I. GEORGIA VT M44 RUSSIAN 762X54R 51 TX14 7.62x54R M1944 RUSSIAN C.A.I. GEORGIA VT The translation of the original serial number and the import mark placed entirely on the receiver. courtesy of Michael Coogan The original serial number and the import mark placed entirely on the receiver using a "dot matrix" type stamp. courtesy of "combat32"

52 M44 RUSSIAN 7.62 X 54R C.A.I. GEORGIA VT. M44020461 A new serial number and the import mark on the receiver. The new number typically begins with the model designation.

53 COLE DIST SVILLE KY MADE IN RUSS M44 7.6254R

Cole Distributing of Scottsville, Kentucky marks M44s on the bottom of the bayonet lug.

54 5397 The serial number is sometimes placed inside the receiver by Cole Distributing.

55 Inter Ordnance now places the entire import mark on KM994 the receiver along with the original serial number. The INTER ORDNANCE, MONROE, NC serial number uses the English version of any Cyrillic M-44, RUSSIA, 7.62 X 54 prefixes.

56 S/N 44-3551 Russia M44 7.62x54R Aztec Ocala FL Aztec International used a small import mark on the receiver with a new serial number that begins with the model designation.

57 PW ARMS REDMOND WA RUSSIAN m44 7.62x54r SER. 002885 PW Arms of Redmond, Washington places the entire import mark on the receiver with a new serial number. courtesy of "alf1960"