Mosins and Garands

[risk_3715]

Now, before anyone jumps down my throat and berrates me with snide remarks or insults I ask you to have an open mind on the subject.

To begin with: I own both an M1 Garand and a 91/30 Mosin Nagant. Both have significant history behind them. I also feel tied to both personally- I'm American and had relatives in the great second world war. I also lived in Russia and have been drawn to it's history and people so strongly I'd almost link them to myself as family.

I don't contest which is the better rifle since I feel that both have their unique positive qualities and downfalls. I love both for different reasons from a mechanical standpoint, sentiments aside.

However, I've found that I prefer to leave my M1 Garand in the safe; clean, oiled, and looking beautiful as it was after I received it from my father. When I see it or remember it, I do so with respect and honor. It's a reminder of a time when the whole country was in support of overcoming evil. When men, who loved their family and their country did what was necessary. to make the world a better place.

On the other hand, I find myself researching more and more about my Mosin Nagant. I study even further to the history of the peoples of Russia before and during socialism and communism. I love to look up markings on the different rifles and the vast background the many Mosin's have. They remind me of the people I lived with for years in Russia. The hardships they endured. Hardships greater than many an American ever saw or dreamed of. It throws me into the Russian mindset, very different, at times, from our own.

Once, several years ago after one of my english lessons, I was arrogant enough to boast of the American army and it's almost supreme power over any other country's militia to a russian friend. At once I was verbally attacked by her grandmother, also at the lesson. She was very upset at how I could claim that an army that was backed by such good funding, well fed, well supplied, advanced in the latest applicable technology, etc, could possibly be better than the millions of average hard working russian men and women who fought, at times with very little pay, scarce food, some with hardly a weapon besides a rock. Men and women who truly were defending their homes from invasion. They sweat, bled, cried, angered, feared as hardly any american soldier could ever. She said that American soldiers went home as heroes, had homes, a job, opportunity to continue life roughly as they left it, despite the horrors of war they experienced. Some russian soldiers, if they went home, went home to nothing. The war had altered their life at home forever.

Now, I see her viewpoint. I would try to argue it, but have found that there's no point. Part of what she belittled me by was true. Even now I find myself pitying more the Russian soldier than the American one. I understand that they may have needed more courage, more guts, more "gravel in their gut." They often had to overcome much greater odds than many of the American soldiers.

I do still idolize my American soldier heroes, though. They are my countrymen. They are what I try to represent and uphold.

All this portrays itself into my rifles. When I look at them or handle them, I see those differences and I'm split between the two.

Remember, I do not slander or disrespect American soldiers in any way- they're my family and my heroes. What do you all think? Of the two, which would you hold more respect for? Which do you love more? Why?

Thanks for reading me out. Hope to get some good feedback.

[just_a_car]

I would honor and respect neither over the other. They are both fine rifles and are deserving of both terms of endearment. I don't own a Garand, but I do own a 91/30 ex-sniper and two 91/59's.

As for your take versus the Babushka's take, I think you're both right in your own way, just like the two rifles are both excellent in their own way.

The men and women that held those rifles fought, bled and died for their freedoms and their livelihoods... and nothing can ever take that away from them... or us, as an inheritance. They have a right to be proud, we have a right to be proud, and our future generations have a right to be proud.

[billy]

this is a thought provoking thread .
thank you.

[Spikestrip]

Thanks Risk, this is indeed a thought provoking thread.
I own two Mosins, and have a Colt 1911A1 .45, and an M1 Garand on order from the CMP. Billy, and J.A.C. (two well respected members of this forum) post my thoughts exactly. Any two forces coming together on the battlefield, fighting for what they both believe in, are to be respected, even though their leaders might be at fault for their ideologies. World conquest, religious beliefs, territory takeover, even our own Civil War aside, the guys on the front, battling with whatever they have at their disposal *must* be respected for their determination and core belief in their cause. The weapons they used are a silent (except at the local range!) testament to this, and these tools of war are to be held in high regard by us, the caretakers of this history. I am sure you will receive many respectful posts on this board, the folks here are very thoughtful and knowledgable.

[toolman]

Every soldier who has answered the call of duty for his or her country deserves respect, even those who've done us harm. I have a lot of animosity toward the Nazis and Japanese for the atrocities committed by their leaders, but the soldier who did what he was told because he loved his country, is no different from our own. I can't really put what I'm trying to say into words, but I feel that a soldiers service is sacred and deserving of respect no matter what country he\she is from.

[Mooseman684]

All soldiers should be Pitied and respected at the same time for being put in that position by the Governments that they happen to be born Under... If the Soldiers were smart, they would drag the Politicians out to the battlefield and watch em Duke it out to determine a winner !
Rich

[bigbuddy21]

thank you for this question.every soldier deserves our respect.what kills me is the gutless politician who votes to send these brave warriors into battle and then when it looks like its not going right they start yelling that the pres. or the gens. have lied to them.they are the most disgusting people.lets put them on the front and see how quick they change.

[billy]

quote: Billy, and J.A.C. (two well respected members of this forum) post my thoughts exactly. : unquote
did ya hear that j.a.c.?
were respeckable!

[just_a_car]

Originally Posted by billy

quote: Billy, and J.A.C. (two well respected members of this forum) post my thoughts exactly. : unquote
did ya hear that j.a.c.?
were respeckable!

Yeah, I read that earlier and was gunna say something about "when did that happen?...", but figured I'd keep my mouth shut and accept the compliments when I can get 'em.

[risk_3715]

When I get on forums, I tend to try and expand my mind with these kinds of questions and ideas. I was afraid to pit the mosin against the garand on this forum because I know how much a guy can love the garand... I especially know. There were times you wouldn't see it out of my hand... even while I slept.

[Windwalker]

This is a good thought provoking post. Well done.