Hungarian M44

[MMCSRET]

I was given a Hungarian M44. Has a hinged, folding bayonet. Looks good, cycles good, smooth bolt movement, bore looks to be chromed. Dated 1953.
Is the bore chrome lined and how do these stack up to the Russian or other Communist Block M44's?
I've never had a desire to own one, so I'm starting from a point of total ignorance.

 

[Phaethon]

"Looks to be chromed"? You mean on the rifle's exterior?

To my knowledge no M44's were issued with chrome lined barrels. Perhaps yours is an exception, but I seriously doubt it; these shot corrosive ammo and handled it pretty well without chrome. If the bore is very shiney, then I would venture to say that you are simply very lucky to have your rifle's barrel in very good condition.

 

[MMCSRET]

OK, that sounds all right. Now how does the Hungarian version stack up against the other manufacturers as to quality and workmanship?

 

[isc]

I have M44s made by Russia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and China (they called it a type 53) The Russian guns have the nicest stocks (including one that's laminated). The polish has the nicest machining, bluing, and trigger pull. The Chinese has the worst stock (it has a big knot hole in it).

I bought 5 of each when they were first imported about 10 years ago and kept the best one of the five. They came in a wide range of conditions. There wasn't that big of a difference between the hungarians and the others. It all depends on the luck of the draw.

 

[Phaethon]

I think I remember reading that Chinese Type 53's actually do have chromed barrels. As far as how yours stacks up, I wouldn't say admirably. Maybe you could get slightly more for it, though I wouldn't expect to, and the workmanship on any Mosin-Nagant or variant thereof doesn't differ much from place to place, with the natural exception of Finland.

 

[isc]

I'm pretty sure finland never made a M44