The Mosin-Nagant is the world's longest-surviving and most widely distributed military rifle, having armed the forces of Russia and many other countries for over a century. It has seen action from World War I to the present day, but is most famous for its role during World War II, where it proved to be an excellent sniping weapon in the hands of marksmen such as Vasili Zaitsev and Simo Hayha. This study covers the rifles entire combat history, from its early development through to its service in combat, and the impact it has had on modern firearms.

Dramatic battle reports and...