Vostok confusion...

[Smokey Joe]

Recently purchased a Vostok .22 target rifle. I'm wondering what model it is. It came with 'scope bases attached as a modification; otherwise stock.

Put a Weaver T-36 on it, and yesterday began exploring its accuracy from the bench. What a SCHWEEET trigger! And it IS accurate; I just haven't yet found the brand of target .22 ammo it really prefers. The research will continue.

Serial number (if it IS that; only number I can find, and it is marked in several places, including the target rear sight and adjustable buttplate) is well below 1000.

Now, the question: I've been doing I'net research, and can only conclude that it is a Vostok CM-2, or a Model 1, or Model 2, or Model 3. It is NOT a Ural model, as it doesn't have that large knob on the rear of the bolt. But the few sources I can find are contradictory as to which model came with which stock. And, of course, the 'scope bases cover part of the stampings. And to make matters worse, apparently the Soviets made changes within the models as they went along.

Anybody know how to tell a CM-2 from a 1 or a 2 or a 3? Or if there is an "Official Book of the Vostok" to be had? All I am so far is confused.

Will be adding some pix shortly.

BTW, while I'm at it, the Weaver T-36, with fine crosshairs, is a great 'scope for benchrest. I'll be hanging on to that item regardless.

 

[Smokey Joe]

Addendum...

Continued research on preferred fodder for the Vostok. It seems to be a toss-up between Wolf Target, Wolf Match Extra, and RWS Target. Pricey ammo for a .22, but this rifle is worth it.

I continue to be amazed at the lightness, and lack of creep, and suddenness of breaking, of this rifle's trigger.

The Soviets apparently intended to put their effort where it counted most: Fine bbl, fine trigger, very good sights, solid stock, but awful-looking. Stock seems to have been dipped in red shellac and hung up to dry--Ugh.

 

[OcelotZ3]

Have you looked in the Russian rifle section of Rimfire Central? There are some people over there who might be able to help.

 

[Smokey Joe]

Ocelot--Good suggestion--Thank You!

ETA--Now having gone to RFC and looked extensively @ their Vostok rifle articles, I'm pretty sure that mine is a standard CM-2, albeit a low-number CM-2. I'm content to leave it at that. I'm much more interested in shooting it than in researching it.

As to ammo, it looks like a tie between Wolf Target, Wolf Match Extra, and RWS Target. Any one of those will get the job done if I do mine.

 

[Fremmer]

Show us a pic, joe, show us a pic.....

 

[Smokey Joe]

Pics of the rifle...

Here y'are, my new Russian goodness...

I tried literally everything I had in the box for ammo...

 

[Smokey Joe]

And here, boys 'n' girls, is the results so far...

Now I must needs practice myself some more to be Worthy...

 

[Smokey Joe]

Hmmmmm...

No comments??

 

[Red Tornado]

Yep, nice CM-2. Sounds like you got it identified correctly. Mine loves the Wolf MT or SKD Standard Plus, which is the same thing, but sometimes more available mail order.

Looks like someone redid the stock, too.
RT

 

[Fremmer]

It looks like the finish and bolt are in good shape. I like the dark blue. What kind of scope is that?

 

[Smokey Joe]

'scope...

Fremmer--'Scope is a Weaver T-36 with fine crosshairs. Works great for benchrest. I'm pretty sure that that's too much magnification for any sort of hand-held shooting.

I'd have been happier with a matte blued version, but this silver one was offered at a price I couldn't pass up, and my rule is never to put money into looks for looks' sake, so there you are.

ETA--I got this 'scope by advertising for it here on THR--The buy, sell, & trade section really works!

As to the stock: If it's been refinished it was a hack job. The stock was hung up to dry, and there are dried drips of shellac showing where the lowest points were. I understand these stocks were originally done in red shellac, and that's what seems to be on it now. My photos came out very dark and the stock looks better in the pix than in reality.

But I bought her for her abilities, not her looks!