This is an extremely rare example of a Kholodovskii prototype Mosin-Nagant rifle as Tula factory modified c. 1912-1913, designed as an improvement upon the Mosin-Nagant M1891 rifle, and used in field trials. The rifle is dated "95" on the bottom concealed tail of the receiver and "1894" on top of the chamber area of the barrel along with the Tula Arsenal manufacturer markings and original serial number concealed by the handguard, due to starting life as an M1891 that was subsequently factory reconfigured at Tula Arsenal as a prototype. One online source reports there was originally an order for 200 of these Kholodovskii prototypes in March of 1912, consisting of 150 rifles and 50 carbines, and that same order was revised to 288 rifles only in May of 1912. These 288 completed Kholodovskii prototype rifles were reportedly delivered on July 31, 1913 with some slight revisions, after much infighting. Number "322" is marked on the bottom of the barrel and receiver on this example, possibly its assembly number. After limited testing, the outbreak of World War I halted further development of these Kholodovskii prototype rifles, where attention was diverted towards production of standard M1891 rifles for the war effort. After the Boxer Rebellion (November 2, 1899-September 7, 1901) and Russo-Japanese War (February 8, 1904-September 5, 1905), the research and development branch of Russia's Main Artillery Administration (GAU) solicited input from troops on the performance of the M1891 Mosin-Nagant rifle, with intent to improve the rifles shortcomings. Some of the major issues identified for refinement were its awkward handling, excessive weight, inefficient charging of the magazine, sights, inconsistent trigger release, weakness of the bayonet, uncomfortable setting of the safety/cocking knob, and ergonomics of cycling the bolt. Tula Arsenal worked with inventor and Head of Artillery of the Odessa Military District, Lieutenant General Nikolai Kholodovskii, in the development of a prototype rifle as a means of modernizing the M1891. This Kholodovskii prototype Mosin-Nagant rifle features a 30 inch barrel that was shortened slightly from the standard Infantry rifles, with twelve flutes machined along the front half to provide for a lighter weight and faster cooling, breech facing and throat reaming for the cartridge moved forward in the receiver and barrel housing, the stock has tuned pillar bedding, the receiver is inletted to allow thumb clearance for stripper clip loading, the trigger is advanced to a two-stage application, similar to that found in quality hunting and target rifles, the bolt has longer handle and a longer bolt head to accommodate the repositioned breech face, the cocking knob is changed to allow more efficient safety application, the magazine follower arm is altered, the sighting system improved battlefield zero setting for moving target acquisition and aiming in low light conditions, with a bead blade front sight and updated graduations on the rear sight for use with the spitzer bullet, the stock was lightened overall with a bracket added on bottom ahead of the trigger housing for belt attachment, pillars introduced to bed the action, the buttstock drop angle is lowered by 3 degrees, and utilizes stacked discs under the buttplate for adjusting to a soldier's reach. Duralumin (known today as aircraft quality aluminum) was introduced for some of the small parts and stock fittings, and for a hinged-clamped bayonet (not included), with the goal of weight reduction.

Very good as Tula Arsenal factory reconfigured, retains 70% blue finish with some areas thinning to smooth brown patina, and a few scattered patches of light pitting visible underneath the finish. Stock is also very good as factory modified, sanded and re-oiled, with some scattered light scratches and dents. Mechanically excellent. An extremely rare Mosin-Nagant prototype!