FN FAL

Sitting around with a number of gun aficionados, the question was submitted, “What rifle besides our beloved M16 rivals the AK in distribution and commie notoriety?” The answers varied but one stands out as true, the FN FAL the right arm of the free world. Originally designed by Fabrique National as the Fusil Automatique Léger ("Light Automatic Rifle") or FAL. It was the hammer for good guys everywhere to fight the red menace of communism. 

Design and Influence   

 

Designed in the mid-1940s post WW II it was strongly influenced by the German StG 44 and the Russian STV-40. In fact, it has a similar gas operated feature with a short-stroke piston. The very first design was developed in the 7.92 x 33 Kurtz. The same intermediate cartridge used successfully by the German Sturmgewehr 44-the Grandfather of modern military assault weapons. However, with limits on post war ammunition supplies FN grabbed the attention of the British Commonwealth looking for a new battle rifle chambered in .280. Obviously FN was on this like a fat kid on a cupcake, but politics and the formation of NATO saw things a tad bit different. Post WW II saw the United States in a very powerful position to dictate policy and an “in the weeds” influence over standard battle rifles. At the time the US was the only power on the planet that kept the Soviets in check after the war. War-torn Europe was in no condition to face the Soviet war machine and so the US pushed hard for the .30 Cal Lite round to be the standard NATO round, which we know and love today as the 7.62 x 51 NATO. It is also noteworthy to mention that the FN FAL was strongly influenced with John Browning’s designs. Dieudonné  Saive (pictured below) the creator of the FN FAL completed work on John Browning’s high power 1935 and was more than likely inspired by Browning’s genius to create the FAL.

 

The right arm of freedom fades away hard

 

The FAL was distributed or made by over 90 countries. Wherever AK barked its distinctive rapport, an FAL was more than likely to answer. It served in a number of conflicts and still serves in some capacity with many third world nations.  The bottom line is that it did the job and truly helped stop the spread of geo-political instability in a number of disputed regions from the late 50’s to the 80’s and sometimes to our present. Fortunately or unfortunately speed is a soldier’s friend and weight is his enemy. And weight my friend is something the FAL has in abundance. With the weight between 9.5-13 lbs it is a heavy little lady to lug through any environment and to carry the massive 7.62 x 51 was an added burden.  Countries eventually looked for a more sound option, namely the 5.56 NATO. Lighter and more compact, the round offered more versatility in the field.  However, the FAL did have a very unique clash with itself during the short skirmish between the UK and Argentina over those (Mother)-Falkland Islands. One of the few times the same rifle was pitted against opposing forces the British prevailed and simply out-soldiered the Argentinians. Although the rifle served well in many countries its weight and cumbersome length contributed to the retirement of the rifle and the adoption of bullpups and lighter carbines.

 

Where Can I Get One?

I know what you are thinking, “Thanks for the history lesson. Where can I buy one?” The answer, everywhere. You may not find it in your local gun shop, but the internet is full of good deals. However, this is where you will have to do a little research and determine the type of FAL you may want. Determine if you are looking for an “inch” or “metric” FN FAL, then go to the FAL Files http://www.falfiles.com/forums/ and ask away. This forum has a ton of expertise from builds to where you can purchase an FAL for a decent price. Once you purchased one or in the process of a build take a look at http://www.dsarms.com . DSA Inc offers a number of parts and accessories for your FAL build or to put a little lip stick on the girl before the big range day. Gunbroker  http://www.gunbroker.com usually has some very good deals but this is where the research will  come in handy from the FAL files. With prices ranging from 500 to 2,000+ it behooves one to get the facts straight.

 

Wrap it up folks!

I personally own an Israeli FAL and have never regretted ownership of this great piece of history. Sarah (my FAL) is not a tack driver but she is a ton of fun to shoot and after emptying a 20 round mag of 7.62-I can see why it was such an effective rifle against the AK. It is a great addition to any collection and its rugged design will allow this rifle to be passed down to the next generation. Have fun be safe and stay on target.

 

 

 

 

Memorial Day

 

A day of remembrance, a day to reflect and for some a day to mourn. Never a day to cast judgment. As a service members, the loss of our brothers and sisters who gave their lives in the line of duty (and sometimes beyond that) is close to our hearts. We know their families, we have to go on without their presence in our day to day lives and we have to look the children in their eyes searching for some words that may comfort or provide understanding. We see the people of this country bowing their heads using words like “remember” and “never forget” but do they really mean it? Some politicians pretending to understand service to the country but never truly connecting with the loss of a true combat brother and the meaning of that sacrifice  

For me, it’s perfectly acceptable. Have your BBQs, go on your trips, plan your long weekends.  The ones we lost would have done the same, they would have loaded up their families on a long trip or had a couple colds ones for race day. It’s part of being an American. To enjoy that freedom that so many did die for and secure. The price of freedom is paved with broken families, blood and horrible stories that the survivors sometimes feel bittersweet when they see people frolicking about what they will do on their extended weekend. It angers us, what was the point of my friend getting blown up? So you can talk about what a pain it is to have to drive 3 hours to your stupid get away! What about the families that won’t have that, instead that family visits a grave. I get it man, the anger towards such a nonchalant attitude. BUT we choose to serve and we have CHOSEN to put our lives on the line to give our people the chance to live their lives as they see fit.

But if you are out Monday and have never served, look around you. Breathe in the air, hug your family, and be glad to be alive. And if you are so inclined think about the faceless soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen throughout our history who have died to make this such a great day for you to be alive.

I will always remember them and never forget their sacrifice. I will not make their loss meaningless and will live my life to the fullest extent possible. My children will learn of what it means and become better people for knowing that they have set the bar for the price we are willing to pay to have our freedom.

 

Fun Rifles with a Rich History [FAL, Garand, Mosin]

SO many rifles come to mind when looking for a historical connection with your shooting recreational activities. Most of the fun is shooting the rifle trying to imagine what those soldiers had to go through. Anyone who has ever served understands that the rifle becomes a part of you. Waking up in the morning you reach for it, the annoying way it swings and hits your leg or the constant weighted feeling of slinging it EVERYWHERE. We bitch about it but also miss it in a way once we are back in the States. No way I'm advocating to sling your rifle around all day by no means, but modern firearms are little plastic toys compared to some of these older rifles. Hence, when shooting something with a little history on it--thoughts reflect--what was the grumbling behind this heavy piece of wood and steel. However, in a crunch it was their best friend. These are my top 3 old war rifles to shoot whenever you get a chance:

Israeli FN FAL. Replacing the polymer with wood. It supports a forward assist and cut grooves into the bolt to allow operation in a sandy environment. Depending on the model anywhere from 500-2000 dollars. Do your research.

 

 

FN FAL
The right arm of the free world. Designed by Fabrique Nationale of Belgium and named the Fusil Automatique Léger ("Light Automatic Rifle") or FAL. It packs a heavy punch keeping the spirit alive for post WW II heavy battle rifles. Original FALs-heavily influenced by the StG 44-were designed to shoot the British .280 BUT heavy American persuasion and trying to get everyone on the same sheet of music for ammo distribution pushed the FAL into eating up NATO 7.62x51 (.308). The rifle is heavy weighing between 10-13 lbs. depending on what variant you have. It also has the unique history to be one of the few battle rifles that fought against itself. During the brief war between the British and the Argentinians over those (Mother)-Falkland Islands. How does it shoot?

I personally own an Israeli version, semi-auto of course. It is heavy, hard to run with and takes a ton of patience to learn how to shoot, but the 308 slamming into a target at the end of the range is worth the hassle. However, it makes that the IDF (Israeli Defense Force) tossed  their FALs for the lighter AK or UZI in close fights. But the AK cannot touch the firepower of the FAL in a distance game. Unfortunately that is the common failure of any rifle, not being able to adapt it to any environment. Eventually, the Israelis redesigned their battle rifle and produced the Galil. I digress, if you are looking for a fun rifle to shoot and maybe a pig hunt look into the FAL.

 

                           Fun at the range in with the M1 Garand. Even a beat up Garand can go for 600-700 dollars. CMP still offers Garands at a great price

M1 Garand
We take Semi-auto for granted these days from our 10-22s to the AR-15 its become the norm for military style rifles. But imagine a battlefield with only hard hitting bolt action rifles, pistol caliber sub machineguns, and crew served machine guns. As you military tactically minded folks can surmise one would have to change the way you fight. In an infantry fight the goal is to overwhelm your enemy with mass fire. This allows the next platoon or squad to move in and lay down covering fire and so on. The Germans based all of their tactics around the MG-34/42 so they could protect the crew served weapons. The Americans replaced all of their 1903 Springfields with 8 round hard hitting 30-06 Garand rifles. This firepower in the hands of the average infantry soldier was unprecedented at the time and it wasn't until right about the end of the war that countries scrambled to make a similar rifle that could compete. The Germans and the Russians did cut down the cartridge to an intermediate round 7.92 x 33 and 7.62 x 39 respectfully. The difference being they could not get them in the hands of every soldier (thank God) nor mass produce these rifles in the quantities of that the US could. Basically why you see Garands everywhere and not StG 44s.

This is one of the best rifles to shoot. For a mass produced semi-auto ahead of its time the balance accuracy are incredible. The heft of the rifle helps follow up shots, which would have been a damn fine thing to have ties in with other Garand suppressing a German MG. Once the rounds have been shot the clip bounds out of the top of the rifle with the stamped steel clip making a Klang sound. Something the GIs took advantage of in the war by throwing an empty on the ground after firing a few shots. Thinking that they were empty and reloading, Japanese and sometimes German soldiers would rush their positions only to be cut down by the massive 30.06. Of course your typical range does not offer the same perilous opportunities but can be recreated for fun. I like to have 5 targets at varies ranges and depths. I will fire 2 shots and throw and empty. with the remaining 6 rounds attempted to put accurate fire on the targets. It's fun but extremely difficult especially for time.

 

 

Mosin M91/30. Prices have risen recently but still under 300 bucks for decent rifle.

 

 

M91/30 Mosin Nagant
Wait just a minute! You just wrote about two great battle rifles and now you're throwing up the Russian Pinko crap. Well, yeah...as far as war rifles go the Mosin is one of the most reliable massed produced rifles of the war. It is heavy but no more than any other rifle of that time. It's usually not as accurate due to pitting in the rifling but it was made for a Russian peasant so get over it. Although its not a tack driver it will accommodate a fairly good grouping as long as the shooter is consistent. This is yet another war surplus rifle that is still fairly cheap and can be bought two or three at a time. More so than the two rifles above.

The ammo is still cheap the rifle is cheap but the fun is non stop. When you have a rifle that packs the punch that a 7.62x54 does and can shoot it all day with ammo left over...Well you got yourself a gem my friend. With so many of these rifles produced the internet is flooded with after market parts and accessories for the Mosin. This is an excellent firearm to own for you prepper minded folks. Used as a defense or hunting rifle it serves a multi-player in your arsenal. After all the pinkos needed something hard hitting, effective, and durable and this is what they came up with.



Some websites to check out: These sites can direct you into purchasing the Garand and accessories for your Mosin.
http://thecmp.org/
http://brassstacker.com/

Home defense considerations

Recently I was having a conversation about handguns and home defense, it was interesting and the perspective was volleyed back and forth like a ping-pong ball.  After the conversation, it hit me that no matter what you do or how much you think you have prepared, it may not be enough. The odds that you will safely get to your family, get to your safe zone, engage the bad guys and call 911 are mind bending-ly NOT in your favor. I could write that with proper training and a skilled set of the newest DVDs detailing room to room clearing of your domicile will help you vanquish the intruders (cape flying whipping in the wind). The truth, it’s a scary thought that if a person or persons enter your home specifically to do you harm then it will be a fight for everyone’s life. I realize that the norm is a criminal in search of your junk to sell for 100 % profit is what most people will experience or encounter. This individual does not want to die nor is your stuff worth going to jail for, therefore this guy opts out and runs away if he realizes he has disturbed your slumber. But every so often, there is a real crazy out in the world who just wants to be in your house. He knows the risks and may even be excited by the danger involved, but this bogeyman (lack of a better term) is not seeking material objects. He wants to do unspeakable things to your family and this person is out for blood. These bogeymen are the reason we have firearms, they are the ones that make us wonder if we can react quickly enough, they are the things we hope never happen. This maniac will be long gone before the police arrive you have no choice but to be the first responder.

Now I pretend to be no expert on clearing your home as each domicile has a unique layout and each family’s size and location varies as well. I’m using practical knowledge and as much common sense as I can muster. Indeed most of you will disagree, but I would challenge you: EVEN if you have had to chase an intruder from your home or God forbid engaged someone in your home, then the next time will be different. I promise you.

As I stated above the odds are not in your favor, but there is always hope and a chance.

First, study the layout of your home. If you have two floors or a basement with a sliding door then you may have a difficult time clearing your home in this instance. Hence, if this happens at night (more than likely) then draw up a plan to collect your children and get behind a door in a defensible location. If your bedroom is at the end of the hallway and your child’s room is at the top of the stairs, then figure out whose covering and who’s grabbing the kid. Get back to your safe area and call 911 post or pre movement but call them, preferable post movement. If you have no children then DO NOT MOVE. Lock the bedroom and call the police. Have your firearm ready and keep 911 on the phone (do this IF you have children). Let law enforcement know you are armed. When the police do arrive, they will announce themselves.

So let’s speculate a moment. You realize to your horror that someone is in your home. You have a plan to get to the rooms and fall back to your safe location. You go into the last bedroom to retrieve your youngest child and they are not in their bed. I’ll let that sink in for a moment. You are armed, you may have someone in your home AND one of your kids is not there. Search the room, search the bathroom, search the house…the key word here is you will have to SEARCH for this child. Let’s say your wife takes the other children into the bedroom and locks the door. Do you have another firearm in the house that she will be using? If you have one gun and you have it, then what if something happens to you? Let’s move on from that…you are looking through your home. DO you have a light? Is it attached to your firearm? With your adrenalin through the roof and senses spiked, can you identify a threat from say, a fast scared moving child? And let’s just say for happy ending (maybe) that you find your kid and start making your way back to the bedroom. Did your wife tell the cops that you were downstairs (or outside the bedroom) looking for your child? They may show up ready for a fight see you in the dark with a firearm and kill you. This happened to a former Marine who lived in a bad neighborhood. Cops hit the wrong home who he mistook as aggressors, engaged and was killed by police. But I digress…let’s say you get to your bedroom door. In all the excitement you reach for the door not thinking and it’s locked (well yeah, your wife locked it) in a split second muscle reflex you turn and jiggle the door knob. Oops! You may be on the receiving end of a volley of bullets from a scared mother or significant other.

 

How’s your plan doing? Now, let’s say that everyone is safe but for whatever reason you are out and about in the house. In your undies you encounter the intruder. He stops but doesn’t move, just stares at you. It’s dark and you don’t have a light (get a damn light). DO you shoot him? What distance is he to you? Are you between him and an exit? AND more importantly, does he have a weapon? Split second choices will have to be made. Are you ready for that?

Choices have been made, as in the movie “Boondock Saints”, THERE WAS A FIREFIGHT!!!! Indeed violence will be met with violence. Any vet in a fight knows that fundamentals go out the window pretty quick. It comes down to muscle memory. You should know where all the sweet spots are located in your home. YOU should know which way to move so as to not trip on a stick of furniture. YOU need to know where to hold your firearm, which way to shoot, and the shots that may go through and hit someone you love. YOU take responsibility for YOUR defense. It does not stop at buying a handgun, shotgun, AR, or mini-gun. You have to train like there is no tomorrow because if you don’t get this right, there may not be.

The bottom line is that this is not easy nor is it a roller coaster of vigilante fun. If you have decided to defend your home with a firearm there must be a list of things to consider. Cross-talk with others and learn if they have a plan. When you make a plan apply the K.I.S.S concept, Keep It Simple Stupid

Additionally I would be remiss to emphasize safety. Always store your firearms safely with kids in your home. Be careful clear your firearms when training and be safe.

 

Bottom line: An extremely violent trespasser is not something your average American can possibly fathom. Train hard, train smart, and prepare yourself and your family for a worse-case scenario or become a statistic. Harsh words for a harsh reality.

 

In my next blog I'll take a closer look at handguns for home defense.

5 so-called home defense experts.

5 so-called home defense experts

We have all met this guy in light conversation in the office or gun club. He is the resident expert on home defense. He includes statistics and talks in a raised eyebrow you should agree tone. His firearm of choice is the only viable option and will argue like a politician to secure his point, they are the “So-Called Home Defense Experts”

Now keep in mind that this is my perspective and humble opinion. Please let me know if you have a similar experience.

AR-15 Guy:

 This guy wants you to believe that every home defense situation is a quick trip back in time to Vietnam. He does not go into detail about tactics or specific ammunition, just that the black rifle fires an enormous amount of rounds and is great for running off large gangs of thugs.

Reality—The AR-15 used properly is an excellent home defense firearm. Depending on the basic layout of your home--that will determine the ammo and training you will need to ensure success and save the lives of your loved ones.

 Comrade AK-47:

He believes that when you have to absolutely kill every mother-F*&#@ in the room the AK is the weapon of choice. This person will swear up and down that the very sight of the AK will cause a fecal explosion in the pants of the nefarious infiltrator and he will run from your home in fear.

Reality—Once again no mention of training or ballistics with the AK. With the scores of variants in the US, it stands to reason that this firearm is in the average household. However, understanding the firearm is understanding the difficult nature of it as a home defense firearm. The AK fires a round that is roughly equivalent to a 30 caliber brush gun. Again, study the dimensions of your house and the material that lines your walls to ensure there will be little to no penetration.

 Shotgun Noise:

“The very sound of a shotgun will make them stop. That noise-you know-the sound of a shotgun racking a round in the chamber will send chills right up the spine. You see I’ve never had to use ol’ Betty here, because her bark is worse than her bite.” We all know this guy when looking for the best home defense firearm. He is orally passing down the same old story he heard from someone in a bait shop or gun club. This person cannot be reasoned with, nor can they give specifics to the follow-up question; what if they don’t run?

Reality-The shotgun is a superb home defense firearm. It does have some disadvantages such as weight and bulk. Not everyone in your household will be able to shoot or handle a 12 gauge shotgun. Who said it had to be a 12 gauge, more and more people are using the 20 gauge as a viable shotgun option for home defense. It’s light enough and still packs a punch. As for the noise, it may or may not work. Are you willing to bet your life on it? Train, train and more training. No your rounds and your shotgun and various distances within your home. A normal shotgun pattern will stay tight until after a certain distance, so unless you live in a mansion, just aiming in the general direction will not suffice.

Dirty Harry The Revolver Guy:

 

Usually an old timer who once fired a pistol in the air to scare away some “damn” teenagers in his yard. This man will go on and on about how the revolver holds just enough rounds to do the job until the cops show up. I once heard a man at a local gun club exclaim, “If I can’t get him with 6 then I deserve to die” WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY MAN?

Reality-The revolver is one of the oldest home defense firearms in the world. It rarely jams and can pack a mean punch to anyone looking to inflict harm. Not to mention, it does strike an intimidating pose with its iconic standing with Americans. All that aside, how quickly can you reload the revolver? Will you bring extra ammo with you while clearing room to room in your underwear? How do you clear a jam? The revolver is a great defense firearm but needs very special attention to fire and accurately acquire your intended target, especially at night.

 

…Of The Highest Caliber:

 

“I only need one shot to put ‘em down. That’s why I carry a *insert highest caliber possible*. Sure I don’t have a lot of bullets, but don’t need ‘em”. We ALL know this person. They scrutinize and peal back the reasons why you shouldn’t own a smaller caliber firearm. They put no stock into any ballistics except their chosen bullet. It would be easier to get two opposing politicians to agree on pro-life/pro-choice than change his mind.

Reality- Plain and simple situation dependence. I cannot say for certain that one shot is what you will need or not need in a given situation. However, police, military, and many shooting courses will teach follow up shots. The reason is simple, in a home defense situation you will be afraid or at least the adrenaline will be coursing through your body. This makes it very difficult to calmly place a single accurate shot. Furthermore, it is unlikely that a single well placed shot will do the job. If you are truly in fear for your life and your loved ones, then you must fire until the threat has been dealt with. That means out of your home or no longer moving.

 

The reoccurring theme to debunk most of these would-be experts is training. There are many companies that dedicate time and effort that properly train you to defend your home and your family. When it comes to firearm selection, use what you have, but be well trained with that firearm. If the only firearm you can afford is a Highpoint 9mm, then become the unequivocal guru on that firearm. Know the limitations and advantages in your household. As always be aware of your domestic floor plan. Train at night and during the day. If truly serious, then it should be no different than drilling your family for a potential fire.

 

 

 

American Sniper from a vet perspective.

My wife and I went to see the movie with another couple to a sold out theater. I'm not fond of going to the movies for so many reasons--shitty exits, unknown threats, rude people, but the theater in Oklahoma was at least inviting enough to stifle my anxiety.

As I watched the movie unfold it was clear to me that this was not a SEAL promotion movie or a gratuitous violence movie--it was about a man faced with difficult choices to save fellow service members and having to return home with the burden of combat. You would think that the combat was the hardest part of war, but it is not--it is having a wife who wants to love you but cannot because she does not know how to help you through the mind-blowing shit that you have experienced. Further, you cannot help her because you cannot articulate or describe the horror and helplessness felt at times during those engagements. The movie does a beautiful job portraying this exact conundrum.

As I listened to the audience reaction when he killed the boy with the grenade and eventually shot the boys mother who had attempted to finish the job--it was a heart stopping gasp. When the scene was over the audience did move on adding it to the problems he had to face. Unfortunately, most understood, but could not comprehend the spiral down feeling that Bradley Cooper portrayed. At a birthday party he quickly reacts to the dog playing with children--believing it to be an attack his honed instinct is to eliminate the dog to protect his child. As a sniper, JTAC, platoon leader, officer, ect. The overwhelming feeling is to do anything to protect those ground pounders at whatever cost to your soul. This is often dismissed as just the war or something akin to being a vet, but it goes beyond this. My own experience on my 2nd deployment the enemy was constantly hitting us with mortars and small arms. We sent out patrol after patrol but always had a hard time finding them. Sometimes we would and destroy them and it felt good--I will not lie to you. However one night we had a enemy mortar team in our sights. The A10 overhead saw the flash and so did we. I believed this to be one of the easiest controls ever. I was fortunate to have another JTAC with me so it was painfully easy. Unfortunately the Tactical ops Center did not want to strike the enemy they wanted the Quick Reaction Team to intercept and capture the bad guys. Attempting to use the A10 to relay the quickest route proved difficult and the mortars team got away. Several weeks later, that enemy mortar found it's mark. It slammed into the old canvas style tents the military used to have--killing and trapping five soldiers to be burned alive in that tent. Meanwhile one of the fuel trucks had been hit exploding and catching another on fire--with no regard for himself an 11B private jumped in got the truck started and drove it away from his fellow soldiers. Fortunately only the tires were on fire and were put out by the act of driving it away. For his heroic, selfless action he was awarded an Army Commendation while our Battalion Commander and his Sergeant Major hid in the bunker and both received a Bronze star with valor. This is the war we fought, this is the war most do not know. My point is this--whatever it takes to protect your brothers you do it without hesitation. You cannot count on the military garrison system to protect you or back you up. I often think of that night when we had that mortar team--that I should have disobeyed orders and cleared the aircraft to destroy that team. Maybe those soldiers would still be alive.

Chris Kyle was an extraordinary man, great father and loving husband. The movie is a testament to a man who was driven to help his fellow vets and get them to work out their problems and feel like a man again. His life and death are a part of us all--the SEALs lost a great operator/friend/brother--the vets still trying to work through issues lost a mentor/guide/hero. And we all know what the Kyle family lost --a wonderful Husband and Father.

He was an advocate of getting healthy and confronting your problems. He understood that no matter what service or what the conditions, we are all in the same boat as far as screwed up things in combat. My personal battle with PTSD is on-going and will never just go away--Chris Kyle is someone that I can still look towards for guidance and pathways to help others and myself--as for Chris Kyle--he is an inspiration to help our vets and to prepare our future vets. Rest in Peace Chris Kyle--Thank you Mrs. Kyle, Mr. Eastwood and Mr. Cooper for helping Chris bring his vision and story to life for all to see.

I wanted to end with something profound, but the words escape me. All I can say is the book and the movie had the same effect on me--thank God my wife was there and will always be here to pick up my broken pieces and put me back together again. Chris Kyle has shown us the path to help our Soldiers Sailors Airmen and Marines. It is up to us not let him down.

If you have problems get yourself right--get help please.

Thank you brother, to my brothers that have served and the ones we just couldn't get home alive--I miss you, I miss you so much.

Mosin Nagant

I was lucky enough, a couple years ago, to find an M91 untouched in a pawn shop for 120 dollars. I know what you're thinking, So what they are all over pawn shops EVERYWHERE, Duh!
Well my friends it was a rare find indeed: It was a 1916 M91. First and foremost most M91 were converted in the 1930s to the M91/30 which shortened the barrel, added a hood over the front sight, and changed the rear sight. Eventually the hex receiver changed to a round receiver.

So why was this so unique? It sounds like one slipped through. Well I will educate you my friend.
The Bolshevik Revolution occurred in 1917 with its grand promises of the united worker against the "evil" tyranny of the Czar. Meanwhile, there was an enormous contingent of Russian soldiers on the front lines with World War I nearing its final bloody years. This made it easy (relative) for the Bolsheviks to take advantage of a home front security with so many of the motherland's troops on the front. But they needed weapons and so did the government forces with so many assets going toward the troops.

Armed with this knowledge, I examined the rifle very close. Looking for proof marks, stamps and dates.
-It had no communist marks--This was unusual most Mosins that were turned in after the communist took over were re-stamped. Even captured rifles were re-stamped with the gaining countries proof marks or re-barreled for there primary cartridge. One of the most sought after Mosins is the Finnish Rifle re-stamped with an SA. Even the Germans re-stamped captured rifles. Once again, this had nothing but the original stamps.
-One unusual defacing of the rifle was the imperial stamp of the Czar. It had been "stabbed out" with a knife or bayonet. If this had been a recent marring it would have been sharp on the raised edges, but these were worn down by time, which points to the fact that this was done decades ago. I can only surmise that this rifle had belonged to an angry communist who wanted to deface the imperial stamp to show his disdain for the ruling aristocrat. Of course this is only a speculation but it seems to fit human nature when opposed to an ideology or political idea.
-It has no visible import stamps. There are rifles that were brought over without import stamps but usually they are 1940s from WW II. Obviously there have been WW II rifles from the first war brought over, but not many in an un-changed condition, such as this particular Mosin. The Austro-Hungarian M-93 was brought back into service, but most that have made it to the US have the proper import stamps. This leads me to believe one of three things:
--This was a grabbed by a US soldier in WW I on a battlefield or traded after hostilities.
--It was acquired during a small US force along with a combined allied force attempted to help anti-communist Russians defeat the communists immediately after WWI.
--The rifle was somehow left in its original state by an average European and through a series of events, eventually fell in to the hands of a US soldier.
The end result is the same--it found its way to pawn shop in EL Paso and into my hands.

We blow off Mosins because the Russians made so many that we do not think they will ever run out. However, the supply is getting just a little tougher to fill lately and the rifle has made a 100-200 hundred dollar increase in value in the last year. We take for granted the WWII mosins are for the most part the same and I encourage everyone to own one , because they are a ton of fun to shoot. But if you are a collector you will be looking for those pre-1941 Mosins, specifically the ones for WWI. These are the gems for a collector. The really rare finds are the Mosins made in the US for the imperial Army from Remington and Winchester. You find one of those and you have yourself a keeper.

Take the time to get your mosin out of the closet blow of the dust and really look and the stamps. You never know when you may find a diamond in the rough. A great site to meet all your mosin needs is:
http://7.62x54r.net/

Remember to be safe, have fun and know your rifles history.

Useless and useful gun knowledge.

Where would be without the gun? Used both for good and evil it is a tool to enforce and defend. It is in essence just steel and wood--nothing more or less. We have demonized the tool instead of the people who use it, but that is not what this blog is truly about. All weapons throughout our history have fed, clothed and protected us. I am using this site as a tool to discuss, place and identify little known facts about firearms and their origins.

Often I would find an old gun with markings and search for hours sometimes weeks for the unique markings. That invariably led to the actual history of the firearm, which I found interesting--the people, places, and events that these firearms were used. Basically, the study of the firearm leads to  the people who used them and why they used them. We all have a very narrow view of firearm design, but events drive a necessity for improvement and innovation to aid in that particular cause or event.

I'm looking forward to sharing my knowledge and findings in this format. My hope is to educate and enlighten--not just about "guns" but the history behind them and the people who used them. As James Earl Jones says in Conan, "What is steel, without the hand that wields it"

I will begin my research and can't wait to read your feedback. Keep it clean and professional. This is not a blog about whether guns should BE in society. The have been here for hundreds of years--this is about the history and the search for knowledge.

Thanks