Mosin Nagant vs Modern Bolt Gun: Why Mosin Loses Big Time

Published on December 12, 2015
Duration: 41:03

This review objectively assesses the Mosin Nagant against modern value bolt-action rifles, concluding the Mosin is outdated for most functional needs. While cheap surplus ammo and historical appeal exist, issues like rim lock, difficult optic mounting, poor ergonomics, and trigger quality make it inferior to modern alternatives like the Ruger American or Savage Axis. Modifying a Mosin to match modern performance often exceeds the cost of a superior new rifle.

Quick Summary

The Mosin Nagant is often outperformed by modern value bolt-action rifles due to outdated ergonomics, poor triggers, difficult optic mounting, and reliability issues like rim lock. Modifying a Mosin to match modern performance can cost more than buying a superior new rifle.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Mosin vs Modern Bolt Guns
  2. 02:15The 'Truth' About the Mosin Nagant
  3. 06:10When the Mosin Makes Sense (WROL, Project Gun)
  4. 08:00Modern Value Alternatives: Ruger, Savage, Weatherby
  5. 10:20Reliability Issues: Rim Lock Malfunction
  6. 13:40Accuracy & Sighting Systems Comparison
  7. 16:15Difficulty of Mounting Optics on Mosin
  8. 18:50Ergonomics & Trigger Comparison
  9. 21:15The Value Equation: Mod Costs vs New Rifle

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Mosin Nagant often considered outdated compared to modern bolt-action rifles?

The Mosin Nagant suffers from outdated ergonomics, a crude trigger, difficult optic mounting, and reliability issues like rim lock. Modern rifles offer superior out-of-the-box accuracy, better triggers, and easier accessory integration for a comparable or slightly higher price.

What are the main drawbacks of the Mosin Nagant's 7.62x54R cartridge?

The primary drawback is the rimmed case design, which is prone to 'rim lock' if not loaded carefully. This can cause feeding malfunctions where cartridges jam in the receiver, often requiring tools to clear and significantly impacting reliability.

Is it worth modifying a Mosin Nagant to improve its performance?

Generally, no. The cost of adding a quality trigger, scope mount, and other modifications often exceeds the price of a superior modern rifle like a Ruger American or Savage Axis, which perform better without extensive work.

What are the few scenarios where a Mosin Nagant might still be recommended?

A Mosin Nagant is recommended primarily as a very low-cost 'WROL' (Without Rule of Law) loaner rifle due to its historical low price, or as a project gun for enthusiasts who enjoy extensive modification and understand its limitations.

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