Back from the range; some M44 question

[Snowdog]

I just came back from the range after a good long session with the Russian M44 and the Yugo M48A.
First off, the recoil wasn't nearly as fierce as some here led me to believe. Wolf 200gr SP and FMJs as well as Czech silver colored tips were used, and the recoil was not noticably worse than the M48A using S&B 196gr FMJ fodder. However, I must say that the M44 does has a wicked muzzle blast. After 200 rounds, I started to notice the recoil was becoming detrimental to accuracy, but nearly every rifle I have will create that condition after an extended session.

My main concerns are with the accuracy and the feed-reliability of this rifle.

First off, my M44 groups are generally 4" low and 6" to the left at 100 yards. I noticed that the front sight appears to be dovetailed in. If so, will a brass punch work to adjust the windage? BTW, the results were nearly identical with the bayonet extended.

Second, my M44 always chokes on the last 2 rounds. It appears that there isn't enough "ummph" in the spring to position the remaining two rounds to be in line with the chamber. I wonder where I can find a replacement magazine spring.

Any thoughts?

 

[benEzra]

TAPCO sells every conceivable Mosin Nagant part, including magazine parts; order line (24 hours) is 800-554-1445; general product inquiries are 770-218-9472. Web site is www.tapco.com; see Mosin Nagant page at http://www.tapco.com/departments.asp?dept=35&last=75

 

[pinetree64]

Snowdog,

How do you like you M48A and how does it compare to your M44? I've ordered an M48A and am thinking about getting an M44 also.

Thanks,
Tim

 

[Bowlcut]

My m44 is literly a BLAST to shoot. It gets good looks at the range thats for sure. It groups pretty good, mine were all about 6 inches low at 100 yards as well. First shot was 2 inches high and 2 to the left tho . Bayonette extended the whole time.

I doubt the spring it the full issue unless its not getting the round above the mag stoper. as the Mosin Nagant design has the stop on the mag that keeps the feeding round from having any tension put on it. So unless its not poping up above that then i doubt thats it. or if the tip is laying low, then id check make sure the bottom of the mag is fully seated correclty

 

[Snowdog]

Pinetree64,

I really dislike having to choose one of my rifles over another, but in this case, I really believe the M48A was the better buy. I was taken back how accurate it was, even with some old FN ammunition made back in the '50s. I feel it is a better balanced rifle, and for overall looks, I truly believe it has better lines.
The M44 seems well made as well, but tends to be muzzle-heavy due to the bayonet. The M44 is the shorter of the two, therefore maybe a bit more wieldly.
Between my two specimens, the M48A's trigger is far better than my M44.
I think you're on the right track, buy the M48, then the M44.

Bowlcut,

This "stop" device in the mag that you refer to is exactly what is holding the cartridge from positioning into alignment with the chamber. It looks to be a little tab of metal towards the rear of the cartridge on the left side? If so, this is the little bugger that's screwing everything up. I suppose it's time for a new spring then.

benEzra,

Thanks for the links. I'll call Tapco in the morning and see what I can come up with. This rifle is too slick looking to allow a malfunction such as this to keep it from seeing any more range time.

 

[Redlg155]

After 200 rounds, I started to notice the recoil was becoming detrimental to accuracy, but nearly every rifle I have will create that condition after an extended session.

WOW! You shot 200 rounds of 7.62R out of an M44?? You are definitely tougher than I am!

Take a peek over here for some good Mosin information. Parallax's Curio and Relic Forums .

Good Shooting
Red

 

[Bowlcut]

Well what id check is to see if the stop is functioning correctly. also take the bottom of the mag apart and give the springs a light reverse push....to make them stand up a tad higher. dont do it too much dont want to bend them. just kinda to help them keep tension. if that works but then quits working, new springs would help

 

[benEzra]

Snowdog,
It is possible that the magazine interrupter (or whatever the stop is called) is gunked up and not releasing the next round properly. It's supposed to release the next round when you bring the bolt back; if it's not, you might want to examine the mechanism that activates it and take some solvent and a q-tip to it. (Also make sure you are pulling the bolt all the way back each time?)

 

[foghornl]

Hmmm
Sounds like a gunky "shell stop" and/or weak mag spring. Visit

www.Tapco.com

for any Mosin-Nagant part you can think you might ever need.

Also, the M-44 windage POI does change from 4 to 6 inches @ 100 Yds with bayo extended vs bayo folded. On MY M-44, I am about 4" left with bayo folded, pretty darn close with bayo extended.

Shooting with bayo extended will get you inquisitive stares, and some questions. And if for some reason you have missed your target, you can always recreate 'The Charge of the Light Brigade"

Couple of web sites to visit for more info on these rifles:

www.Mosin-Nagant.net

www.Russian-Mosin-Nagant.com

 

[MonkeyMan]

For parts for my Mosins I go to Tennessee Gun parts;

www.tngunparts.com

As to your specific problem, I had a similar one with my M39 Finn. I replaced both of the magazine follower springs and the interrupter spring and now she functions like a dream.

Interesting that you get roughly the same accuracy independent of bayonet position. I haven't had the chance to wring out my 1945 Ishesvsk (?) M44 yet but that was something I was curious about.

 

[Tropical Z]

200 rounds!
I stop at 45.