Sporterizing the Mosin Nagant Part 1- Making sure your rifle is safe to shoot

Published on November 28, 2010
Duration: 12:38

This guide details the critical safety checks for a Mosin Nagant M91/30 before sporterizing or firing. Expert instruction from Iraqveteran8888 covers headspace testing using a Field gauge and checking firing pin protrusion with the Mosin multi-tool, ensuring the rifle is safe for further modification or use.

Quick Summary

Before sporterizing a Mosin Nagant M91/30, perform critical safety checks for headspace and firing pin protrusion. Use a Field headspace gauge; the bolt must not close on it. Measure firing pin protrusion with the multi-tool, aiming for .075-.095 inches. Thorough cleaning of cosmoline is essential for accurate results.

Chapters

  1. 00:48Introduction to Sporterizing Project
  2. 01:58Critical Safety Checks
  3. 02:42Understanding Headspace Gauges
  4. 03:45Bolt Disassembly for Testing
  5. 05:16Extractor Removal
  6. 07:28Performing the Headspace Test
  7. 09:37Checking Firing Pin Protrusion
  8. 11:35Conclusion and Next Steps

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the two most critical safety checks for a Mosin Nagant before sporterizing?

The two most critical safety checks for a Mosin Nagant are headspace and firing pin protrusion. Ensuring these are within safe limits prevents catastrophic failure and ensures reliable function before any modifications or shooting commence.

How do you check headspace on a Mosin Nagant?

To check headspace, you must first disassemble the bolt, remove the bolt head and extractor, and then use a Field headspace gauge. The bolt should not close on a Field gauge; if it does, the rifle is unsafe to fire.

What is the correct firing pin protrusion for a Mosin Nagant?

The correct firing pin protrusion for a Mosin Nagant should be between .075 and .095 inches. This is typically measured using the notches on the rifle's multi-tool to ensure proper ignition without risking primer issues.

Why is cleaning cosmoline important before safety checks?

Cosmoline is a heavy preservative that can interfere with precise measurements. Thoroughly cleaning the chamber and bolt lugs ensures that headspace and other critical measurements are accurate, preventing false positives or negatives on safety tests.

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