Took my new-to-me Russian M44 out today for the first time and put 20 rounds through it. It shot decent (a little over 4MOA...good enough for me) groups that were about 6" high (as expected from what I've read and plan on a Smith front/Mojo rear sight combo). I really enjoyed shooting it however it was really tough to manipulate the bolt both chambering and extracting the rounds. It is easy opening/closing the bolt without any rounds. I looked at the brass and it looked good so I'm wondering if it's normal for these older rifles as this is my first of these kind and I'm used to precision bolts guns.