Finally got an M44!

M

Model12Win

Moderator
Hello everyone! :)

Early this afternoon I went to the gun show in Topeka Kansas, and made the usual walk through all the booths to see what was available. One gun caught my eye- a Romanian produced M44 Mosin Nagant carbine chambered in 7.62x54mmR. I made a mental note of it, and continued through the show. Finding nothing else of particular interest, I headed back to the M44 and asked to examine it more closely. I was greeted with an immaculate wood stock with a slick, shiny dark red finish, nicely blued metal with hardly any wear, and a sharp and bright bore. After no time at all, I completed the private purchase and floated out of the Topeka gun show with this rifle for a grand total of $220:

M44.jpg

My new Romanian M44 Mosin Nagant. This camera phone picture doesn't do the gun justice, it looks far better in person.

To say I am pleased is a tremendous understatement. I have been on the prowl for an M44 in good condition for several years now. Never have I been satisfied enough with the either the condition of the rifles I've seen in person, or the price commanded for said rifles that weren't beat all to hell. As many of you know, Mosin Nagant rifles have been steadily demanding higher prices, and the short carbine version especially. I was truly lucky to find this gun when I did. While walking around the gun show, I noticed at least 2-3 more people toting carbine Mosin Nagants. It appears these guns are in pretty high demand, I have to say we probably cleared the place out of nice Mosin carbines. Before I left, I made a quick pass through of the show to see if I could find a sling for my new rifle, and while I didn't find a sling I was approached several times by people asking if the gun was for sale, to which I politely said "no" :p They all responded with praise at how nice the gun looked, to which I heartily agreed.

I cannot wait to shoot the gun, but will be sure to do the usual thorough cleaning before I hit the range. I've got several 440 round tins of 7.62x54mmR surplus ammo holed up, so this pretty gal will have plenty of food for some time.

I am just so blessed right now. I can't believe my search for an M44 carbine is over. It took me a while, but patience paid off and I got one in fantastic condition at a very nice price. Thanks for taking the time to read this thread, and I hope you have a great rest of your day!! :D

Take care,

M12
 
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How is your shoulder doing?

Try a night shoot, you'll be blind for a week.

The carbine is about the handiest little thing, very popular.
 
My shoulder is fine. I fired 60 rounds, recoil is stout but not bad, though muzzle blast and flash is intense!

I plan to use this as my primary home defense weapon. JUST KIDDING! It would be like letting off a flash bang in the house.
 
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buy

I'd say you got a buy. I've had an itch for one of those carbines for a long time, but any I've found have been priced way over $220. And the Chinese ones (Type ??) available locally for awhile, looked like they had been drug along the length of the Great Wall.

Good for you.
 
Yeah, I have one of the Chinese, got for a hundred year and a half ago. Stock looks terrible, but gun itself looks like new, really new. Shoots great, seems to run a lil smoother than a 91/30, maybe just that one in particular. Your wood looks awesome
 
I too some years ago purchased a Romanian 44 dated 1953 and the finish is worn just the way i like them as "used" service weapons and the stock is crude but nice and without damage. They do go "BOOM" but are neat none the less. I hate the stupid folding bayonet however.
 
M-44

I bought one several years ago so when reading your post the price seems high.I think I paid $109 for mine but thats been 5 or 6 years ago.They were everywhere back then and ammo was dirt cheap.I bought mine at a gun show in Knoxville,Tn and they had crates full.I went thru several until I found this one I guess I picked it mostly because it was a 1944 production.I have shot it in 2 CMP matches and must say the kick is stout.I have read that one of Russia's top female snipers used a M-44 instead of a 91 so accuracy potential is there.My original plan was to use as a cheap truck gun.
 
Bear in mind that the M44 carbine has a reputation for shooting to different points of impact with the bayonet folded and extended.

Having no personal use for a permanently mounted bayonet, generally, I have always preferred the M38 carbine. Got one some years back, for the whopping cost of $75. It looks new and is the slickest working MN I've ever encountered, including Finnish 91/30s.

Solid, dependable Combloc guns. May shoot very well, if you put accurate ammo in them (most milsurp ammo accuracy is crap). Never going to be a silk purse, no matter what you do, but not a bad sow's ear, despite that.
:D
 
The early 1900's were of style and umph! So many of us have such priceless captures. Mauser changed the environment that transverses over two World Wars. Springfield, Smith Corona, and Remington use it today!

Your prize looks as thought it has been significantly renovated from the stock color and blued surfaces. Still the action, bore and muzzle are still keen on the target as it was designed. I have the WWII mannlicher carcano in 6.5 X 52 (Historic model in the Kennedy assassination). I keep it in my safe, though there are so many still out there.
 
I had purchased an M44 in 2007 for $89. Shot it, found out POI was far left. Unfolded bayonet, not as far left. I traded it in for $50 towards my shotgun.

You may think, "I bet Will's kicking himself for selling it!" Well... I'm not. To me, it's not worth anything over the $89 I paid for it- I'd really feel like I'm ripping someone off if I sold it for over 100. It was heavy, didn't hit what you pointed at, and shot slower than the lighter 91/30 (which is an oxymoron lol). I have two 91/30s and love them to death. The M44 just wasn't for me.
 
Well I love this M44. I'm going to make it my primary SHTF rifle. Excellent stopping power, has a bayonet for close range emergencies, and can be loaded fast with stripper clips. VERY fun gun!!
 
Excellent purchase. I love the low-priced Mosin. Picked my first one up, a M38, for $50 in 2007 from a co-worker when we were at the 101st. He was thinning the herd. I fell in love with the rifle, picked up a few since.

Have fun!
 
Nice find!
I bought an M44 about 3 years ago. Didn't know about the whole "shoot with bayonet extended" thing and struggled with POA/POI issues. Also realized that the muzzle was worn (didn't have a round to check it where I bought it) so I got rid of it.
Always kept my eye out for a Model 38 but discovered a 91/59 for less than $300 that was in really good shape and took it home. May not have the history of an M38, but it's a shooter. Clean barrel, little muzzle wear and not counter bored.
Happy shooting!
 
Nice grab. I agree $220 is an excellent price, and these rifles do have a unique look to them ...

That said, I still think I'd pass on one for a good condition S.A., R.I.A., or Remington 1903, ... if you're Jonesin' for an old-school fun gun that could, in a pinch, make for a passable SHTF weapon if nothing else was in reach. Not doubt, though, even a *reasonably* priced 1903 will cost more than $220.

About any 1903 with a decent (i.e., still shootable) barrel is going to be MUCH more accurate and easier to zero - and keep zero-ed - than the Russki M44.

And yes, you can still get a bayonet for the 1903, decent repos or originals too.
 
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You just about stole it for that price- they are bringing $400-$450 around here.

Solid, dependable Combloc guns. May shoot very well, if you put accurate ammo in them (most milsurp ammo accuracy is crap). Never going to be a silk purse, no matter what you do, but not a bad sow's ear, despite that
Click to expand...

A silk purse is a pretty useless item, in my book. These guns are handy, rugged, useful tools. Love mine.
 
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