How to Make the Mosin-Nagant More Effective

The Mosin Nagant rifle was originally designed over 100 years ago, yet millions are still in use today. The Russian-made rifle is simple, durable and accurate. There are several modifications that can be done to complement the already solid rifle, for a relatively low cost. A bent bolt is more ergonomic and allows a scope, unlike the original straight bolt. A scope will increase range and accuracy, and a rubber recoil pad will lessen recoil.

Things You'll Need

  • Bent bolt
  • Scope
  • Recoil pad
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Phillips screwdriver
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Instructions

  1. Installing a Bent Bolt

    • 1

      Press the magazine box release button. Empty all rounds, if any are present.

    • 2

      Move the bolt into the upward position, and slide it back to eject any round that may be in the chamber.

    • 3

      Pull the trigger and hold it down. This allows the bolt to be removed.

    • 4

      Pull the bolt all the way back until it is free of the receiver.

    • 5

      Replace the straight bolt with the bent bolt, by holding the trigger down and sliding the bent bolt into the receiver.

    • 6

      Release the trigger. The bent bolt is now installed.

    Installing a Scope

    • 7

      Use a drill press to drill holes for the mounting screws to hold the base. If you're unsure about how to drill the holes, a local gunsmith can do the drilling for a small fee.

    • 8

      Install the base using the provided screws. There are round bases and hexagonal bases. Earlier versions of the Mosin Nagant rifle have hexagonal receivers; therefore, a hexagonal base will only fit on early models.

    • 9

      Slide the scope onto the base.

    • 10

      Adjust the placement of the scope. Slide the bolt back and forth to make sure it does not interfere with the scope.

    • 11

      Use the screws to tighten down the scope to the base.

    Install a Rubber Recoil Pad

    • 12

      Use a flathead screwdriver to remove the existing screws and steel butt plate from the rifle stock.

    • 13

      Dry-fit the rubber recoil pad. Make sure it is a snug fit.

    • 14

      Screw down the recoil pad, using the same screws that attached the steel butt plate.

    • 15

      Sight in the rifle. The recoil pad adds about an inch onto the stock. Some shooters may need to get used to the extra length.

    • 16

      Shoot the rifle over time to break in the recoil pad, which can make the recoil pad more comfortable against the shoulder.