Rusian M-38 Carbines

[Sam71N]

Hi Guys

I am looking at getting a Russian M-38 rifle from Interordnance, for an inexpensive hunting rifle $94.95. My main question is how hard would it be to mount a scope on the rifle.

My other question is why and is it worth it to pay $55 more to get a 1940/1941 model. or $20 extra for a hand select.

Thanks for the help

Sam

 

[AJAX22]

I'm curious as to peoples experiance as well, I'm getting my C&R any day now and I have the same questions regarding the same rifle.

 

[DeftwillP]

The general consensus is that it is easiest to scope a mosin a'la scout style. Do a search for "scout mount mosin" and you shall see. I'm still considering it for deer season.

 

[ArmedBear]

There are two reasons why WW II guns are worth more if they're earlier manufacture.

1. They're built better because the infrastructure hadn't been bombed to hell, and there wasn't as much pressure for quantity over quality, until the war was in full swing.

2. They're rarer, since production was ramped up later on.

I'm not sure which is true of the M38; my guess is that it's a bit of both.

My 1943 is nice enogh, though.

Be advised: the guns are not light, and they kick.

More info than you need is here: http://www.surplusrifle.com/

Here's a project someone did: http://www.surplusrifle.com/shooting2005/mosinscoutrifle/index.asp

You don't need the bent bolt. Not worth the effort, and might make the gun harder to cycle anyway.

Bear in mind that, once you've bought the stock, scope and mounts, you're into the thing for well over $300.

For $500, a local retailer sells a complete Weatherby Vanguard package, with mounted scope, hard case, and sling, guaranteed to group 1.5" at 100 yards, or better. It comes in standard American calibers, too, so you can get a broad variety of hunting ammo, even at Wal-Mart. 7.62x54R hunting ammo is available, but nothing like .30-06, .308 or .270.

A Mosin's accuracy is a crapshoot. Some will shoot really well, some won't. They also vary in the amount of wear, finish, rust, bore condition, varnish, fit of components (some bolts wiggle around freely in several directions, even when locked shut), etc. That's what Hand Select is good for.

 

[phoglund]

I would think with a scout mounted scope the M38 would make a good short to moderate range deer gun. They are short and accurate enough for the purpose. They do kick a bit but you are not going to be shooting magazine after magazine from them if you are out hunting. I'd not bother paying the extra for the early war guns as you are just as likely to get pre-war guns as late war guns. The Russians were hardest pressed during the 1940 - 1942 war years and I'd expect these to be of no better quality than other years. That being said the two I have are both 1942 marked and beautiful examples of the Russian art of making functional and rugged firearms. I paid $50 a piece for mine when they were on sale at SOG in December of '04. I'm keeping one unfired by me but the other is a good shooter if I do my part. If you can get good hunting rounds for the 7.62 X 54r it should provide plenty of power for any deer in North America. Good luck and remember to provide pictures of both your gun and kills if you get either or both!

Pictures of mine can be found here:

http://wardragon.com/cruffler/russian_m38s.htm

 

[Cosmoline]

There are several scout-style mounts out there that are easy to put on. To try to mount a traditional American style scope you've got to do so much cutting you'll ruin the rifle and end up with a POS. I've seen it many times. Besides, the M-38's are far from the most accurate Mosins. For hunting I'd strongly suggest a pre'41 91/30 or a nice refurbished one in the laminated stock. These are cheap, and with some simple shimming and an aftermarket ball trigger can be made to shoot acceptable 2 MOA. You don't need a scope anyway--just learn how to use the irons. If what you want is a traditional American hunting rifle with no irons and a receiver mounted scope, buy a Savage or Ruger M-77.

 

[aka108]

Re paying a few bucks more for hand select. I have generally paid the extra and have received rifles, some of which from the condition, appeared to be unissued or near perfect. Crap shot but one I generally take.

 

[nelson133]

As to the M38, I agree with most of what was said above. Most, or all, of them coming into the country now were rearsenalled at the end of the war and then put into storage. The muzzles were counterbored to clean up bad rifling but this doesn't mean that they won't shoot. The laminated stocks are rarer and are priced accordingly. Most of the available M38s actually have M44 stocks, look for the cutout for the bayonet, this doesn't matter in the least unless you are a collector.
The M44 is cheaper and you can find ones made after the war, which basically means they were never used. I've got a 1946 M44 in excellent condition. The M44 comes with a nice big pigsticker which can be used for toasting things over an open fire at the end of the day. You can remove the bayonet, but some have reported that doing so will change the point of impact, as will having the bayonet folded or extended. YMMV.
Both of these guns have a tremendous muzzle flash and can clear a couplre of lanes on either side at the range. Surplus ammo is cheap, but most of it is corrosive and proper cleaning methods must be followed, Wolf or Prvi Partizan imports softpoint ammo for hunting and it is not corrosive. Actually Wolf buys some of their ammo from Prvi so it may be the same stuff.
Remember that Mosins are addictive and few people can stop with one.

 

[possum]

SAM71N, welcome to THR,

If you are not set just on a m38, and wouldn't mind a 91/30, interordanace has two with the scope mounts and scope already on them, one has the 3.5x scope and the other has the 4x scope, the first is running at $400 i think, and the latter is a little more, but that would be the package all in one and you wouldn't have to worry about getting all the parts and getting it put together. Sog also has the 3.5x model going for $339 right now check out the websites and you can see the prices, pics and info about what all they come with. from the article i read in a magazine today. Dave Fortier had great results with the 91/30 from interordance with the 4x scope and even shot it in a 600yd match, scored 100 w/ 4x out of a possible 100 w/ 10x's. pretty darn good for an old rifle and modern ammo, at that range. Hope this helps. otherwise there is great info above.

 

[Shweboner]

I just ordered one from AIM Surplus. It was only $89. Should be here by the end of the week!!!!


I have owned M44s and 91/30s but this will be my first M38.


I never pay for hand select, never had a bad one yet.

 

[Essex County]

The 69-89 dollar M-N's fulfill the same function as 9.95 Carcano's in 1959. Only the do it much, much better. Just don't fall into the trap of spending too much upgrading it. (been there, done that). Essex

 

[jd46561]

I have m38,s and im not impressed, accuracy sucks, bolt sticks , kicks hard. The muzzle flash is cool though. If you want a nice cheap hunting rifle get a Swiss k31. A quality rifle for around 150.00. I have several and they outshoot everything else I have. You wont be sorry. Ammo is more, but its match grade not crap. And you can get it through Aim supply for around 24.00/60 rounds.Hornaday(I think), sells soft point hunting ammo for this rifle also.