Finally got an M44!

[Panzerschwein]

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:


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" 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!!

Take care,

Cooldill

 

[kBob]

First time I shot my Russian with the old Chinese ammo when it was first coming in, my friend commented "Are you all right?" I was shooting from the kneel and he was directly behind me about five yards. The muzzle blast and concussion in broad day light was such he thought the rifle had exploded.

Still shoot it though.

Nice catch.

Shiny.

Oh and you don't want to know.....OK a girl bought it for me in 198something and I kept quite about thinking she had paid too much at $75 out the door.

-kBob

 

[bannockburn]

Cooldill

Congrats on a nice find! Looks to be in great shape and the price was fair enough.

 

[Sovblocgunfan]

Nice! An M44 was the first rifle I ever bought for myself-it too was Romanian.

Fun to shoot, but not fun without ear plugs/muffs.

 

[Slamfire]

You will have to shoot the thing at dusk, or better, at night. The fire ball is impressive!

 

[Ditchtiger]

The muzzle blast and concussion in broad day light was such he thought the rifle had exploded.



-kBob

Yes, they do that. Do a google search for Mosin fireballs sometime.
Watch the ground in front of you when you shoot. Small rocks and gravel jump and grass flattens out, really. If you shoot it at night don't move till you get your flash blinded vision back after a second or so.

 

[jobu07]

The fact that you found a Romanian is a particularly rare event. Well done and a great find indeed. Any photos of the barrel shank and tang?

 

[USAF_Vet]

I had a Hungarian M44, one of the guns I regret selling.

Took it to the range one afternoon after it rained all morning. Range was all puddles. Watching the shockwave move over the water as the bullet went down range over the was just plain fun.

Shooting it at night was just as fun.

Nice haul. I've been thinking of getting another Mosin.

 

[Ignition Override]

Cooldill: You must be a natural negotiator. That's the nicest 44 I've ever seen, except for the Polish 44s, also in such condition.

A short while ago, although involving the best of the standard, longer MN 91/30s, "Enemy At the Gates" was on Direct TV, approx. channel 566.

Maybe it will be on again this week?

 

[Panzerschwein]

Cooldill: You must be a natural negotiator. That's the nicest 44 I've ever seen, except for the Polish 44s, also in such condition.

A short while ago, although involving the best of the standard, longer MN 91/30s, "Enemy At the Gates" was on Direct TV, approx. channel 566.

Maybe it will be on again this week?

Thanks! Indeed itt is the nicest M44 I've seen in a long time in person. I knew I had to get it, and managed to get a good price on it. It's nice that since it was a private sale, no FFL fee and of course no shipping fees.

I like Enemy at the Gates, it's a good movie!

 

[DaisyCutter]

Oh and you don't want to know.....OK a girl bought it for me in 198something and I kept quite about thinking she had paid too much at $75 out the door.

I got one for $65 in 2004. Wish I would've bought a whole crate full.


They are a kick to shoot!! Have fun Cooldill!

 

[Orion8472]

Yeah, . . . my M44 is my most fun rifle to shoot just because of the fireball and blast. They are GREAT fun. One day [or evening, rather], I'd like to shoot it when it was more like dusk to see how the fireball looks at that time.

NICE find, sir!

 

[Panzerschwein]

UPDATE:

Okay guys, I just shot the rifle at the range. 60 rounds of Russian surplus. HOLY FIREBALL!!! SO IMPRESSED RIGHT NOW!!! The gun functioned PERFECTLY, and someone at the range told me the gun sounded and looked like a cannon going off! I agree! The bolt did not exhibit "sticky bolt syndrome", and the cartridge interupter worked as designed. No rim lock even when trying.

All in all, I am blown away at this gun. So much fun!!!

 

[DougW]

I bought 4 or 5 back in 2001 to 2003 for $39 each C&R. I also bought 6 M44 "U-fix-em's" for $19 each in 2004, but I also bought 6 #4mk1 Enfields for $75 each C&R. I still have one of the lesser M44's (Hungarian I think). Sold the rest off over time to build my collection. It is a very interesting rifle.