DRZinn
Member
My local Big 5 always has a M/N on sale. Sometimes it's the M38, sometimes it's the M44, and I want one. My question is, what's the difference between the M38 and the M44?
Quick question on Mosin-Nagants.
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Ohen Cepel
Member
I don't have a reference handy. However, think the biggest diff is of course the bayonet on the M44. Not as much history on the 44's either since they are post war (again, going from memory there).
The 44's are a bit nicer to shoot due to the bayonet weight. My 38 kicks like a mule!
The 44's are a bit nicer to shoot due to the bayonet weight. My 38 kicks like a mule!
Rupestris
Member
Another question in regards to the 38 & 44's
(hope you don't mind Doc
)
I've read that the 44 shoots better with the bayonet extended because of barrel harmonics. Without the Bayonet, would the 38 be more, or less accurate?
(hope you don't mind Doc
)I've read that the 44 shoots better with the bayonet extended because of barrel harmonics. Without the Bayonet, would the 38 be more, or less accurate?
jobu07
Contributing Member
Both were wartime rifles as the war did not end until 45. Anyway, here's another difference, the 38 is significantly lighter than the 44. Therefore you'll get much more of a punch in the shoulder from her.
Anyway, here's another difference, the 38 is significantly lighter than the 44. Therefore you'll get much more of a punch in the shoulder from her.George S.
Member
Here's a good overview of the Mosin variants:
http://www.7.62x54r.net/MosinID/Mosinprimer.htm
The thing that is really amazing about this design is that some Mosin rifles are still in use today, more than 120 years after the first design went into production.
You can't have just one. They do grow on you after awhile. I have a hex-receiver Izhevsk 91/30 dated 1931 and a M38 dated 1944. Still looking for a decent M44. I'm at Big 5 every week when the flyer comes out and pestering the manager to bring out what he has in the back room.
There is lots of interesting information here: http://www.7.62x54r.net/ Read up on the variants and the markings. Print the markings pages so when you go to a Big 5 you can use that to see just what the rifle is instead of listening to the BS from the sales kids. The store manager at my local Big 5 is very knowledgable about Mosins and he has helped a number of folks find good rifles.
http://www.7.62x54r.net/MosinID/Mosinprimer.htm
The thing that is really amazing about this design is that some Mosin rifles are still in use today, more than 120 years after the first design went into production.
You can't have just one. They do grow on you after awhile. I have a hex-receiver Izhevsk 91/30 dated 1931 and a M38 dated 1944. Still looking for a decent M44. I'm at Big 5 every week when the flyer comes out and pestering the manager to bring out what he has in the back room.
There is lots of interesting information here: http://www.7.62x54r.net/ Read up on the variants and the markings. Print the markings pages so when you go to a Big 5 you can use that to see just what the rifle is instead of listening to the BS from the sales kids. The store manager at my local Big 5 is very knowledgable about Mosins and he has helped a number of folks find good rifles.
DRZinn
Member
So what's important in an M44?
Nothing really except the bayonet is connected to the rifle. Production started in 1944 and the M38 was started in 1938. I have heard though and read some reviews that when the M44 was zeroed at the factory the bayonet was extended and if you shoot them with the bayonet to the side it is off a bit. Again only read that in reviews so no first hand experience. But that is why I purchased the M38. Found an excellent condition one for $70 at the gun show. Bought a case of ammo for it from AIM for $54. I was having fun at the range in no time.
kart racer
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If you're gonna shoot it a good bit,the m38 will probably be a better choice.At least it was for me -handle both of them and you'll see the balance is better on the m38.You can find an m44 w/a better looking bore easier.One word of advice,whatever you get mosin wise,make sure you clean the chamber very good,take a 410 or 20 gauge brush and plenty of solvent or you're likely to be at the range and have a hard time gettin' the bolt back.
That is true if you are using surplus corosive ammo. But really it is easy to take care of the corrosive effects. Use ample windex. Yes the blue stuff or plenty of hot water. Then do a regular cleaning. Never shoot corrosive ammo and put it away or as Kart said you will have problems.
In 1943 some 50,000 trials carbines were built and tested in battle. They are essentially an M38 with an attached side-folding bayonet and were adopted in 1944 as the M44. Production continued until 1948.
In 1943 some 50,000 trials carbines were built and tested in battle. They are essentially an M38 with an attached side-folding bayonet and were adopted in 1944 as the M44. Production continued until 1948.
DRZinn
Member
If I end up getting one, I won't be shooting it much; I don't have the time. It'll be kind of a backup.
Buy the Czech silver tip. Shoots great for me. Just remember it is corrosive so you need to clean the barrel and bolt face really well after you are done firing for the day. Actually Windex will do the trick to remove the salts that are deposited after firing corrosive ammo. In fact the 7.62x54R from AIM is 54 a case of 780 rounds. You will have to add 19 for shipping but still that is not that bad.
Mauserguy
Member
Also note that the bayonets sometimes rattle on the M44s. The rattle is annoying to some people. The M44s ussually shoot to the right of the target about 3 inches at 100 yards when the bayonet is collapsed. Extend the Bayonet, and things fall into place. Shooting with the bayonet extended is kind of fun, but people at ranges frown on it, lest you stick somebody.
Mauserguy
Mauserguy
The bayo folded vs extended makes a 3"-4" difference in my M-44, too.
First time I had the rifle at the range, a kid (about 9-10) asked me "Hey Mister, what is that long screwdriver on your gun for?''
"It's not really a screwdriver", I said, while poking one of the gallon water jugs I had.
Kids' face:
First time I had the rifle at the range, a kid (about 9-10) asked me "Hey Mister, what is that long screwdriver on your gun for?''
"It's not really a screwdriver", I said, while poking one of the gallon water jugs I had.
Kids' face:
armoredman
Member
The looks you get at the range when you touch on of these bad boys off is priceless! I call my M38 Babushka Thunderboomer! I get 3.5 inch ghroups at 100 yards with Wolf ammo, and about 6 inches with Czech Silvertip. I get the Silvertip for $1.49 a box of 20 from J&G Sales in Prescott AZ, so even I can afford to shoot!
Mosins a re a great, and inexpensive hobby - I have three, a 1942 M38, a 1943 91/30, and a nice hex reciever 1920 91/30.
Mosins a re a great, and inexpensive hobby - I have three, a 1942 M38, a 1943 91/30, and a nice hex reciever 1920 91/30.
Kramer Krazy
Member
I picked up a 1942 90/31 and a 1944 M38 last week. Both appear to be arsenal refinished with the M38 having a laminated stock (an M44 stock?). The wife and I haven't shot them, yet. Maybe this weekend. I wanted two 90/31s, but the shop had these in-stock, and for the money, we decided to get the 90/31 and the M38, instead of ordering two, sight-unseen 90/31s. I've got a case of Czech silver-tip just waiting to be shot. 
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