Original Item: Only One Available. These are so very rare, and this is the only example that we can remember having. A real pre-1899 Antique Russian Mosin-Nagant Dragoon Rifle, more officially referred to as the "Three Line Dragoon Rifle". This version was made intended for mounted Dragoon Light Cavalry, and was 2 1/2 inches shorter and 0.9lbs lighter than the full length Model of 1891 Infantry Rifle. This also means that it is the same dimensions as the later Model 91/30 rifle used throughout the 20th century. Some Dragoon Rifles were later updated to the 91/30 standard, and are referred to as "Ex-Dragoon" rifles.

This example however was never updated after the WWI period, and still has the correct 1908 Pattern Konovalov rear sight leaf attached to the distinctive 5-notch rear sight base. We also do not see any markings indicated that it was in Finnish Service, though we did note that it has a Finnish-style "finger joint" in the stock below the barrel band, definitely an interesting alteration worthy of further research. It still has the correct sling swivel slots as used on Russian / Soviet Mosin-Nagant rifles. It does have the later stock cross bolt for use with the heavier "Spitzer" bullets used, installed at the same time as the Konovalov rear sight, but we do not see any identifiable Soviet Era markings, so the rifle looks to have led a very interesting life, probably in storage for decades.

The official designation of this model is 3-линии драгунская винтовка образца 1891–го года which translates to "Three Line Dragoon Rifle, Model of 1891". The rifle has lots of issue markings, and is marked with serial number 127753 over the chamber. The bolt is non-matching, and is marked with the "Bow and Arrow" marking of Izhevsk Arsenal.

It still has the original flip up Konovalov rear sight, which correctly goes up to 3200 арши́ны (arshíny) an archaic measurement used by Russia through the first world war. Roughly equal to 71.12 cm, the ranges on the left side of the sight have been crossed out, and new measurements in meters added in hundreds of meters (12 x 100 arshíny = 8 1/2 x 100m). The numbers on the sight ladder for long range have not been altered, however there are no numbers visible on either side of the sight base. The top of the leaf is marked with К А В, which indicates that it is the sight leaf for a Dragoon rifle.

The barrel displays an Imperial Russian Double Headed Eagle over Cyrillic letters Л К just below the rear sight on the base of the barrel, and the same marking is repeated on the top front of the receiver.

The full markings on the barrel are:

(Imperial Eagle)
Л К
ИЖЕВСКІЙ
Оружейньій заводъ.

1896г.
127753

(Bow & Arrow)

These indicates original manufacture in 1896 at Izhevsk arsenal, a major producer of Mosin-Nagant rifles and carbines. The factory itself was founded in 1807 at the request of the Czar, and continues to manufacturer small arms do this day. We checked the tang of the receiver, and it is also marked with a faint "Bow & Arrow" over 1896г (г is short for год "god", or year in English), indicating that the barrel was not swapped out at any time. This also means that this is definitely a Pre-1899 antique firearm.

The firing pin holder is also marked with the "Bow & Arrow" proof of Izhevsk, while the front of the magazine housing is marked with the "Hammer" proof of Tula Arsenal, both Czarist markings which were discontinued following the Russian revolution and subsequent civil war. The rifle has definitely had parts swapped out during its long life.

Condition of the rifle is very good, especially considering the age and amount of service it must have seen. The stock is in good condition, with the expected dents, dings, and other damage from long service. It has almost certainly been refinished at arsenal in the past, possibly several times, but it still has a lovely color with lots of figuring to the grain. The metalwork is in good shape, with the finish worn to a grayish patina in some places, showing a lovely pattern of wear from long service. It still retains the original cleaning rod, which is in good shape, still threading properly into the stock.

The rifle cycles well, with a crisp dry fire, though we have no way to determine whether the magazine still feeds. The bore shows clear lands and grooves with a partly bright finish, showing some oxidation and fouling in the grooves. It definitely looks to have seen a good amount of service, and it also looks like there is some deformation of the very end of the barrel, possibly from being dropped on the muzzle.

A wonderful piece of Russian and Firearms history, the first Dragoon Rifle that we had had which was not later updated by Soviet or Finnish forces! Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1896
Caliber: 7.62×54mmR Russian
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length:& 29 Inches
Overall Length: 48 1/2 Inches
Action type: Bolt Action
Feed System: 5 Round Internal

More on the Mosin-Nagant Rifle:
The Russian "Mosin-Nagant" bolt-action rifle is arguably the most-produced rifle in history, with around 37 million being produced in various versions in several different countries. This number easily surpasses the Lee-Enfield, Mauser GEW98 and Mauser K98K in number produced. The reasons for this are multiple, including both the size of Russia and later USSR, as well as the long service life of this design, which is still in use today in some locations.

The history of what is known as the "Mosin-Nagant" rifle begins in the late 19th century in Russia, following the Russo-Ottoman war. During the course of the war, it became apparent that Russian troops needed a modern bolt-action rifle to compete with the rest of the world, so they started evaluations in 1889 on what would become the general issue rifle for infantry troops. Three designs were submitted, and at the time in Russia bullet diameter was measured in "line"s, where one line was 1/10 of an inch. This is what gave rise to the official name of the rifle, the "3-line rifle, Model 1891", as it was in .30cal, or 7.62mm. The name "Mosin-Nagant" is in reality somewhat of a misnomer, as the design chosen was designed by Mosin, not Nagant. However due to legal issues with Nagant over certain design aspects of the rifle, his name was attached to the design as well, leading to the name used in most of the world, the "Mosin-Nagant Model 1891". Three other models would subsequently be put into service prior to WWI: the M1891 Dragoon, the M1891 Cossack, and the M1907 Carbine.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to most US States and most U.S. territories.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to most addresses within the United States.