A Mosin was calling to me in Tulsa...

[Moparmike]

So I bought the sporterized, non-numbers-matching Mosin with a curved bolt for $75. I figured "what the heck, if its a P.O.S. I can sell it, and if it shoots well, I will stick a scope on it and use it for a deer rifle.

So, I took it out to a quickly-darkening range, and shot a few rounds. I was positively terrified of the gun at first, because I knew the round was comparable to my 8mm Mauser which weighs about 12lbs and still manages to kick the snot right out of me. I ain't kidding, it shoots a Turk 154gr pill at about 2950fps. So, I loaded up some Brown Bear and got a 2" group at 25yds (terrified, flinching, and I suck with irons). I wasn't unsatisfied, its better than my Mauser, and has less felt recoil (I cheated by using a shoulder pad). I am going to see what a 'smith wants to stick a mount on it and keep the irons useful.


BTW, does anyone know how to identify it? I can tell an M44 from a 91/30, but this thing has me confused. It has the Tula star on it, and a date stamp of 1936 (which should rule out an M38 ). I can pull the SN off of it tomorrow if it would help anyone. Oh, an it has no safety.

 

[Kingson]

If it has a date of 1936 then it's not a M44, Most likly a M91 or M91/30 If you go
Here this site is very good. You should find out what you need to know
http://7.62x54r.net/
The safety is on the end of the bolt, You pull it back and twist it to puts it on safe. Hope this helps

 

[Cosmoline]

Probably a 91/30. It has a safety you just pull the cocking knob back and turn it counter-clockwise, engaging it against the receiver.

What markings does it have?

 

[DMK]

BTW, does anyone know how to identify it? I can tell an M44 from a 91/30, but this thing has me confused. It has the Tula star on it, and a date stamp of 1936 (which should rule out an M38 ).

Here's some pics on an M38 next to a 91/59 (pay close attention to the rear sights). A 91/59 and 91/30 will look very much alike as the 91/59 is just a 91/30 that had the barrel cutdown to 20" during post war refurb. If it has a barrel longer than 20", it's a 91/30.

If it has a fold out bayonette permanently attached to the side, it's an M44.

Peruse www.surplusrifle.com It has pics, descriptions and the manual of arms.