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What is a Mosin-Nagant M1891/30 rifle?

This is a sturdy bolt-action rifle that requires the soldier to pull a handle back to load each new bullet. It was the main weapon used by North Korean soldiers when the Korean War started in 1950. Because it was simple and strong, it was a very common sight on the battlefield.

When and where was this rifle made?

The M1891/30 model was an updated version of a much older design from 1891 and was officially introduced in 1930. These rifles were built at famous gun factories in the Soviet Union called Izhevsk and Tula. Huge numbers of these weapons were produced there to supply soldiers during many different wars.

How was the rifle used during the Korean War?

Most North Korean infantry soldiers carried this rifle as their primary weapon for daily combat. Skilled marksmen often added special glass scopes to their rifles to turn them into sniper tools. This allowed soldiers to hide and hit targets from very far away with great accuracy.

What is one notable fact about this rifle?

This rifle is famous for being incredibly tough and dependable. It was designed to keep working perfectly even when it was covered in thick mud, deep dust, or freezing winter snow. Because it was so rugged, soldiers could trust it in the harshest weather conditions.

What is the historical legacy of the Mosin-Nagant?

Millions of these rifles were manufactured and fought in many major conflicts throughout the 1900s, including World War II. They stayed in use for a long time until armies switched to newer, faster automatic guns. The Mosin-Nagant is remembered today as a symbol of mid-century infantry combat.

Home Library North KoreaMosin-Nagant M1891/30

Bolt-action Rifle

Mosin-Nagant M1891/30

A rugged bolt-action rifle that served as the standard infantry firearm for North Korean troops in 1950.

North Korea Introduced 1930 Izhevsk / Tula State ArsenalsRole: Standard infantry service rifle

Specifications

Caliber

7.62x54 mm R

Weight

8.8 pounds

Length

48.5 inches

Magazine Capacity

5 rounds

The Mosin-Nagant M1891/30 of North Korea

History

The Mosin-Nagant was first created for the Russian Empire in 1891 and updated in 1930. Millions of these bolt-action rifles were built and used against invading armies during World War II.

When North Korea built its armed forces, the Soviet Union sent trainloads of surplus Mosin-Nagants to arm infantry units. The rifle was very tough and could keep firing even in extreme mud, dust, and freezing winter snow.

During the Korean War, many North Korean marksmen also used scoped versions as sniper rifles. It remained a primary frontline rifle until semiautomatic carbines and assault rifles replaced it later in the Cold War.