Mosin Nagant HEX

[1Papalote]

Why is this receiver called HEX? It appears to me it has 8 sides or is there another reason for the term.

[smithnframe]

Because it appears to be hexagonal! Actually it's half hexagonal.

[30calflash]

It is a hex, the bottom is flat not cornered at 45* as the top. So 6 sides not 8.

[Der Gebirgsjager]

They claim that the hex is stronger than the later round model.......but I don't know why that would be.

[elmacgyver0]

Hey!, it looks neater, what more could you want?

[Geezer in NH]

All I know is they cost more cause folks think they are cool

[Glenn R. Latham]

I agree with the OP. The top half of the receiver is 1/2 of an octagon, the bottom half is 1/2 of a square or rectangle. The receiver has six sides, but since they are not equal angular, it's not a hexagon. Hex is more fun to say than octo though....
Glenn

[junkbug]

Perhaps it has something to do with hexagonal barrels being traditional from a long time back.

[higgins]

I have no basis for this other than being familiar with the Russian desire for simplicity in military arms. Maybe it made putting the receiver in a vise to work on it easier.

[MrHarmless]

I have no basis for this other than being familiar with the Russian desire for simplicity in military arms. Maybe it made putting the receiver in a vise to work on it easier.

I agree with this. Probably easier to index the sights.

[flintlocke]

The Finns who developed one of the most accurate military rifles of the last century from the Mosin Nagant action...went almost exclusively with the hex receiver...and that is all I need to know about hex or round. My bubba-ized model 39 with a homebuilt scope mount has recently shot a 5 shot .7" group with 4320 and Hornady 174 gr spbt, and about .9" with H4350. Plus, if there is ever an ugly gun contest, it's a shoo in. I can't imagine what it might do in the hands of a good rifleman.

[Shawlerbrook]

Many things in firearms history are not exactly what they are called. Why isn’t a 38 Special called a 358 Special ? A 44 mag not called a 429 magnum ? Whatever, they were a sweet deal only a few short years ago.

[smithnframe]

The round receivers are easier to machine!