[TheSoundBarrier]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptsscqDLJnE


Hey, everyone. First post, so I'd figure I'd start it off right! There's a very brief show and tell for you. Just some eye candy. :cool:

[LJ-MosinFreak-Buck]

Good vid, but should've shot it, too! LOL. Welcome to The High Road!

[TheSoundBarrier]

Hey, Mosin...

You will be shocked to know that I've had this rifle for over a year and have yet to cycle any rounds through it! I've had a hell of a year. Just a lot going on... I built it up and then stuck her in the safe... It sits patiently. I fondle her nightly though! lol :evil:

Really though, there are so many vids of guys shooting their rifles. Let me see it up close! I'll get some trigger time in here soon enough.

I'm looking to get a Mosin M44 at some point. Which C&R type dealer do you trust the most?

[LJ-MosinFreak-Buck]

I actually picked mine up at an LGS (Local Gun Shop/Store). I have heard a lot about Classic Arms (www.classicarms.us)
You could also try Buds, J&G, Aim Surplus, Gunbroker, just to name a few. The M44's aren't cheap anymore, but the fun-factor is there. I've had mine since the day I turned 18 (5 years ago) and owned a K31 since I was 16-17.

And go show the Saiga some lovin's. Sure she'd like to see it.

[TurtlePhish]

Gunbroker is good if you look around. Mine was around $200, if you look you might be able to find some around $250. She's a little beat up, though. Unfired bore when I got it.

http://i1162.photobucket.com/albums/q532/TurtlePhish/IMG_0295.jpg

[LJ-MosinFreak-Buck]

Unfired? What'd they do for fun, then? Lol.

[TheSoundBarrier]

LJ & Turtle: I found some Chinese Type 53 rifles - they look like M44s to me. I'm not sure how different they are from one another by design, but they look identical to my untrained eyes. I imagine the Russian M44 would be the superior specimen in regards to build quality, but I could be wrong.

The source I have for M44s is still showing $180 with a $10 handpick. The Type 53s are a bit less. To my knowledge, the outfit I'm referring to only deals with FFL holders (Type 03 C&R and Type 01s).

Any experience with the Type 53s?

[LJ-MosinFreak-Buck]

Type 53's are, in fact, the Chinese copy of the Russian M44 (mines a 1944 Izhevsk). Same thing. I don't have a type 53, but they are usually found in rough shape, with most being restorable.

[TheSoundBarrier]

Yeah, I just got done scoping some of those Type 53s out online and they sure do look beat to hell - I'll bet a lot of those Chinese Mosin clones were used in the Korean War and not re-arsenaled. I watched a YouTube vid of a guy who had 5 of the 53s all laid out - every one of them looked pretty dinged up. From what I understand, it's still possible to get a Russian variant in sharp condition. I think I will continue my search for a M44. I wish I could find a M38 as well. Really cool rifles.

[LJ-MosinFreak-Buck]

Wanting to add an M1938, M1891, M1891/30, and a few others to the collection, all Russian. I prefer country of origin, even though they're getting expensive.

[TurtlePhish]

T53s have the most disgusting wood on the planet, but the metal is almost always great. Don't be afraid of them- they're good shooters.

[TheSoundBarrier]

Turtle, I concur with your opinion on T53 stocks. LJ, they're only going to get more expensive. I personally believe the surplus rifle game will be on its last leg before we know it. Current C&R rifles are/have been drying up. Mosin Nagants still seem to be everywhere - for now. The 70s and 80s won't have much to offer us except for pistols. I would have liked to get in on it when K98s, M1 Garands, M1 Carbines, and M1903s didn't cost $500-$1,000+!

[LJ-MosinFreak-Buck]

The prices are ridiculous... Too bad, I have a lot more to go before I'd consider my collection complete.