This is a bolt action rifle with two front-locking lugs that lock up the action. The supply system consists of a frame that holds a magazine with five rounds. The bottom of the magazine with a spring-loaded feeder is hinged. To help prevent accidental discharge, the rifle is equipped with a cocking-piece that when pulled backwards and rotated counter-clockwise blocks the movement of the bolt.
It was introduced into the arms of the Imperial Army in April 1891. Although it bears the name of Captain S., the First Mosin, also known as Mosin-Nagant, also used a magazine designed by Belgian designer Léon Nagant. The rifle was produced by all three state arms factories in Russia: in Tula, Sestroretsk and in Izhevsk. Until 1903, these factories supplied the army and navy with a total of 2,964,484 rifles. From 1892 to 1895, they were also produced for the Imperial Army by the French arms factory in Chatellerault.