A Look at the Historical Giant
The Rifle’s Legacy
The Mosin Nagant rifle. The name itself conjures images of historical battles, frozen trenches, and the roar of iconic conflict. A rifle of legend, revered for its simplicity, reliability, and the sheer volume in which it was produced, the Mosin Nagant has secured its place in history. While a testament to its time, its original design has limitations. But what if you could bring this historic workhorse into the modern era, offering enhanced accuracy, improved ergonomics, and a sleek, contemporary appearance? The solution lies in a popular upgrade: the Archangel Stock Mosin Nagant.
The enduring appeal of the Mosin Nagant extends beyond historical significance. It’s an accessible and affordable rifle, making it a favorite among collectors, plinkers, and those looking to experience a piece of firearms history. But for all its merits, the original design is, well, dated. The wood stock, while aesthetically pleasing for some, may lack comfort and the ability to adapt to the modern world. The sights, for example, are rudimentary, and the lack of modern mounting options can hinder the rifle’s accuracy potential. This is where the Archangel Stock for Mosin Nagant steps in, transforming the Mosin Nagant from a relic of the past into a more versatile and user-friendly firearm. This article dives deep into the Archangel Stock, examining its features, installation process, performance benefits, and more, to provide a comprehensive guide to upgrading your beloved Mosin Nagant.
Early Service and Design
Born from the needs of a rapidly modernizing Tsarist Russia, the Mosin Nagant rifle, born from the design of Sergei Ivanovich Mosin and Leon Nagant, saw widespread service in various conflicts across the globe. From the Russo-Japanese War to the Second World War, and beyond, this bolt-action rifle, chambered primarily in 7.62x54mmR, became a symbol of resilience. Its robust construction and relatively simple mechanism allowed it to endure harsh conditions, making it a favorite among soldiers and civilians alike.
Enduring Appeal and Drawbacks
Its widespread availability, stemming from its mass production and subsequent surplus, has made it an affordable and attractive option for firearms enthusiasts. The low cost of the rifle, coupled with the availability of inexpensive ammunition, has made it a perfect entry point for many into the world of shooting. Collectors appreciate its historical value, while practical shooters find it a reliable and powerful firearm.
However, the Mosin Nagant rifle wasn’t designed with modern amenities in mind. The original wood stock, though functional, may prove uncomfortable for extended shooting sessions. The basic iron sights, while adequate for close-range engagements, lack the precision required for accurate long-distance shooting. The ergonomics can feel outdated, and the lack of readily available mounting options for optics often hindered the shooter’s ability to realize the rifle’s full accuracy potential. This is where aftermarket upgrades, like the Archangel Stock Mosin Nagant, come into play.
Introducing a Modern Transformation
Overview of the Archangel Stock
The Archangel Stock is a popular and well-regarded aftermarket upgrade designed specifically for the Mosin Nagant rifle. Manufactured from a rugged, high-strength, and impact-resistant polymer composite, it provides a lightweight yet durable platform. This composite construction offers several advantages over the original wood stock, including increased resistance to the elements, minimal maintenance requirements, and a significant boost in modern aesthetics.
Ergonomic Features and Advantages
The Archangel Stock is not just a cosmetic upgrade, though its modern, tactical appearance is certainly part of its appeal. It is a functional enhancement designed to improve the shooting experience in multiple ways. The design of the stock incorporates several ergonomic features, such as an adjustable length of pull (LOP). This allows shooters to customize the fit of the rifle to their individual body size and shooting style. A proper LOP ensures a comfortable and consistent cheek weld, which is critical for accurate shot placement. The stock also typically includes an adjustable cheek riser, further optimizing the shooter’s eye alignment with the optic.
Accessory Integration and Customization
Perhaps one of the most significant advantages of the Archangel Stock is its inclusion of Picatinny rails. These rails are strategically placed on the stock, providing a standardized platform for attaching various accessories, such as scopes, red dot sights, bipods, and other tactical enhancements. This opens up a world of possibilities for customizing your Mosin Nagant and improving its accuracy and versatility. This stock essentially transforms the rifle from a vintage shooter into a more precise and flexible tool.
Getting Your Rifle Ready for the Upgrade
Installation Preparation
Installing the Archangel Stock on your Mosin Nagant is a relatively straightforward process. However, it’s crucial to carefully follow the instructions and exercise caution throughout.
Begin by gathering the necessary tools, which typically include a flathead screwdriver, Phillips head screwdriver, and a punch and hammer (for removing pins). Disassemble the original stock. This usually involves removing the barrel bands, the action screws, and carefully separating the barreled action from the wood stock. The original stock parts are then set aside.
Stock Installation Procedure
Next, the Archangel Stock is prepared for the action. The barreled action slides easily into the stock, and the trigger group will need to be installed properly to fit the stock. Once the barreled action is seated, the user can install the included screws.
Final Adjustments
Finally, attach any desired accessories to the Picatinny rails and adjust the length of pull and cheek riser for optimal fit.
Shooting Experience and Performance
Accuracy Enhancement
The Archangel Stock offers a significant improvement in both accuracy and the overall shooting experience. The enhanced ergonomics contribute to a more comfortable and consistent cheek weld, which directly translates to improved shot placement. The adjustable LOP and cheek riser allow shooters to tailor the stock to their individual needs, promoting better eye alignment with the sights. This means that users can acquire targets faster and make more accurate shots.
Impact of Optics and Accessories
The presence of Picatinny rails enables the easy mounting of optics, further improving accuracy. Scopes and red dot sights can significantly enhance the rifle’s effective range and the ability to engage targets at longer distances. With a quality optic installed, the Mosin Nagant, equipped with an Archangel Stock, can become a surprisingly accurate rifle, capable of hitting targets at ranges exceeding those achievable with the original iron sights.
Durability and Resistance
The polymer construction of the Archangel Stock contributes to its durability and resilience. Unlike wood, it is resistant to moisture, temperature fluctuations, and other environmental factors that can affect the accuracy and performance of the rifle. The impact-resistant materials ensure that the stock can withstand the rigors of field use.
Considering Customization and Accessories
Mounting Options for Optics
The Archangel Stock opens up a vast array of customization possibilities. Once installed, the user can install different optics to enhance their shooting experience. With a scope mounted on the top rail, the Mosin Nagant can be used for hunting, target shooting, and even long-range applications. The side rails also provide room for items such as a laser pointer or tactical flashlight, though their use is generally more tactical than practical.
Customization with Paint and Coatings
The stock is also designed to be readily painted or modified, allowing for further personalization. One can alter the stock to reflect their preferred taste, and add a unique appeal. Consider applying a camouflage pattern to blend into your local environment, or select a solid color to suit your style.
The Price Point and Accessibility
Cost Considerations
The Archangel Stock Mosin Nagant is competitively priced, offering a significant return on investment for the improvement it brings to the rifle. Compared to other aftermarket upgrades, it’s an affordable option.
Purchasing and Availability
The stock is widely available through various online retailers and gun stores. This widespread availability makes it accessible to a broad range of shooters.
Compared to the costs associated with modifying a wood stock, or purchasing a completely new rifle, the Archangel Stock offers an attractive price point while providing tangible performance benefits.
Alternatives to Explore
Other Synthetic Stock Options
While the Archangel Stock is a popular and well-regarded choice, alternative options exist. There are other synthetic stocks available, although they might vary in features, design, and quality.
Wood Stock Modifications
Wood stocks can also be modified, although this may involve more specialized tools and skills. Different styles of stocks are available for those who wish to improve their shooting experience.
The original wood stock, however, may require more care, and lack the modern features provided by the Archangel Stock Mosin Nagant.
Concluding Thoughts
Summary of Benefits
The Archangel Stock Mosin Nagant is more than just an upgrade; it’s a transformation. It takes a classic rifle and breathes new life into it, offering improved accuracy, enhanced ergonomics, and a modern aesthetic. It’s a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to modernize their Mosin Nagant, whether they’re a collector, a hunter, or a target shooter. The upgrade allows the user to easily customize the rifle, and achieve optimal performance. The user can transform their rifle and realize its potential.
Final Recommendations
The Archangel Stock provides a significant upgrade for a reasonable price, and has been proven to be a dependable tool for thousands of users. So, if you want to modernize your Mosin Nagant, consider adding the Archangel Stock to your next upgrade! Consider it a way to breathe new life into an old favorite!
