Mosin Nagant choice?

[Aguila Blanca]

I've decided I should treat myself to a Mosin nagant while they are still available and comparatively inexpensive. The problem is, I don't know which one to buy. Forget the Finnish models and the dedicated sniper 91/30s -- my budget will only support one of the sub-$100 models. That means a "plain Jane" 91/30, an M38, or an M44. I'm sort of partial to the carbine-length rifles, but not sure what the M44s with the built-in bayonet look like "up close and personal." But I've seen threads in here saying that the M38s aren't especially accurate.

I can only afford one. Which should it be?

 

[wild billz]

get the M38, its a decent size, not too long and heavey, and you don't have to mess with the spike bayonet that adds more weight and pushes shots left. I have a 91/30, like it, too long, a M44, like it, heavey, and a 91/59, short like a m38, easy to handle, lots of recoil.

 

[ArmedBear]

Ditto. M38 if you can find one with a good bolt. It handles like a Pinko lever action, a truly handy little gun.

91/30 is an unwieldy thing, M44 has a useless bayonet that weighs a lot and detracts from accuracy.

 

[kentucky_smith]

I like the balance of the 91/30s.

 

[ArmedBear]

BTW Hawk, $100 will get you an Enfield in decent shape if you look around. If I could only get one inexpensive milsurp, it'd be a SMLE.

 

[redneckrepairs]

i only have two m44s and have to say they are fine little plinkers that are accurate enough to kill a cyoute out to 400 yards or so . ( i use them as ranch rifles just stowed in the work pickups )

 

[cracked butt]

There isn't another milsurp rifle that balances quite like a 91/30. I have 3 carbines and have no interest in buying another of those.

 

[ball3006]

The best of the lot....

that are out there now are the 91/30 and the M44. Most of the M38s are counterbored from muzzle wear. The 911/30 is longer and thus has a longer sight radius. The M44 is shorter and has a folding bayonet that makes a dandy rifle holder while you open a beer. They are cheap enough, buy both.......you won't regret it.....chris3

 

[dasmi]

I've got a 91/30 and an M44. Either one would suit you, but as other have said, the 91/30 is long, and the M44 has a heavy bayonet.

 

[BillinNH]

I decided to go with the m38. Easy to handle and no aiming complications due to the bayonet. I know the Finnish ones are very accurate but a 29" barrel is just not my style.

The carbines are great sources of thunder and lightning at the range but you can handload with faster powders to make it more civilized. If you want to, of course.

Heck, any of the MNs will be a lot of fun. Get what your gut tells you.

And get a K31. And a Swedish Mauser. And an SMLE. And an 8mm Mauser

Bill

 

[AH-1]

the M38 is the best flame thrower the russians ever made
pete