M1891/30 Nagant by Tula with Finnish links….(F 774) SOLD
Created on January 27th 2022
Superbly interesting Finnish Nagant by Tula
A rare opportunity to get hold of one of the best versions of the humble Mosin-Nagant infantry rifle. This example of a standard rifle was produced during a period when the long established Russian arsenal of Tula, had the luxury of time and a good supply of high quality material to produce their rifles from. Obviously later on during the war years they were constantly under pressure to produce as much as possible for the massive Soviet war effort. This rifle was produced in the interwar years when the pressure was off. This can quite easily been seen in the quality of the build and the finish.
Serial number “nk 171″ (Cyrillic Russian letters) Chambered in 7.62 x 54R with a 5-shot internal magazine and a straight (shortened) bolt handle. Measuring 48.1/4″ in overall length. The round barrel is approximately 28.3/4″ long. The Pull length is 13.1/2” to centre. One piece Artic birch stock with straight wrist and handguard over barrel. The main markings upon the round receiver show a clear Tula star with arrow within. The date of manufacture “1939.” The serial number “171” with a prefix, which being low means that tools were sharp as this rifle would have been made at the beginning of a production run, hence tighter tolerances / better accuracy. Also clearly marked is “No/D” The “D” is a clue to the rifles later service life, namely in the hands of the Finns as a result of the “Winter War” between themselves and the Soviets. The “D” indicates the chamber has been opened up as the Finns used the larger 308 round. This rifle was taken by the Finns, fettled, inspected and absorbed into service fighting the Russians. On the LHS of the same marked portion of the barrel, just in-front of the receiver is the boxed “SA” marking of the Finnish Army.
There are multiple other acceptance and inspection marks around the rear portion of the barrel. The bolt handle is short and the rib carries the number; “34630”. More inspection marks the bolt and cocking piece. There is no number on the underside of the magazine. The rear sights are graduated from 100 to 2000 meters. The stock on this rifle is particularly attractive with a strong “tiger stripe” on the underside. Short finger groves in fore-end – not spliced. The stock having steel escutcheons to the sling holes with iron loops passed through the same a modification again relating to the Finnish. Full length cleaning rod stowed under barrel. Simple blade front sight – unprotected. This is another point which makes this rifle just that bit more special because, the round receiver had only been introduced shortly before this rifle was first produced, yet the front sight is still unprotected. One usually finds protected front sights on round receiver rifles. This must have been one of the last with the unprotected fore-sight.
When Tula received orders for Sniper rifles they purposely used the first 1000 pieces from each run. Having such a low serial number would make this example an interesting candidate to add the correct scope to! Steel contoured butt-plate. A one time owner from the rifles past has taken time to carve initials into the RHS of the butt-stock, which if read from above, as turning the rifle towards a right handed user reads “V.H.” It sounds like a Finish name to me !
German CIP Nitro proof and the mark of the Colonge (Koln) proof house. Strong bore, dark in the grooves – may improve with use. Bright on the lands, deep rifling. A true collectors grade rifle in fine condition considering the conflicts it has been involved in. The finish on the barrel and receiver are starting to thin in a mottled pattern but one can see immediately that it was a higher grade finish from day one, as this still shows through. The Finns will have worked other accuracy improvements on the rifle before it was reissued.
The best of the Nagants which covers two birds with one stone, in that it is Russian – and Finish !
Stock No F 774
£ 850. (SOLD)
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