No firearm of any kind has been produced in greater numbers or been more widely embraced as a symbol than the AK-47 Kalashnikov. But for more than a half-century before the AK-47 appeared, the Russians already specialized in making a cheap, rugged, simple to use, and effective weapon. Thatโs the legendary Mosin Nagant rifle Model 1891 (or M91 for short).
With more than 37 million produced, the Mosin Nagant rifle joins the AK-47 and Mauser Gewehr 98 on the list of most-produced small arms designs. Production exceeds 40 million since the late 19th century.
Made With a Short Stock - For a Good Reason
Over 40 countries used this five-shot, bolt-action, internal-magazine-fed, military rifle during its 80-year service life. It passed through many revisions and models, but its stock always kept a straight grip, a dismally short length of pull and a contusion-inducing steel butt plate.
In fact, the standard stock with a short pull-length was tailor-made for the average physical constitution of that time Russian conscript. In addition to stature, the design also had in mind that the soldier spent most of the year dressed in bulky Russian winter uniform.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Mosin Nagant Stocks
Comparison of the Best Mosin Nagant Stocks
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Benefits of Upgrading Your Mosin Nagant Stock
Upgrading the stock of your Mosin Nagant has some amazing benefits associated with it. These benefits include;
Lightweight
The original wooden stock of the Mosin Nagant is quite heavy, especially when compared with other rifles in the category. Upgrading to a new and lightweight polymer or fiberglass-based stock helps with carrying the rifle. Plus, the reduction in weight and ergonomics also aid in the performance of the rifle.
Less Maintenance
If you have a wooden stock on your Mosin Nagant, you probably know how hard is it to maintain it. Wooden stocks need to be polished and cleaned regularly. They also need to be protected if they have some etching or crafty work over them. Additionally, wood is also prone to warping and swelling. Upgrading to a better stock eliminates these issues.
Tactical Advantage
Upgrading to a better stock gives you a sheer tactical advantage. We all know how hard it is to mount a scope, bipod, or sling to the OEM Mosin Nagant. Additionally, the rifle is generally used for hunting and precision shooting, so you need to have the right kind of stock for optimum performance.
Accuracy
The M91 is a dead-on accurate rifle. It has successfully been used as a sniper rifle for decades (For example, Simo Hayha [please link to his wiki profile for reference if you want]), even without the latest tech. So upgrading to a technically advanced stock will complement the accuracy of this already accurate rifle.
How to Choose a Mosin Nagant Stock
Now, lets look into some of the factors that one should consider while choosing a Mosin Nagant Stock.
Material and Weight
The Mosin Nagant originally used the wooden stock, which is heavy and also prone to warping and damage. Itโs not that wooden stocks are useless. But they require a great deal of care and attention.
So if youโre upgrading your stock, it is better to go for one made from fiberglass, hardened polymer, or any other durable composite, so your rifle stays resistant to fire, water, and pressure. Always remember that warping of a stock can and will affect the accuracy of your rifle.
Ergonomics
It is important that a stock feel comfortable in your hand or it will hamper handling and accuracy. Always check the ergonomics of a stock before choosing one.
Look for your individual preferences on vertical/slant grips, overall length, forend, and type of pattern on the stock. Always go for a stock which feels comfortable to use. Another thing to mention here are the aesthetics of the rifle.
Adjustability
Most stocks these days offer plenty of adjustability. Features such as adjustable length of pull and adjustable cheek risers have become a common attribute with the latest stocks.
Such stocks offer a tactical advantage to the shooter. Additionally, such adjustable stocks let you adhere to the shooting conditions, such as your stance, support, and the type of clothes you are wearing. Some stocks also offer storage space which is an added benefit to look for.
Mounting Options
The original Mosin Nagant is not a very friendly rifle at accepting accessories and mods, probably because it was made half a century ago. Upgrading to a better stock might offer you more room for attaching mods like scopes, bipods, slings, lights, and lasers.
Review of Aftermarket Stocks for the Mosin Nagant
Here we'll look at some of the changes you can make to your Mosin Nagant stock, from a simple replacement to an entirely new look.,
Our Top Pick:
ATI Monte Carlo Stock
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers praise the durability and lightweight design of this product. Despite the significant reduction in weight, this item doesnโt impede the accuracy of the Mosin. The rubber buttplate is very comfortable and the stock can be painted with regular spray paint and primer.
Why it Stands Out to Us
A logical improvement would be to replace the entire old stock with either a synthetic or hardwood one. ATI (Advanced Technology International) offers quality, affordable synthetic aftermarket stocks for a variety of long guns. These substitutes are built from DuPont thermal glass-strengthened polymer that is not affected by chemicals. Itโs designed to remain flexible in extreme temperatures.
This product is very simple and amazing lightweight when compared with OEM Mosing wood stocks. The fiberglass filled stock doesnโt require any maintenance and is virtually indestructible. Additionally, the top comb allows for faster alignment with scopes.
The new sleek Mosin Nagant synthetic stock comes with a non-slip 1" rubber butt pad, a great answer to the harsh kick of the potent 7x54R ammunition. The rubberized buttplate adds to the overall comfort while the checkered grip and sling points improve handling.
Other features include Monte Carlo-style 3M Soft Touch Cheekrest Pad. This helps in faster target alignment with the scope and improved comfort when shooting. Also, the ATI Monte Carlo stock features a checkered buttstock and forearm to provide a positive grip. It also has proper front and rear sling swivel studs.
The ATI synthetic stock is also suited for use in hunting since it is resistant to all types of weather conditions. This is a vast improvement over the original wooden stock. Furthermore, this transformation into an enticing hunting rifle is simple. The โdrop-in fitโ stock requires no gunsmithing or modification.
Despite breathing a new life into an โold soldier" with plastic furniture, some shooters find a few complaints. These include that it may actually require more modification to add than the maker claims. Also, the check rest is not ambidextrous and the new synthetic stock weighs only a few ounces less than the original wood stock.
Perhaps a more serious drawback in the construction concept is that the stock is secured to the rifle by only a single fastener. It also lacks a new set of barrel bands to hold it in place on the barrel.
Who Will Use This Most
This item is perfect for practice and hunting. Being lightweight, the stock can be carried with ease on long and strenuous hunting trips in the woods. The product is also great for people who want to preserve their OEM wood stocks or want an inexpensive but effective replacement.
Bottom Line
The Monte Carlo stock is a lightweight, indestructible and simple replacement item for the Mosin Nagant. It is an inexpensive product that requires little to no fitting and fits every Mosin Nagant model with ease.
Runner-up:
Pro Mag Archangel Stock
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
The ProMag Archangel is a widely appreciated stock. Users like its overall functions and praise its ease of installation. Another important point is that the product accepts aftermarket triggers(like Timney) without customization. The recoil feels better than the wooden stock and includes a barrel tensioner if needed.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The stock makes the good โol Mosin Nagant more tactical and able to compete with the latest rifles. The adjustable LOP and cheek rest, along with an ergonomic pistol grip and QD points makes handling even more convenient. The small storage compartment in the grip is also helpful for keeping batteries or similar stuff.
The rugged, battle-proven Mosin Nagant bolt gun was built in response to centuries-old military tactics. It remained in service for more than 70 years worldwide. This old warhorse has found a new life in the hands of thousands of gun enthusiasts as a powerful plinker and even as a hunting rifle. Many shooters and hunters use them in their issued condition. But if you want to โsporterizeโ this gun for tactical use, the Archangel drop in stock is a great option.
The Pro Mag Archangel offers a TRG sniper-style stock made from fiberglass. It resembles a high-end sniper or bench-rest typical stock. Itโs a target-grade synthetic stock with a click-adjustable cheek-riser. It has a fully-adjustable length of pull with a rubber butt-pad and a modern ergonomic, more-vertical pistol grip stock.
This aftermarket stock comes in three colors: black, desert tan and olive drab. Its forend allows free-floating of the barrel, taking this awesome weapon to a completely new level.
The Pro Mag Archangel stock will fit Mosin Nagant rifles with the M91/30 designation. Models such as the M44, M38 and others may need some modification. In addition, the Archangel stock is pre-inletted for a Timney trigger which drops right in. However, the stock takes fiddling to get it to work with an original factory trigger.
The most distinctive feature of Archangel sporterized synthetic stock is its detachable black-polymer 5-round magazine. It allows much faster reloads of the Mosin Nagant without having to use stripper clips. A 10-round magazine is available separately. However, the magazine design is not up to the overall quality of the stock, as the retaining clip and spring on the mag are weak. This can cause feeding issues.
The poorly-made wooden stocks often warped from weather changes. By replacing them with stocks built of a carbon fiber-filled super-tough polymer, you can have a next-generation Mosin Nagant appropriate for a survival weapon or a large-game rifle on a budget.
Who Will Use This Most
The stock is ideal for hunters and competitive shooters. The adjustable LOP and cheek riser allows the shooter to adjust the rifle according to the situation. The ergonomic grip and comfortable buttpad also aids with comfort. The durable carbon-polymer is quite rugged and can be used in harsh hunting environments without worrying about scratches or damage.
Bottom Line
Look no further than this ProMag Archangel stock if you want a comprehensive option to upgrade your Mosin Nagant. The item converts the Mosin into a tactical rifle, and the detachable magazine makes reloading a breeze. The product is great for hunting and competitions given its adjustable and durable nature.
3. Boydโs Prairie Hunter Model
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This item has an amazing and pleasing finish which makes the rifle look astounding. The rubber butt pad along with the grip caps offer comfortable handling. The product requires some minor fitting with some models, but itโs not very complicated.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Probably the best compromise in converting a military surplus gun into an elegant hunting rifle is the Boyd Gunstockโs classic stock. Boydโs produces wood and laminated stocks for just about every bolt-action rifle, shotgun and rimfire long gun. Their Classic Hardwood Prairie Hunter model is a great replacement stock for the venerable Mosin Nagant original. And itโs available in a reasonable price range.
The stock has an ergonomic design with palm swells and a riser cheek rest. The forend, grip and the buttpad have been meticulously designed to offer the best quality. The stock can be customized on the manufacturerโs website according to your needs, so that leaves almost no room for dissatisfaction.
The Boyd`s great drop-in Prairie Hunter stock fits like a glove. It really changes the fit and feel of the Mosin Rifle. It improves functionality and accuracy and converts it into a modern sportsman rifle. Boyd's Classic stocks feature a finished quality walnut stock with a military barrel channel. This requires some inletting and fitting. On the other hand, they use two reinforcing screws for added strength. This allows a โSporterโ profile barrel to be perfectly free-floated without further modifications.
The Monte Carlo comb of the Boyd`s design is slightly raised to make a natural line of sight with a scope. This helps prevent shooters from naturally climbing up the scope. But it lacks a proper cheek weld when using a scope, which is annoying.
It also comes with a 1/2 inch recoil pad on the butt of the stock for the best recoil absorption.
The new sport stock has a โclassic designโ pistol grip enabling proper trigger finger placement. The forend is swelled just enough to give the shooterโs hand something beefy to grip but doesnโt add much weight.
Overall, the quality of the wood and the feel of the finish make this piece of furniture quite distinctive. Itโs great for those who are looking for the โtraditionalโ rifle look.
Who Would Use This Most
The stock is great for target practice, plinking and even hunting. While the finish is prone to marring, the item will give you the exact weight and feel of an old Mosin Nagant. The product is also useful for gun collectors who rarely use their Mosin and are seriously concerned about maintenance.
Bottom Line
This laminated stock is a great option for people who want a wooden replacement for their Mosin Nagant. The item can be customized to your wish and offers extreme comfort and ergonomic satisfaction while shooting. While the price of this product goes up as you increase the details, it is still a worthy option for classic design lovers.
4. M91/30 Lower Wood Stock
One of the most affordable stock upgrades that can improve the exterior of your surplus Mosin is an M91/30 Lower Wood Stock. This replacement is quick and simple since the Mosin Nagant is easily disassembled by removing two screws and sliding off two barrel bands.
It allows the owner to replace an original broken or damaged lower stock that may have scuffs or scratches. These pieces can be replaced with used but well-preserved stocks that improve your rifleโs appearance.
5. Mosin Nagant MNAR Stock
If you like to keep up with the latest trends, the Bullpup MNAR stock is a perfect upgrade for your time-proven Mosin Nagant M91/30.
This futuristic rifle stock was developed by American company Center Balanced Rifle Platform Systems (CBRPS). It offers a conversion kit for a bolt-action bullpup rifle. The frame is made out of aluminum. The front handguard with a foldable vertical foregrip is molded from high-resistance polymers. True to its name, the MNAR stock kit combines a Mosin Nagant interior with a typical AR pistol grip to improve its functionality and accuracy. That makes it great for those who want the increased heavy long-range ballistics of the 7.62x54R cartridge.
The upper part of this stock will accommodate a carrying handle or provide a stable platform to mount a scope properly. The owner can use the lower rail for mounting a bipod, laser, flashlight or any other gun accessories.
The bullpup design of Center Balanced System provides unique balance due to the placement of the center of gravity. With this rifle, itโs at the web of the right hand. This surprisingly easy enhancement will transform the Mosin from a long rifle to a handy bullpup. Only simple tools are needed, and there are no permanent modifications.
The CBRPS has also released a new bullpup kit version for the Mosin Nagant 91/30 called the Mosin Nagant Cossack ES. The M-N Cossack stock features very clean lines. It differs from MNAR mainly in the grip and trigger guard area. The Cossack has a slick and modern-looking non-AR grip type and trigger guard setup.
Conclusion
Even though itโs mass-produced military surplus rifle and deserves preservation, the Mosin Nagant can also adapt to some contemporary improvements. After all, itโs survived through parts of three centuries.
The Mosin Nagants are fairly common and plentiful, so there are enough to both be preserved and to offer the opportunity for changes. It can be an amazingly fun project to transform a Mosin Nagant rifle into an appealing hunting rifle. And it usually doesnโt require gunsmithing or difficult changes to the rifle!
