Mossberg 51M, opinions?

[M1Tommy]

There's one for sale near me, what I'd cal 'very good' condition, open sights.
Its an interesting looking rifle IMO, but I know nothing about them.

Opinions, etc. are appreciated.

Tommy

[n64atlas]

The guys in the Mossberg section on Rimfire Central will help you out on this.

[dave]

I am a Moss .22 collector and belong to the Moss. Collectors Assoc. Have written a couple articals on Moss. rifles for newsletter. The 51M was first made in 1940 with 2170 made for Spiegel Mail Order, out of Chicago, and 7165 for Mossberg. In late 1940 or early 1941 the shape of the back of the reciever was changed from flat to a 'cone'. This is the part that screws out to remove bolt, etc. In 1941 Spiegel rifles were marked S51M. The rifle was discontinued in 1946 and the improved 151M was its replacement. Few were made during the war as Moss. stated war contracts in June 1941. Before the 51M was the M51, made only for Spiegel, 1482 in 1939, these were stamped M51. Spiegel sold allot of Moss rifles and had a say in features added to the rilfe. The M, mannlicher or military stock design was one of these. Moss started cataloging 51M's in 1940 along with the bolt action 46M (tube) and 42M (clip mag.) One of the features on most all Spiegel rifles was D&T on top for scope blocks and they offered Moss. top mounted scopes as an extra. Moss. also offered D&T on top for their scopes but it was an ordered option, also sold a kit so you could D&T yourself. While all Spiegel rifles of the pre-war period had unique model numbers 1940 was an exception. Moss. target rifle were also standard D&T on top. Before I could tell you more about any particular rifle I would need to know the shape of the back, the exact model number and if D&T on the top. Does it have a brass plate or 2 small holes on bottom of grip? Spiegel gave such a plate for your name, with each rifle. A picture would also be helpful to see if rifle is complete and original. It should have three sights, hooded front, rear barrel and a peep sight. Sights on these rifles bring hi prices (peeps as hi as 70 bucks on auction) and are sometimes removed by sellers and sold separetly with no reduction in rifle price. Value, as always is condition, something I am rather fussy about. Spiegel 's bring a slight premium, altho a straight 51M, even D&T could be Moss. sold rilfe and would be identical. I would say, in VG to excellent it will bring up to 200 if complete. These seem to sell often altho the numbers would make them seem scarse. Be warned how ever they will cause problems, the 151M's are much more reliable. I have 3 (1-M51, 2-51M) and none will work. 2 fail to feed, which can be adjusted but is a real pain to do and the other just goes 'click'! So if you intend to shoot it try it out first!
Sorry this is so long but you asked for information! hehehe!

[M1Tommy]

I am a Moss .22 collector and belong to the Moss. Collectors Assoc. Have written a couple articals on Moss. rifles for newsletter. The 51M was first made in 1940...........
Sorry this is so long but you asked for information! hehehe!

Sir, This rifle has only the rear barrel and front sight as shown in the photos I've viewed. My intended use would be as a plinker/hunting rifle. I believe that I will 'pass' on this one. I'm sure its a nice old rifle and the $150 asking price may be worth it to someone. However, I have too many irons in the fire to possibly troubleshoot an old rifle right now. I have read about their being particular and sometimes troublesome, also.

Thank you for your reply!

Sincerely,
Tommy