M-44 Questions/About to be new owner

[crew590]

Hey Guys,

I have a few questions about the M-44. I have a Hungarian one on layaway at a local pawnshop. Now to the questions. Are the bores chrome-lined? Who manufactures the best (and preferably cheap) ammo? Any other thoughts and/or comments on the gun?

Thanks in advance,

Jay

 

[MattBeck]

I own an M-44.

To my knowledge, they are not chrome lined.

As far as cheap *commercial* ammo, you best bet is probably Wolf, which is honestly not that cheap. Its usually at least 5 to 8 bucks a box from what i've seen.

However, if your willing to do an extra 5 mintues of cleaning when you get home, Surplus ammo is great. Tons of 7.62x54R surplus out there, and its cheap as dirt. I think AIM Surplus sells 440 round tins for ~35 bucks before shipping. I picked up a 440 round tin of Polish ammo a few weeks ago in a local gun store for 45 bucks.

Now, the problem with Surplus is that is almost always corrosive. This means you need to clean her up RIGHT after shooting with some special preparation. My method is 1 part water 1 part Windex sprayed down the barrel, in the chamber and on the bolt face, followed by a few dry patches and then normal cleaning regimen. Its worked like a charm.


Anyway, great choice on an inexpensive and extremely enjoyable gun. Get ready for the muzzle flash and sound, it'll impress you (the recoil might impress you too...).

Matt Beck

 

[foghornl]

I have a Romanian 1954-vintage M-44. Muzzle flash/blast are...well, quite impressive with most ammo. Also, the bayonet folded vs extended does make about a 3"-4" change in windage at 100Yds with SOME ammo in SOME guns. Your Mileage Will Vary. Like finding the "best" ammo to use in your favorite .22LR gun.

For surplus ammo, some like the Polish, and some prefer the Czech loadings.

Right now, Ammoman.com has the Hungarian silver/yellow tip for $65 for a 440-round sealed 'spam can', delivered.

 

[Clipper]

If you're looking for really accurate hunting ammo, the Norma stuff is great, but pricey. Sounds like a field piece going off, too. Get a sporting stock from Sportsman's Guide, and recoil won't be such an issue.Heck, ballistically It's right between the .30-06 and .308, so recoil isn't bad, but military stock geometry is likely no help. I had a sporterized M-N years ago, and was very impressed with the accuracy. 3/4" groups with open sights on Williams Gunsight's 80-yard range with a 22" cut-down barrel.