[Deles136]

I have some of the Russian carbines, M-38, M-44, etc., and the recoil with surplus ammo is too much for my old and skinny frame.
Has anyone dumped some of the powder from the shell and if so how much powder did you dump and did you set the bullet at the same distance in the case?

Many thanks, Battered Old Man

[foghornl]

The 'Kick" from my Mosin-Nagant M-44 is quite a bit more than my M-1, but is dependant upon the ammo. There were/are 3 loads used in the 7.62x54R that seem to be readily available omn the surplus market.
A 147 (or so) Gr "Light Ball"
A 180 (or so) Gr "Heavy Ball" used in ground machine guns
Another 180 or so used ONLY for Aircraft Machine guns.

visit

www.mosin-nagant.net

and go to the link about "110 Years of 7.62x54" for more info on all the different types/loads of 7.62 ammo

[Art Eatman]

If you don't want to install someting like the "KickEez" recoil pad, I'd suggest wearing a thick jacket. Or, if you're shooting from a benchrest, just put a small sandbag between the buttplate and your shoulder.

Another Good Thing is to make a shooting-shirt. Cut and shape a kitchen sponge (or two, depending on thickness and material) and a piece of cloth and sew this onto the front of the shoulder of whatever shirt you dedicate to the purpose...

:), Art

[Deles136]

Foghorn & Art, Thanks for the replys. I will look up info on the diffrent types of 7.62x54R. I have a Mauser chambered for 30-06 and I installed a chamber adapter so that I can now fire .308 and now the rifle is very enjoyable to shoot. I use pads and such but other than a recoil pad on the stock I find that anything else just takes too much time. The U.S. Govt. introduced me to the 30-06 ammo in 1953 and I have never liked that much kick in a rifle ever since. The 8mm Mauser is no problem. I am just trying to find an easy way to enjoy the Russians because I have them.
Many thanks to you both, The Old Man

[Steel]

I don't find it bad at all. Just use a folded towel or one of those rifle stock pads that velcro onto the stock

[Redlg155]

While figuring out a way to sight in my shotgun comfortably last deer season I found out that closed cell foam works really well for a recoil shield. I'm talking about that same stuff used for camping mats and exercise pads. You can also get it really cheap at an Army/Navy Surplus store.

Good Shooting
RED

[MonkeyMan]

The kick on those little carbines is pretty sharp. Since you already have an M44 and an M38 why not get a Finnish M39 to keep them company. It's a full sized rifle and is much more pleasant to shoot that the "shorties". Or a 91/30 if you want to stay in the same "country". My "B" barrel has about the same recoil as my Turk Mauser. Mosins are like potato chips. I've been collecting old bolt action milsurps for a few years and have always managed to buy different calibers, until I got my first Mosin.;)