Like most Russian designs of that period, Moisin-Nagants are simple, rugged to the point of being nearly impossible to break, and real short on frills. But they function reliably, even under adverse conditions.

I was an infantry sergeant in the 82d Airborne during the tail end of the Cold War: we got regular familiarizations with most Russian-made small-arms. My shoulder is all to familiar with the kick of an M-N.