I've purchased 3 Mosins from dealers on Gun Broker (1 x 91/30 and 2 x M44), and 1 Mosin 91/30 From Buds Gun Shop.
I paid the least for Bud's Mosin, and I could not be any more pleased. Total cost with shipping and FFL was $190.
If you pay less than $200 in this market, it's either a lucky find, or condition is nowhere close to "excellent". Of course, it could be more of a rare collectable, in which case condition is trumped by rarity. Some rare Mosins can bring thousands from the right buyer. As for refinishing a pre-war rifle, you may want to think twice. Many owners who try to repair and improve a Mosin think they are "restoring" it. They are not. Restoring means to put the item back to it's original condition. Most try to improve on that condition and wind up ruining whatever historical or authenticity attraction it once had. Make sure the rifle you receive is NOT rare, unique, or in high demand before making modifications or improvements. You'll be glad you did!
My recommendation is advertise on all the local gun boards you can find. I believe there are many Mosins in people's safes they either bought cheap a long time ago or inherited. They might be willing to sell for cheap since they have little to no money invested.
Success is based on timing. If you aren't lucky enough to find one locally, then I think online sources are a safe bet. Based on my experience, if you pay about $150-165 before FFL, you can get an excellent re-arenaled rifle in almost-like-new refurbished condition. Just be alert and read the fine print. Ask for pics if you can, and take advantage of places with low-risk guarantees, like Bud's.
One other tip. If you think you might buy more than one 50-yr-old firearm, go ahead and
apply for your C&R license. What you save in FFL fees can pay for the license several times over. Plus, you can have the rifle shipped directly to you! Don't wait to apply. Do it today! The money you save will be your own!
