Where can you find information on older weapons proof marks?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Oct 2017 00:43:01 -0400

Before you say anything, I've tried Google and there are a plethora of answers. I have recently come into possession of a 1942 91/30 Mosin-Nagant, an Enfield MKIII, and a 03-A3 Smith-Corona Springfield. I've been looking over the Mosin and Enfield and I have noticed various proof marks, some of which I recognize and some I don't. If you can point me in the right direction it would be greatly appreciated.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Oct 19 at 2017 9:45 AM

CSM Richard StCyr — Thu, 19 Oct 2017 09:45:47 -0400

The encyclopedia of guns goes into a lot of detail on proof marks. It is available at many libraries, or you can purchase one but they are expensive.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2017 1:42 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Oct 2017 13:42:15 -0400

I'd love to get my hands on any of the 3 of those.

Response by SGT Matthew S. made Oct 19 at 2017 2:07 PM

SGT Matthew S. — Thu, 19 Oct 2017 14:07:03 -0400

http://7.62x54r.net/MosinID/MosinMarks.htm for the Mosin is my starting source, and the website as a whole has quite the wealth of knowledge. I'll have to look back through my info on the 03A3; that doesn't come to mind as easily. Quite the nice collection of rifles, to be sure!

I'm familiar with the Mosin & '03A3, but I've only ever looked at Enfields.

Mosin Nagant Rifle Guide to Proofs and Markings

The numerous markings and proofs found on Mosin rifles can be overwhelming to the newcollector.Often the meaning is unknown even to the most knowledgeable researchers.However, many are known and they often reveal a lot about the individual rifle. The morecommonly encountered markings are shown here with brief explanations of their meanings.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Oct 21 at 2017 3:04 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Sat, 21 Oct 2017 15:04:49 -0400

Enfield's: enfieldresource.com has 150 links on Enfield's, as well as information on proof's.
Mosin Nagant: 7.62x54r.net
Smith Sights makes parts for Mosin's to improve the shootability and accuracy of the mosin.

Both of these sites are good to go on information.

The Enfield should be checked over well, I am assuming it is a No.1 Mk. III ? A faster bolt action rifle I doubt you will ever find. Parts for these are out there. I have a 1915 sporter (not done by me), and a 1916 in original condition. I also have a No4 Mk1. made post war. Enfield's made during war years tend to be not as well made. Pay attention to the sites, as the Brit's used Parker and Hale sights, but during war years cheap imitations were used. The .303 Brit is a good round and the Enfield has been in use by Canadian Native Tribes by Scouts right up until recently. One nice feature of the Enfield's, the butt section can be switched out for one with a longer or shorter length, a very useful feature. Numerich Gun parts, has a reproduction wooden check rest to give your rifle the needed lift if you are using a scope if you are looking for a T32 Sniper variation.

The 91/30 will be the rifle if you ever wanted to learn any form of gunsmithing on is the one to practice on as there were 13 million made by the Russians alone. Clean it, clean it again, and when you are done clean a 3rd, 4th, and 5th time, as Russian cosmoline is the worst gunk on the planet. Then use some Never Dull patches down the barrel to clean the staining of the barrel rom the cosmoline, it will shoot a little better. Triggers are rough, but a simpler rifle I have not seen.

There is a ton of stuff for the 1903A3 out there, CMP being a good resource. Ebay has a lot of barrels and other stuff on there, and Criterion makes barrels for them.

Enjoy them for what they are, resist the urge to go off and sport them. As original rifles hold their value more so then sport or bubbafied rifles do.