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Back in November, Big 5 ran a special on a bunch of 91/30 rifles, and I ended up getting one from my folks for my birthday (beginning of December). I was really excited about trying out the "LONG JOHN", but hadn't the time or inclination until the Christmas holiday.
The bolt was very smooth. I took everything apart for a good cleaning and cosmoline removal. The imprint on the receiver, 1932, let me know the year of manufacture, and the "Triangle with an arrow" stamp meant it was made at the Izhevsk arsenal in Russia.
I didn't pay SUPER close attention to having matched numbers -- I assumed that it would likely be mismatched, from being re-arsenaled many-a-time. I was just happy with the fit and finish, and that the bolt cycled smoothly. The headspace seemed to be okay (within tolerance), according to a quick check with the gauge that came with the rifle. I also received a strap, ammo pouches, oiler bottle, and a simple cleaning kit with the package. What a deal! Happy birthday TO _ME_!!
I was able to find some Wolf 7.62x54R rounds at Impact Guns at 47th South and 40th-ish West. I bought 2 boxes of 20 for a planned trip to Lee Kay during the Christmas break. Not too bad, at just over 6.50 a box -- very affordable.
The trip came on a gorgeous day (Friday of Christmas weekend), weather was WARM and no wind whatsoever. Sun was out and a fleece jacket was sufficient (even a bit TOO hot). I brought the 91/30, my Yugoslavian SKS, and my brother and dad brought their handguns.
We set up on the 70-yard range (the one where they have a range officer), and I placed the target out at the furthest point. I guess that would be -- 70 YARDS! I took my position, and once everyone was ready, loaded a single round in the chamber. It snapped forward and locked easily, with a resounding "clack". I eased into the sights, lining things up, with my shoulder planted "easy" into the butt. A typical squeeze after a good breath out, and "whoosh!" That's how I describe it. It definitely has a punchy sound, but the recoil is a "whoosh". The rifle, being so long and heavy, must absorb a lot of it.
I put in a couple of rounds for the 2nd go, and both cycled nicely. Ejection was almost too perfect. I was making a small pile in a 2-foot circle on the concrete just to the right and behind me. I had to laugh, the pile was so together!
After a go with 2 rounds, I loaded up a set of 5. I don't yet have a stripper clip, so I put them in one-at-a-time from the top to fill it up. I shot a few slowly, then the last two in fairly rapid succession. NOT BAD AT ALL!
It shot right where I wanted it to, elevation-wise (elevation _IS_ up-and-down, correct?) It shot quite a bit to my right, however. BUT I will say, it shot 3" grouping at that distance (70 yards). All over to the right of the target, but centered measured top-to-bottom on the target. It may be my shooting causing the problem, but I imagine I can compensate by moving the pin on the front sight a hair.
I then let my brother and my dad give it a go. Each in turn confirmed my belief of it shooting "to the right". Both of them were putting the rounds where my grouping was. So I think I'll give the front sight a quick adjustment to compensate.
We only shot thru a box of 20 rounds, but it was a real hoot. We had a great time with that rifle. Not too shabby at all, for 89 bucks! Next time I'll give it a go on the 100-yard range, and perhaps a quick one on the 200-yard range. Now I'm shooting all of this with open sights, obviously, but I'm confident I can at least put them all on an 8.5x11 piece of paper at those distances. (I am just shooting resting on their carpet "box" that they supply with each lane.)
What a fun day. Now for some range time with my Yugoslavian... (report saved for another time).
The bolt was very smooth. I took everything apart for a good cleaning and cosmoline removal. The imprint on the receiver, 1932, let me know the year of manufacture, and the "Triangle with an arrow" stamp meant it was made at the Izhevsk arsenal in Russia.
I didn't pay SUPER close attention to having matched numbers -- I assumed that it would likely be mismatched, from being re-arsenaled many-a-time. I was just happy with the fit and finish, and that the bolt cycled smoothly. The headspace seemed to be okay (within tolerance), according to a quick check with the gauge that came with the rifle. I also received a strap, ammo pouches, oiler bottle, and a simple cleaning kit with the package. What a deal! Happy birthday TO _ME_!!
I was able to find some Wolf 7.62x54R rounds at Impact Guns at 47th South and 40th-ish West. I bought 2 boxes of 20 for a planned trip to Lee Kay during the Christmas break. Not too bad, at just over 6.50 a box -- very affordable.
The trip came on a gorgeous day (Friday of Christmas weekend), weather was WARM and no wind whatsoever. Sun was out and a fleece jacket was sufficient (even a bit TOO hot). I brought the 91/30, my Yugoslavian SKS, and my brother and dad brought their handguns.
We set up on the 70-yard range (the one where they have a range officer), and I placed the target out at the furthest point. I guess that would be -- 70 YARDS!
I took my position, and once everyone was ready, loaded a single round in the chamber. It snapped forward and locked easily, with a resounding "clack". I eased into the sights, lining things up, with my shoulder planted "easy" into the butt. A typical squeeze after a good breath out, and "whoosh!" That's how I describe it. It definitely has a punchy sound, but the recoil is a "whoosh". The rifle, being so long and heavy, must absorb a lot of it.I put in a couple of rounds for the 2nd go, and both cycled nicely. Ejection was almost too perfect. I was making a small pile in a 2-foot circle on the concrete just to the right and behind me. I had to laugh, the pile was so together!
After a go with 2 rounds, I loaded up a set of 5. I don't yet have a stripper clip, so I put them in one-at-a-time from the top to fill it up. I shot a few slowly, then the last two in fairly rapid succession. NOT BAD AT ALL!
It shot right where I wanted it to, elevation-wise (elevation _IS_ up-and-down, correct?)
It shot quite a bit to my right, however. BUT I will say, it shot 3" grouping at that distance (70 yards). All over to the right of the target, but centered measured top-to-bottom on the target. It may be my shooting causing the problem, but I imagine I can compensate by moving the pin on the front sight a hair.I then let my brother and my dad give it a go. Each in turn confirmed my belief of it shooting "to the right". Both of them were putting the rounds where my grouping was. So I think I'll give the front sight a quick adjustment to compensate.
We only shot thru a box of 20 rounds, but it was a real hoot. We had a great time with that rifle. Not too shabby at all, for 89 bucks! Next time I'll give it a go on the 100-yard range, and perhaps a quick one on the 200-yard range. Now I'm shooting all of this with open sights, obviously, but I'm confident I can at least put them all on an 8.5x11 piece of paper at those distances. (I am just shooting resting on their carpet "box" that they supply with each lane.)
What a fun day. Now for some range time with my Yugoslavian... (report saved for another time).
