[RVSinOK]

I am new to the C&R world, and just bought my first Mosin-Nagent (an M44). I got the rifle about a week ago, and ordered a 440 round can of surplus ammo, which I just received today.

Here's my embarrassing question: How the heck do you open the can? I am sure I can get into it, but what is the "right" way to open it without destroying it?:banghead:

[BillinNH]

There should be a tab on the edge of the can that is usually opened with a slotted can opener that rolls up the tab and eventually most of the lid, like an old can of SPAM. Usually, the can opener is only included if you buy two 440 round cans. Try a pair of long needle nosed pliers.

Good luck.

Bill

[kentucky_smith]

ouch.


Tin snips.

[cracked butt]

How the heck do you open the can?

With lots of persistance.

If you bought a crate of ammo (2x440rd cans) you would have gotten an opener with it, but it seems that many of the ammo sellers split up the cases then charge you extra if you want an opener. The spam can opener looks like a large can opener. You can use a chisel and a hammer- it often works better than an opener- just split the can open near the seam.

FWIW, Czech ammo is easier to open- you just yank on the metal straps with the pull rings on them to unzip the lid.

You will pretty much destory the can no matter how you open it- its ok, the can s aren't exactly works of art to begin with.

[hillbilly]

I used a chisel and a military surplus P38 can opener.

I used the chisel and one good hammer blow to make the initial hole in the lid.

And then, I used the P38 military can opener to take the hole around the edge of the lid, until it was big enough to pry the lid back, adn dig the ammo out of the can.

hillbilly

[RVSinOK]

What I have is Hungarian light ball. Like I said, I'm sure I can get it open, I was just wondering if there was a secret to opening it "gracefully".

Sounds like my best bet is to "just do it" and tear it apart!

Hillbilly - what is a P38 can opener? Something I can find easily? Sorry I haven't heard of that....

Thanks for all of ya'll's help. I have learned so much on THR, and I really appreciate all of the help from the experts!

:D

[hillbilly]

Here's a link with a pic.

P38 can opener can be had for less than a buck at any Army surplus store worthy of being called a surplus store.

http://www.olive-drab.com/od_rations_p38.php

[Detritus]

what is a P38 can opener? Something I can find easily? Sorry I haven't heard of that....


it's a type of small maybe 1to1-1/2" long metal can opener tool that folds flat, used to be GI issue with the likes of C-rations..

it's two peices of stamped metal, larger one serves as the handle smaller one is the blade of the opener as is curved and single beveled, and folds out perpendicular when in use. just about any camping store or a surplus store will have them, if all else fails look for a surplus dealer at a gunshow, the things are sold for anywhere from 25cents to a dollar depending on where.

for the ammo can you might want to look for a P51 opener which is basicly an overgrown P38


and the opener on a swiss army knife will do the same thing..

[grendelbane]

Those old Commie ammo cans can be useful! A few years ago when an ice storm knocked out power for a few days, I knocked a few holes in a 7.62 x 39 Chinese ammo can. I placed it in the fireplace, filled with charcoal bricquettes. Voila! I had hot water for bathing and shaving, and easily made soup for eating.

Fortunately, the temperature never dropped below 35 during that time. I enjoy reading about the old days, but I do thoroughly enjoy microwave ovens and hot showers. TV, now that I could do without. I would put my internet connection barely behind hot water. If I did not have to move around among other people, I would put it barely above hot water.

I have an ammo can which I think contains 7.62 x 54R. When I need some, it will come open, whether I have the proper tool or not. I like the idea of sealed ammunition.

[RVSinOK]

Thanks everybody! I knew I could count on THR for getting the best info around.

That's what I like about this place - You can ask a "dumb" question, and you will get a bunch of answers that really help. Just what I joined for.

You "guys" (with deference to the awesome ladies that are here) are awesome!

[Selfdfenz]

RVSinOK

How true!

Can't think of a single incident of any question poser being called out in the slightest on the Rifle County, Reloading or the Hunting tabs for any questions they thought were, as you put it, "embarrassing" and certainly not "dumb"

We all know to go over to Legal and Political when we want to have people call us that:D :D :D

S-

[RVSinOK]

Now that I have beat it open, I can see how close the ammo is to the top of the can - not very. I was kind of concerned about poking and prodding too hard, because I didn't know if I was going to be hitting primers with my can opener! :what:

Now that I have seen the inside of one, I feel a little more comfortable digging in to the can.

The next big test will be when I actually get to light off some of that ammo in the gun...I can't wait! :D

[Cacique500]

It's a little late now that you have the can open, but a flat head screwdriver and a hammer will have it open in no time. Just put the screwdriver on a 45 degree angle and hit with the hammer to cut through the tin. A pair of vice grips is also handy to 'tear back' the lid as you work...gloves are a good idea as well since the metal is extremely sharp.

[Dacoda]

Now you can use the can as a target :)

Enjoy.

[Ash]

I have several of the can openers, and they can be as hard to use as anything else. I know of one guy who grinds the edge off neatly and then reuses the cans (does it in such a way as to allow the lid to fit back on).

The results look pretty good. But, I have always been a bit wary of sending a spark into the paper-wrapped cartridges.

As to a P38, that is an item everyone should have on their key-chain! I'm never in a bind when it comes to opening cans (and they work much, much better than the Swiss Army Knife variety).

Ash