Mosins from AIM Surplus?

rondog · 02-07-2008, 01:53 PM

My local Big 5 store always has Mosin's on sale, and I've checked them out a few time, but just haven't bought one yet. The thing I don't like is how filthy and grimy they are.

The ones from AIM Surplus, are they like that too? Or are they in cleaner, better condition? Looks like they come with a goodie kit too, and I don't know if the Big 5 rifles do. They're not the friendliest folks at that store.

So, what's the consensus? Where's the best place to buy from, Big 5 or AIM? Prices seem to be pretty even, but then there's the shipping and FFL fee if bought from AIM.....

marion57 · 02-07-2008, 01:58 PM

you can see what your buying at big 5 you dont know at aim , that being said I have bought 2 from aim and both were arsenal refinished .. i have a cr so no ffl charge shipping was around 16 bucks as I recall.. No mater where you buy your gonna have to clean the rifle up ..

.22guy · 02-07-2008, 02:22 PM

I agree with what marion said. It's luck of the draw when you order from AIM. Plus, you will have to pay the shipping and any FFL transfer fees. That being said I've ordered from AIM:
1 91/30: Not that greasy but only average condition/bore

1 Laminated M44: Pretty clean, and excellent shape.

1 hardwood M44: Grease packed, but in good shape.

You shouldn't see the cosmoline as a bad thing. That stuff is what allows us to buy these rifles in good condition. It is a preservative.

NRAJOE · 02-07-2008, 03:08 PM

I've gotten great ones from SOG....

squirrelbaster · 02-07-2008, 03:13 PM

what is "sog"? stick of gum?
my local shooting suply store (vances) is selling 91/30s for $59.99 right now (usualy$79.99) i could not think of any reason not to buy another for that price!! so i did!! wish they had there m44 for that price but they must have an easyer time selling them couse there still the $89.99 they always are. they are rebuilt by R-guns but for that price i dont care!

NRAJOE · 02-07-2008, 03:17 PM

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Cyrano · 02-07-2008, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by squirrelbaster

my local shooting suply store (vances) is selling 91/30s for $59.99 right now (usualy$79.99) i could not think of any reason not to buy another for that price!! so i did!!

Dammit, why don't the gun stores anywhere around here ever offer a deal like that!? If you can find a Mosinat all, the starting price is $150, with no accessories, in the original cosmoline, and they are usually the M44 model that does not enthuse me. If I could get the friggin' bayonet band off the barrel, it would be another story; I simply don't like that setup. An M38, now... or an M91/30 or an original M91, for $60 and take it home the same day, yet? Oh, am I jealous!

.22guy · 02-07-2008, 06:07 PM

I think the bayo band does come off the M44s. I've never tried it myself though.

tmfun · 02-07-2008, 06:34 PM

My experience w/ B5. Bought a 91/30 & M44. Both were REALLY clean. Had to take the bolts apart to find any cosmoline. Ran H#9 through the bore of the 44 and the fourth patch came out white as snow. The trick at B5 is A. You need to get the Sunday sale flyer on Saturday and go to the store immediatly. B. The guns on display are pigs. You need to ask to see the ones in the back. That is where they hide the gems but hey, you can't blame them for trying to get rid of the pigs 1st. Also, they usually only have 2 or three in stock for the sale so get there early. If you don't like what you see, try again at next weeks "Big Sale".

marion57 · 02-07-2008, 07:03 PM

barrel band on m44 wont come off without removing site

SwedeSteve · 02-07-2008, 07:03 PM

Cyrano- The front sight/bayonet lug is all one peice held in by 2 pins. They come off, but are hard to get off. Watcha wanting to do when you get it off?

Cyrano · 02-07-2008, 08:41 PM

Just to get the bayonet off, Steve. The side-folding bayonet offends my sense of what is proper for a military rifle, and I feel it adversely affects the balance of the rifle. Strictly subjective. No rational reason. I f I got a M44 for collecting purposes, I'd leave it in place; but for a shooter, I'd much rather have it gone.

.22guy · 02-07-2008, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marion57

barrel band on m44 wont come off without removing site

Yes, I think you are correct. Well, there's always hacksaws!

troy2000 · 02-07-2008, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmfun

My experience w/ B5. Bought a 91/30 & M44. Both were REALLY clean. Had to take the bolts apart to find any cosmoline. Ran H#9 through the bore of the 44 and the fourth patch came out white as snow. The trick at B5 is A. You need to get the Sunday sale flyer on Saturday and go to the store immediatly. B. The guns on display are pigs. You need to ask to see the ones in the back. That is where they hide the gems but hey, you can't blame them for trying to get rid of the pigs 1st. Also, they usually only have 2 or three in stock for the sale so get there early. If you don't like what you see, try again at next weeks "Big Sale".

I've had the opposite experience a couple of times, including the first one I bought there. They had a beautiful 91/30 on the rack, and I was jazzed. Told the gal I'd take it. She put it back on the rack, hauled a sealed box out of the back room, and started taking the information off the box.

I asked her to open it for me, and the rifle wasn't bad, but it wasn't the gem her display piece was. So I told her, "I'll take that one instead." She didn't look happy, but she didn't argue either. She did ask if she could keep it on display until the end of California's 10-day waiting period, and I told her I didn't mind. But when I went back a couple of days later to show it to someone, they had boxed it and put it in the back anyway.

It probably dawned on her she could have an argument on her hands, if someone else wanted that particular piece and she had to tell them it was already sold...

You're right about limited stock, and getting there early. When I bought my 91/59, the manager of that Big 5 told me she wasn't allowed to have more than three of each weapon in stock at any given time, sale or no sale. Also, if you get there early on the first day of the sale, you sometimes get an "early-bird special" where they knock off an extra five bucks.

SwedeSteve · 02-07-2008, 09:40 PM

Cyr- Your easiest fix is buy a M38, or a M91/59 and loose the bayo altogether!Are you saying you just want to take the bayo itself off? Or remove the whole bayo and lug as well?

Paper · 02-07-2008, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by squirrelbaster

what is "sog"? stick of gum?

SOG (Southern Ohio Gun) and AIM Surplus are both just north of Cinncinati..

Of the 8 or so M44's, 4 of the M38's, and the 91/30's I've bought from both Aim and Sog were all in fantastic shape. The only one that was less than like new was the M38 I bought from Interordance.. It was OK, but far from as nice as those from the Ohio connections..

SanDiegoRedneck · 02-07-2008, 10:29 PM

My experience with Big 5 is to completely check out the rifle. After I purchased an M44 from them I found that the extractor on the bolt was broken and that I am missing the top follower and spring on the magazine assembly. Fortunately I have found websites where I ordered the missing parts.

marion57 · 02-07-2008, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by .22guy

Yes, I think you are correct. Well, there's always hacksaws!

the bayo lug leaves the barrel looking crappy when its removed and it would have to be re blued and and to me isnt worth the trouble I would just buy a m38 or 91x 59 ( which I am looking for) ( I have a M38) and yep 22 guy your so right a hack saw works! hehe

let me correct myself the barrel band wont go over the bayo lug !! it will go over the site sorry guys had to go back and re read what I said a couple of times before I caught what I said

just_a_car · 02-08-2008, 04:55 AM

Marion, I've been thinking of selling one of my two 91/59's that I got from Big 5, but my asking price is probably higher than what most would consider "reasonable", because I believe I realize that these are as rare (these days) or rarer than a 91/30 ex-sniper.

billy · 02-08-2008, 05:06 AM

i made buddies with the kids that work at my local big 5. and they gave me the lowdown.
shipments arrive on monday .
so show up tuesday and get 1st pick.
a couple of the boys there actually know a bit about milsurps being collectors themselves so they are good allies.

02-07-2008, 01:53 PM	#1
rondog Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Parker, CO Posts: 1,239 Trader Rating: (0)	Mosins from AIM Surplus? My local Big 5 store always has Mosin's on sale, and I've checked them out a few time, but just haven't bought one yet. The thing I don't like is how filthy and grimy they are. The ones from AIM Surplus, are they like that too? Or are they in cleaner, better condition? Looks like they come with a goodie kit too, and I don't know if the Big 5 rifles do. They're not the friendliest folks at that store. So, what's the consensus? Where's the best place to buy from, Big 5 or AIM? Prices seem to be pretty even, but then there's the shipping and FFL fee if bought from AIM.....

02-07-2008, 02:22 PM	#3
.22guy Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 4,066 Trader Rating: (0)	I agree with what marion said. It's luck of the draw when you order from AIM. Plus, you will have to pay the shipping and any FFL transfer fees. That being said I've ordered from AIM: 1 91/30: Not that greasy but only average condition/bore 1 Laminated M44: Pretty clean, and excellent shape. 1 hardwood M44: Grease packed, but in good shape. You shouldn't see the cosmoline as a bad thing. That stuff is what allows us to buy these rifles in good condition. It is a preservative. __________________ Guns: they are like baseball cards except they are cool and you can kill things with em. -Billy

02-07-2008, 03:08 PM	#4
NRAJOE Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Toledo,OH Posts: 19,014 Trader Rating: (0)	I've gotten great ones from SOG.... __________________ U.S. Army 1976-1979 237th Combat Engineers Heilbronn, Germany

02-07-2008, 03:13 PM	#5
squirrelbaster Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,072 Trader Rating: (0)	what is "sog"? stick of gum? my local shooting suply store (vances) is selling 91/30s for $59.99 right now (usualy$79.99) i could not think of any reason not to buy another for that price!! so i did!! wish they had there m44 for that price but they must have an easyer time selling them couse there still the $89.99 they always are. they are rebuilt by R-guns but for that price i dont care! Last edited by squirrelbaster; 02-07-2008 at 03:25 PM.

02-07-2008, 03:17 PM	#6
NRAJOE Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Toledo,OH Posts: 19,014 Trader Rating: (0)	Southern Ohio Guns About Us __________________ U.S. Army 1976-1979 237th Combat Engineers Heilbronn, Germany Last edited by NRAJOE; 02-07-2008 at 03:18 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

02-07-2008, 01:58 PM	#2
marion57 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Missouri Posts: 2,692 Trader Rating: (0)	you can see what your buying at big 5 you dont know at aim , that being said I have bought 2 from aim and both were arsenal refinished .. i have a cr so no ffl charge shipping was around 16 bucks as I recall.. No mater where you buy your gonna have to clean the rifle up ..

02-07-2008, 06:07 PM	#8
.22guy Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 4,066 Trader Rating: (0)	I think the bayo band does come off the M44s. I've never tried it myself though. __________________ Guns: they are like baseball cards except they are cool and you can kill things with em. -Billy

02-07-2008, 06:34 PM	#9
tmfun Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: San Jose, California Posts: 69 Trader Rating: (0)	My experience w/ B5. Bought a 91/30 & M44. Both were REALLY clean. Had to take the bolts apart to find any cosmoline. Ran H#9 through the bore of the 44 and the fourth patch came out white as snow. The trick at B5 is A. You need to get the Sunday sale flyer on Saturday and go to the store immediatly. B. The guns on display are pigs. You need to ask to see the ones in the back. That is where they hide the gems but hey, you can't blame them for trying to get rid of the pigs 1st. Also, they usually only have 2 or three in stock for the sale so get there early. If you don't like what you see, try again at next weeks "Big Sale".

02-07-2008, 07:03 PM	#10
marion57 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Missouri Posts: 2,692 Trader Rating: (0)	barrel band on m44 wont come off without removing site

02-07-2008, 07:03 PM	#11
SwedeSteve Grumpy Old Fart Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: AnchorTown, Alaska Posts: 9,136 Trader Rating: (0)	Cyrano- The front sight/bayonet lug is all one peice held in by 2 pins. They come off, but are hard to get off. Watcha wanting to do when you get it off? __________________ Thank God we don't get as much Government as we pay for! -Will Rogers

02-07-2008, 08:41 PM	#12
Cyrano Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: New York Posts: 1,963 Trader Rating: (0)	Just to get the bayonet off, Steve. The side-folding bayonet offends my sense of what is proper for a military rifle, and I feel it adversely affects the balance of the rifle. Strictly subjective. No rational reason. I f I got a M44 for collecting purposes, I'd leave it in place; but for a shooter, I'd much rather have it gone.

02-07-2008, 09:40 PM	#15
SwedeSteve Grumpy Old Fart Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: AnchorTown, Alaska Posts: 9,136 Trader Rating: (0)	Cyr- Your easiest fix is buy a M38, or a M91/59 and loose the bayo altogether!Are you saying you just want to take the bayo itself off? Or remove the whole bayo and lug as well? __________________ Thank God we don't get as much Government as we pay for! -Will Rogers

02-07-2008, 10:29 PM	#17
SanDiegoRedneck Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 49 Trader Rating: (0)	My experience with Big 5 is to completely check out the rifle. After I purchased an M44 from them I found that the extractor on the bolt was broken and that I am missing the top follower and spring on the magazine assembly. Fortunately I have found websites where I ordered the missing parts.

02-08-2008, 04:55 AM	#19
just_a_car Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Edmonds, WA Posts: 3,414 Trader Rating: (0)	Marion, I've been thinking of selling one of my two 91/59's that I got from Big 5, but my asking price is probably higher than what most would consider "reasonable", because I believe I realize that these are as rare (these days) or rarer than a 91/30 ex-sniper. __________________

02-08-2008, 05:06 AM	#20
billy spiritual counselor Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: a secret lab on the shores of lake titicaca Posts: 10,865 Trader Rating: (0)	i made buddies with the kids that work at my local big 5. and they gave me the lowdown. shipments arrive on monday . so show up tuesday and get 1st pick. a couple of the boys there actually know a bit about milsurps being collectors themselves so they are good allies. __________________ i'll keep an eye out for ya!