When people think of a rifle, the stock is one of the first things they picture. Beyond just adding to the rifle’s style, the stock can help make a good gun, a great one. If you’re looking to upgrade your Mosin Nagant rifle, then finding the best stock is a fine place to start.
But when it comes to stocks, companies make a lot of options that vary in material, build, compatibility, and many other features. It can be daunting to sort through the options and find some that may work for you, so we narrowed it down to two options.
Read on to learn more about gun stocks, features to watch out for, and about our top two choices for the best Mosin Nagant stock.
| Product | Our Rating |
| ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY MONTE CARLO | 4.5/5 |
| PRO MAG ARCHANGEL ADJUSTABLE | 4.9/5 |
REVIEW OF BEST MOSIN NAGANT STOCK
Below is our break down and side by side comparison of our top two picks for best Mosin Nagant stocks. Keep the features discussed above in mind as read on and think about which choices are best for you.
PRO MAG MOSIN NAGANT ARCHANGEL OPFOR STOCK
Pro Mag makes this more expensive stock with quality polymer and a lot of features. This stock may be the choice for you if you’re willing to spend a bit more or you’re looking for a stock that offers a lot of extras.
The polymer material is carbon-fiber and super tough. This material is going to do well absorbing recoil and lasting a long time. Pro Mag considers this material to be on the cutting edge of synthetic stock technology.
The stock is made for the M1891 Mosin Nagant, and because of this, it fits most parts without much effort. It also fits the following:
- Hex receiver 91/30
- Round receiver 91/30
- Soviet M-38 carbine
- M-44 carbine
- Chinese T-53 carbine
- Finnish M-39 rifle and carbines
The style and make of the stock itself is adjustable and comes with a lot of features. This optimizes your comfort and increases accuracy and precision.
The rubber-butt pad pulls out and adjust. This lets you adjust the butt-end length to fit into your specific shoulder shape. Good fits to the shoulder help spread recoil and prevent damage to your shoulder from a misaligned stock.
The cheek-weld or comb area is adjustable as well. With a simple click, you can move the cheek-riser to match where your face feels most comfortable and provides a clean angle on whatever sights you choose to use. This feature, in particular, is really helpful for people who like to switch up their sights and scopes.
The modern goose-neck style for the grip provides a strong yet comfortable grip. This means the forend where you grip is thinned out for easier use. Wood stocks couldn’t handle this because the wood would be too skinny to withstand repeated firing; however, the carbon-fiber polymer can withstand it all while still being skinny.
On the stock, Pro Mag also provides the possibility to attach QD slings for easy carry of the rifle with push button swivels.
The forend is designed to allow free-floating barrels of different contours. Free-floating barrels are a great way to go which older stocks don’t allow for. By minimizing contact with the stock, the barrel avoids damaging the stock with its heat and the access to more air allows for faster heat disbursement.
In addition to working with standard trigger/receivers, Pro Mags stock is machined to accept a Timney Trigger with no additional fitting. They provide a blanking piece as needed.
The stock also works with the Archangel magazine which is detachable and black. The 5-round mag is provided with the purchase, but if you want more, you can always purchase the 10-round magazine. If you’re just using this for hunting, the 5-round mag is probably going to be fine.
Here’s what the users had to say about using the product:
Positives Recap for This Product
- Easy drop-in installation
- Can be used with Timney Trigger with no additional fitting
- Very durable
- Lightweight
- Fits easily with most M1891 Mosin Nagant parts
- A lot of adjustments for optimal comfort and use
Negatives Recap for This Product
- May not fit some scopes without some fitting
- Look is nothing special
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY MOSIN NAGANT STOCK MONTE CARLO
Advanced Technology made this medium-priced stock with fewer features, but what is there is high quality. This stock is perfect for the Mosin Nagant owner looking to get a quality stock upgrade for a good price or someone who uses scopes often.
The stock is made from fiberglass-filled Zytel. Advanced Tech claims that makes the part waterproof and almost completely indestructible.
Zytel is a DuPont-made polymer that’s actually a resin with a strong reputation for its weather resistance and durability. For this one feature, the stock rose to the top of our list quickly. The material is proven and affordable.
Advanced Tech built this stock as a direct-replacement model. This means that the important connections of the stock are modeled off the factory and common M1891 Mosin Nagant dimensions. It drops right in without any additional fitting needing with most Mosin Nagant parts.
The buttstock of this product lacks adjustable features, but that’s not something to shy away from. The Monte Carlo comb is optimized for use with a scope. This is because of its higher end that lifts your cheek a little more comfortable with the extra elevation of a scope.
It seems like a small thing, but this choice for comb should be eye-catching for those who use scopes. Precision (how consistent your shots are) is largely dependent on the shooter’s ability. A comb that helps you align your eyes with the scope can make a huge difference in the precision of the rifle overall.
To help with gripping the rifle, Advanced Tech puts checkered patterns where you place your wrist and forearm as well as on the buttplate. This little addition really helps with a feeling of security when handling your weapon.
There are also spots to attach sling swivel studs for easy carry. All of this is made in the USA.
The customer experience boils down to this:
Positives Recap for This Product
- Easy install
- Affordable price
- Waterproof and durable polymer
- Monte Carlo comb works great to improve accuracy and precision with a scope
- Easy to carry and use
- Grip is comfortable and secure
Negatives Recap for This Product
- Recoil seems to hit fairly hard
- May require some minor fitting for some Masin Nagant models
SIDE BY SIDE COMPARISON
For your convenience, we’re including a quick side by side comparison of the features of each stock. If you want more details on how each feature affects its use check out the break downs above.
| Feature | Pro-Mag Stock | Advanced Tech. Stock |
| Material | Carbon-fiber polymer | Fiberglass-filled Zytel |
| Style/Shape | Standard | Monte Carlo |
| Grip | Palm swells and goose-neck style | Checkered grip at key locations |
| Install | Drop in, no fitting | Drop in, minimal fitting |
| Comb | Adjustable buttplate and cheekplates | Monte Carlo |
| Accuracy/Precision | Improves with comfortable fit due to comb adjustments | Improves, works especially well with scopes |
| Price Compared to Other Stocks | Higher | Medium |
| Extras | Sling swivel points, Timney Trigger Compatible, fits free-floating barrels, 5-round mag included | Sling swivel buttons |
Looking at things this way, it seems like the Pro Mag stock is clearly superior. The extra features are nice, but those are what make it come in at a much higher price.
If you’re not looking for anything that fancy, especially if you’re using a scope, then the Advanced Technology stock can be a great way to go.
WHAT IS A GUNSTOCK?
The gunstock or, just simply, the stock is the body of the gun. It’s the part you hold that provides the structure for the other important parts.
The receiver, trigger mechanism, barrel, and action are attached to the stock. A gunstock gives the rifle its traditional look.
The stock not only provides a place to attach the other parts, but it’s also where the shooter holds on to the gun. The back end of the stock can be known as the butt, buttstock, or shoulder stock. This is where you tuck the rifle into your shoulder to provide stability for the shot.
Accuracy with rifles is often poor with a bad stock. Effective stocks can absorb the recoil and easily transfer some of that energy into your body preventing muzzle rise. If the stock isn’t quality, the stronger recoil from the rifle causes the muzzle to kick, and your shots miss more often.
The forend of the stock is the front end. This is where all the parts attach. This part needs to attach securely with the other parts.
The comb of the stock is where you rest your cheek against the stock while you aim and fire. Some people suggest that this is the most important part of the stock because it can have a direct impact on your precision.
There are many variations in stock design which we cover in the features section below. Read on for more information.
WHY GET A NEW STOCK?
Replacing your gun stock may not be something you’ve ever thought about, but it can breathe new life into your classic Mosin Nagant. There are many reasons you may want to consider it. Check out these common reasons below.
It looks great! – Over time, stocks get worn out and may even split. This looks bad, but it can also be a safety hazard. Getting a new, fresh-looking stock can make your gun look like new.
Better Handling – By upgrading your stock, you can look for lighter ones or stocks that fit better to your shoulder. This can make it easier to handle and maneuver which is great if you need to draw on a running deer.
Holds Zero – With a secure stock made of strong material with modern engineering, the stock absorbs the recoil from the gunshot keeping the rest of the firearm better on target.
Higher Durability – Modern stocks are designed with longevity in mind. New technology using strong metals and engineering can absorb, disburse, and resist recoil wear better than factory parts. Picking one of the two from our list can help with durability.
A Stable Firing Platform – The combination of all the above reasons results in more stability for your weapon. The tight shoulder fit helps keep the gun steady which improves accuracy and precision. With new, durable material, the gun’s recoil doesn’t throw you off as much when you fire.
FEATURES OF GUNSTOCKS
Now that you better understand what a stock is and why you’d want to replace, it’s time to look at the important features in gunstocks. Think about which features you may want as you read, and then compare them with our top two choices listed below. It may help you decide what kind to buy.
MATERIAL
One of the most important things to look for in stock choice is the material it’s made from. It’s not just about the type of material either, but it also depends on the specific make of the material. Here’s a quick breakdown on the common types of rifle stocks.
Wood – Wood is the standard for stocks. It’s affordable, looks stylish, and handles recoil fairly well. It’s the classic material that the Mosin Nagant came with way back when. However, many modern stocks are now moving away from this because of how durable the other options can be.
Synthetic – This type of stock is the new edge of gun stocks. It used to be that the polymers synthetic stocks were made from weren’t up to the stresses of repeated fire. Today’s polymer doesn’t have that problem.
With synthetic stocks, you need to look at the specific polymer used and it’s weight, heat distribution, durability, and design. There are no hard and fast rules for what’s good with these, but looking at user experiences is a good place to start.
In fact, these ones are considered so high quality that both of our top choices ended up being synthetic stocks.
Hybrid – There are options for hybrid stocks out there. They combine the look of the wood stocks with the reinforced quality of synthetic in key places. They cost the most but haven’t gained enough traction to get a lot of attention.
STOCK STYLE
Stocks come in many styles that affect the look and use of the rifle. People argue over and over about what is the best, but it really boils down to what you’re using it for and what accessories you may add.
Here’s a quick list of stock style options:
- Gary Goudy Classic Rifle Stock
- MOD.54 Winchester-Original Issue Style
- Oberndorf Classic
- Mannlicher Rifle Stocks
- Freischütz Classic
- Rollover Sporter
- British Stalker Thumbhole Sporter
- British Express Rifle Classic
- Original Issue Military
- G & H High Comb Classic
- .22 Cal Stocks
- G & H Classic-Open Sight
- Poor Man’s Kimber
The best way to pick a style is look at how it affects the use. We go over that in the breakdowns and the customer experience for the products.
STOCK LOOK
Stock looks can affect the performance of the rifle, but, in general, it’s just a matter of preference. Reflective surfaces can alert animals to your hunting if you’re not careful.
Because we narrowed this list down to two, the best consideration with this feature is as a tiebreaker. If you can’t decide between the two, spend some time looking at the color and finish to see what you think may look good to you.
COMB
The comb is where you rest your cheek as you aim and fire. A properly styled comb can make all the difference in the accuracy and comfort of your shots.
On some rifles, the comb is adjustable while some are just designed for better use with scopes or other specialized optical sights. The comb may be one of the areas you want to look at the most especially if you plan on using a scope.
FINISH
On synthetic stocks, the finish is one of the keys to how reliable and durable the stock is. The finish impacts how dirt, sweat, and grease affects the material over time. A good finish can also help keep your grip secure.
EXTRAS
Gunstocks, such as these, can come with some extra features that aren’t needed for a good stock, but it does help take the stock to the next level. Here are some common extras that appear on rifle stocks:
- Adjustable
- Bedding in the forend
- Thumbhole
- Raised cheek rest
- Left-handed cheek pieces
- Checkering on stock near trigger for grip
- Engravings
PRICE
As with most shopping choices, you should keep your budget in mind. If the stock has a lot of extra features but isn’t in your budget, it’s fine to go with the other option. On the flip side, you also don’t want to just pick something because it’s cheaper.
Keep this in mind when you read our reviews.
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why is the Mosin Nagant such a good rifle? – To stick around since its birth in 1891, there must be something special about the rifle. While newer rifles may have more bells and whistles, the tried and true aspects of this gun have clearly stood the test of time.
Its functionality is such that it works reliably in a huge array of conditions. Militaries have used the gun all around the world in every climate imaginable with success.
The 7.62x54R ammo is powerful to travel far and take down anything it hits. In fact, the range on this rifle is such that only dedicated sniper rifles are consistently better at long range.
On top of these great features, the gun is simple to use. Hold, aim, and fire. Plus, in today’s time, the rifle has begun one of the most affordable.
Why does the Mosin Nagant have so much recoil? – The typical buttplate on a Mosin Nagant is small when compared to the size of round it shoots. When fired, the energy from the explosion must travel somewhere. Most of the energy is sent through the stock.
From the stock, the recoil moves into the buttplate and then into the shooter’s shoulder. If the end of the stock is too small as with factory parts, then the body has to directly absorb a lot of the recoil from a small area. With upgraded stocks (like the ones on our list), the recoil is spread out, so it seems less.
What can I use the Mosin Nagant for? – Because the rifle is considered inferior to modern-day rifles, most people suggest it for decoration and recreational shooting. However, with some simple upgrades (like a new stock), you can adapt it for use with just about anything.
Hunting is the top possibility you can use it for. Its original use in long-range warfare applies to hunting well. Be careful of the powerful ammo if you’re hunting small game.
You can use this at the practice range for fun as well. Using the weapon is a great way to strike up a conversion with fellow gun enthusiasts who recognize the piece of firearm history you’re carrying.
I would not recommend this for any kind of personal defense or competitive shooting. It is a larger rifle to carry around and the recoil even with modern parts prevents it from being in the highest level of competitive shooting.
CONCLUSION
We hope you enjoyed our review of the two best Mosin Nagant stocks. This gun has been around since 1891 because of its reliable build and easy-to-use function. But a new, modern stock such as one of these two, can keep the rifle current and bring it to new levels of effectiveness.
If I had to pick for myself, I’d go with the Advanced Technology stock. Though it doesn’t have as many features or adjustments as the Pro Mag option, the lower price and high-quality Zytel polymer make it a great deal that can help take your classic rifle into the modern day.
