It depends on what you'll be using it for. The Mosin Nagant is generally more accurate and has a much further range than the SKS. However, the SKS is semi-automatic, smaller and lighter.
It would cost more than the rifle to do, but, yes.
, This is a very unsafe practice. While there are adapters made which allow one to fire pistol .32 caliber ammunition singly through the Mosin-Nagant, there is no rifle cartridge which will interchange with the 7.62x54R. Please do not try it. Josh Smith Smith-Sights.com
Slightly. These were sighted with the bayonet fixed, so the effect will be exaggerated with the bayonet folded.
not to rare but depends on the plant some are worth more than others just because of the number they produced or if the factory was bombed
Slightly. These were sighted with the bayonet fixed, so the effect will be exaggerated with the bayonet folded.
If it's Bolt action, it is more than likely to be a Mosin Nagant M91/30.Take a look at http://7.62x54r.net/. You can compare makers stamps and serial numbers.
Depends on the 12 yr old. The 91/30 M-N rifle has fairly stout recoil, but no worse than similar caliber rifles. A good recoil pad would be worth considering, and, as always, a minor should have the permission of parents.
Depending on exact model and condition anywhere from $25 to $7000 There were many different models of Mosin Nagant made, some rarer than others. A rusted M91/30 is not worth much. A Finnish cavalry carbine is rare and pricey. A generic Russian 91/30 in good condition is currently selling for between $80 and $110 in the US. A HUGE number of those were released from Russian military storage, and placed on the market for sale to civilians. There are several models of Mosin-Nagant rifle, made or modified by several manufacturers. The exact value depends on specifics... manufacturer, model, arsenal it was manufactured at, rare and distinct markings, overall condition, etc. You could be looking at anywhere from $70 to over $1000, depending on those specifics.
You will need to provide some additional information. More than 37 million Mosin-Nagant rifles were made in different models by several nations, mainly the Soviet Union, Poland and China. Value is based on exact make, model and condition- we do not know model nor condition. For 1953 manufacture, it is quite likely an M44. Those small carbines with a folding bayonet are currently selling for around $150-$200, depending on condition.
That is a difficult rifle to scope, and I have not seen a reciever mount other than the PU type. Some folks have used a long eye relief scope, and mounted it to the rear sight base. Sorry-
A lighter bullet will strike the target higher,due to its lighter weight which allows the bullet to be pushed faster(in feet per second) then the heavier bullet with the same weight of powder in the case.
Either the front sight will need to be raised, the rear sight lowered, or you will need to aim lower. Most military rifles have a minimum zero distance around 200 yards. If you are shooting at a closer distance, expect that the strike of the bullet will be other than point of aim.