Hungarian 48M Sniper Mosin (aka M52)

Published on April 29, 2026
Duration: 11:46

This video provides an in-depth look at the Hungarian 48M Sniper Mosin, also known as the M52. Ian McCollum details its historical context, production numbers, and technical specifications, highlighting its role as the standard Hungarian military sniper rifle for decades. The review emphasizes its near-exact replication of the Soviet M91/30 sniper rifle, including optics and mounting systems, while noting unique Hungarian markings and manufacturing details.

Quick Summary

The Hungarian 48M Sniper Mosin, commonly known as the M52, was the standard Hungarian military sniper rifle for decades. Produced by FEG (marked 'O2'), it's an exact copy of the Soviet M91/30 sniper, featuring a bent bolt, 5-round magazine, and a rear notch sight. Approximately 4,100 were manufactured between 1950 and 1953.

Chapters

  1. 00:05Introduction to Hungarian 48M Sniper Mosin
  2. 00:16Common Name: M52 vs. Official Designation
  3. 00:49Post-WWII Hungarian Military Context
  4. 01:24Hungarian '48M' Designations Explained
  5. 02:02Hungarian Arms Manufacturing & FEG
  6. 02:29Production Numbers: 48M Sniper Mosins
  7. 03:35Technical Overview: Soviet vs. Hungarian Copy
  8. 04:46Distinct Elements of the Hungarian 91/30 Sniper
  9. 05:30FEG 'O2' Factory Markings
  10. 06:03Receiver Markings and Serial Numbers
  11. 07:04Optics Markings and Production
  12. 07:29Serial Number Discrepancies and Scrap Rates
  13. 08:31Scope Mount and Adjustment Details
  14. 09:17Distribution of 48M Sniper Rifles
  15. 10:07Service Life and Replacement by Dragunov
  16. 11:00Ammunition for the 48M Sniper
  17. 11:14Acknowledgements and Further Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the common name for the Hungarian 48M Sniper Mosin?

In the English-speaking collector community, the Hungarian 48M Sniper Mosin is typically called the M52. However, this is not an official designation from the Hungarian military.

How many Hungarian 48M Sniper Mosin rifles were produced?

Between 1950 and 1953, Hungary manufactured 4,100 sniper variants of the M91/30 Mosin-Nagant rifle. Of these, 400 were made in 1952 and 3,700 in 1953.

What is the 'O2' marking on Hungarian Mosin-Nagant rifles?

The 'O2' marking on Hungarian Mosin-Nagant rifles signifies that they were manufactured by FEG (Fegyver- és Gépgyár), a prominent Hungarian weapons manufacturing facility, during the Cold War period.

Where were the optics for the Hungarian 48M Sniper Mosin made?

The optics for the Hungarian 48M Sniper Mosin were not made by FEG but by a separate Hungarian optics factory, identified by the code designation '41'. The scope's serial number is independent of the rifle's.

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