The barrel size of a Mosin Nagant varies primarily by its length, depending on the specific model (rifle or carbine), and its bore diameter, which is generally 7.62mm.
Barrel Length Variations
Mosin Nagant rifles were produced in various configurations, leading to different barrel lengths. The most common variants include the standard infantry rifle and shorter carbine versions.
- M91/30 Rifle: This is the most prevalent Mosin Nagant model and features a longer barrel, optimized for long-range accuracy.
- Carbine Models: Shorter carbine versions were designed for increased maneuverability, making them suitable for cavalry, engineers, and other roles where a full-length rifle might be cumbersome.
Here's a breakdown of common barrel lengths:
| Mosin Nagant Model | Barrel Length (Metric) | Barrel Length (Imperial) |
|---|---|---|
| M91/30 Rifle | 730 mm | 29 inches |
| Carbine Models | 514 mm | 20.2 inches |
Bore Diameter (Caliber)
The bore diameter of a Mosin Nagant barrel is fundamentally tied to the cartridge it fires. While there were some rare exceptions, the vast majority of Mosin Nagants are chambered for the 7.62×54mmR cartridge.
- Primary Caliber: The "7.62" in the 7.62×54mmR cartridge designation refers to the 7.62mm bore diameter, or approximately .30 caliber. This means the barrel is designed for projectiles with a diameter of 7.62mm.
- Other Calibers: While less common, some Mosin Nagant variants were adapted to fire different cartridges:
- 7.62×53mmR: Used by Finnish variants.
- 7.92×57mm Mauser: Encountered in Polish variants and German captures.
- 8×50mmR Mannlicher: Used in Austrian captured rifles.
- .30-06 Springfield: Employed in Bannerman rifles modified for the US civilian market.
However, when referring to a "standard" Mosin Nagant, the barrel is almost universally 7.62mm in bore diameter. The external dimensions and profile of the barrel can also vary slightly between manufacturers and models, but these two measurements (length and bore diameter) define the primary "size" of the barrel.
