Is the M44 a good rifle?

[cracked butt]

They are a rifle, but like all Russian Mosin Nagants they can't really be called good

They're neither good nor bad, but they fit the Soviet ethic perfectly by being 'good enough'.

Mikee, I keep running into that attitude here on THR. People say it's a mediocre rifle or dismiss it and recommend more expensive rifles when people ask about getting into milsurp collecting.

I can't figure out why people feel that way about the Soviet surplus Mosin Nagants. They are more than acceptably accurate. The ones on the market now are in lovely condition. Ammo is not too expensive compared to other rifle ammo. They're dead simple to operate and maintain. I've got more complicated rifles (Swiss K31, SMLE). I've got "more accurate rifles" (Swiss K31, SMLE).

I have several mosin nagants and the only ones that ever get shot are my pre-war 91/30s. After spending years shooting Swiss/U.S/Swedish/Czech rifles, its really difficult for me to get excited about a Mosin regardless of how cheap they are to shoot.

 

[spiroxlii]

Well, that's the thing. I own a Swiss K-31. It's a work of art and accurate to a fault, but it hasn't diminished my love for my M-Ns...

I think I'm just a hopeless Cruffler with a case of milsurpitis.

 

[El Barto]

I'd rather shoot the M38 and not have to mess with the attached tent stake.

 

[mudslinging79]

comes off with one screw... also kinda handy if you need 2 hands, unfold bayo, insert in tree or log...

 

[Franco2shoot]

Had to re-insert the picture link... note that the bayonet is missing on my son's 44. Should we purchase one for better balance?

That sure is good shootin even if its just 50 yards...


KKKKFL

 

[Slamfire]

Had to re-insert the picture link... note that the bayonet is missing on my son's 44. Should we purchase one for better balance?

Yes, if you get the bayonets now, they will be a lot cheaper than later. And folks will want a M44 with the bayonet more than a M44 without a bayonet.

As for balance, the M38 is a lot handier than a bayonet equiped M44. The bayonet adds considerable weight to the carbine.

But it looks cool.

 

[Franco2shoot]

Thanks for that feedback on the bayonet. Now another technical question.

We were experiencing a tightening when closing the bolt last night. I pulled the bolt all the way out and with a spent cartridge, put one edge under the extractor claw then pushing to the side the cartridge slipped in so that the bolt head encircled the brass. The bevel on the 7.62x54 case seems to be designed to assist this. But on reading somewhere about seating, it sounds like the case should not be entirely back against the bolt. So, now I'm confused.

Can you explain?


Thanks
KKKKFL

 

[spiroxlii]

According to people who know more about the M-N than I do, the M44 was sighted in at the factory with the bayonet extended, and the pressure that the bayonet puts on the barrel may actually affect its accuracy.

 

[Joshua M. Smith]

Hello,

Sounds like you're talking about headspace.

A little tighting with a live round is normal. I mean, you shouldn't have to pound it closed, but it shouldn't feel like it's being closed on an empty chamber either.

The 7.62x54r cartridge headspaces in the chamber off of the rim, as compared to the shoulder or mouth like other cartridges such as the .30-06 or 9mm.

When you close the bolt, you'll have just a little play between the bolt face and the cartridge rim. This should be kept to a minimum; just enough for it to chamber. Though by describing a "tightening" it sounds like you're ok, that's not a reliable method to check with, and so you might want to take a look at this guide:

http://www.surplusrifle.com/shooting/headspace/index.asp

The headspace gauges are very good investments.

If, however, you've shot this a lot, and it's not blown up on you and it's not shown any overpressure signs, you're likely good.

Josh <><

 

[Franco2shoot]

I'm thinking that headspace is between the front edge of the brass lip once the cartridge is seated in the barrel. Correct me if I'm wrong.

First take the bolt completely out and look straight down at the firing pin.
What I described was seating the cartridge under the extractor claw and flat against the bolthead. At this point looking down you could see the brass lip encircled by the steel of the bolt. The bevel on the base of the cartridge slides on the bolt edge across from the claw and the entire cartridge lines up straight. Once we lubed the edges the loading was smoother, so I think this is the way it should be..
KKKKFL

 

[Franco2shoot]

Picture worth more words

Here's a quick pic to show what I was talking about. I put the left edge under the extractor claw and then swung the cartridge in place with it seated against the face.

Hopefully this makes it clear.
KKKKFL

 

[tinygnat219]

I have bought these ranging in price from 35.00 to 100 bucks. Each one goes bang.

 

[Funderb]

My m44, endearingly named "grandpa" is one of my favourites. and my first centerfire. just buy a shoulder pad. and always remember to shoot with the bayonette out.

 

[Funderb]

headspace is between the rim of the shell and the rear of the chamber. it is the most important part of buying a milsurp, and the the most important seal in the rifle. don't play with it, unless you want useless brass-riddled eyes.