Mosin Nagant M44 - Collect the whole set?

[cluttonfred]

There have been plenty of threads on the pros and cons of the Soviet shoulder-cannon Mosin Nagant M44, but there is no arguing that they are about the least expensive and most common rifles available for the collector with an interest in WWII.

So, since M44s are so inexpensive, how many would you need to get, and which ones, to put together a representative collection? Which variants, which arsenals, and why?

Let's stick to M44s for now. If interest warrants, I'll start a thread on other Mosies or similar inexpensive ComBloc rifles for collectors.

Thanks!

 

[GD]

A good collection of M44's would include the following Countries: Soviet, East German (hard to find), Hungarian, Romanian, Polish, and Chinese.
Years for Soviet:1943-1948. I am not real familiar with other country's years (most were in the 50's).
Any Tula M44 is a great find. There are also rare variations such as hex receiver. Stocks vary - laminated, hardwood and different metal parts.

 

[RonE]

You probably need about 247 rifles to be anywhere near a complete collection. It is sorta mind boggleing as to the factories, countries, and variations and dates of manufacture. Check out http://7.62x54r.net/ for more information.

 

[Harry Paget Flashman]

You probably need to add 91/59's and M38's for a decent Mosin Nagant carbine collection. There is no reason to half-step.

 

[SimpleIsGood229]

Don't forget the 1943 test-run of 50,000 M44's. Gotta get one of those.

 

[LJ-MosinFreak-Buck]

It'd be an unending task my friend.

 

[MRIman]

They are addictive!!!!!

 

[SimpleIsGood229]

Sweeet! Which year and arsenal is that laminated M44?

 

[cluttonfred]

OK, I've opened Pandora's box, I know, so let's limit it to Soviet WWII-era manufacture only, rifles that might have actually seen WWII use. Suggestions on variants, arsenals if limited to WWII only?

 

[Vaarok]

Oh, that's simpler. 43, 44, 45, Tula, Izhevsk, and Finn captured covers the basics. Then you're just into obscure features like hex-reliever rebuilds.