M44 Mosin Nagant 1943 Test example...

[crotter]

I have one soviet rifle in my collection... an M44 Mosin Nagant.

I acquired this rifle back in 2007 after graduating college early in my collecting days. I had received $100 as a graduation gift from a family friend, and within a week had received the Big 5 Sporting goods mailer advertising these M44's on sale for $89.99- So I made the command decision to add a piece to the collection!

I went to my local big 5 and was allowed to "cherry pick" from the 4 they had in stock. I just on a whim chose my rifle not knowing much about them at the time. Wasn't until recently that I noticed the 1943 date stamp and did some reading that this was the "experimental test batch" of approximately 50,000 rifles.

How rare is this exactly? Any one else have one? Of course it is a Century Arms import marked example but it did come with the ammo pouch, sling, and cleaning kit. I even still have the original CAI cardboard shipping box. Rifle is in excellent shape overall, though it has been counterbored.

I miss the days of those Big 5 C&R specials...

[Springfield45]

There should also be a year mark on the bottom of the receiver tang for when the receiver was made when you take it apart. But I think that they made some M44's using new and existing older parts. So you could have a M44 made with older 91/30 and M38 parts. I recall hearing about an M44 with a Hex receiver once. Unfortunately unusual doesn't always mean valuable, just different.

[Donkeypunch0420]

This is not the be all end all in rarity charts, but can give you a good idea where your Mosin sits on the rarity scale. I have a handful of M44's, none of them made before 44' though, I certainly would not mind having your rifle in my collection. Yours scores a 7 on their chart.

https://russian-mosin-nagant-forum.com/app.php/page/10

[omega]

I would say thats a nice find , rare date , first one Ive ever seen.

very collectable with wartime date , may have seen some action during war.

[Mauserguy]

I also have a 1943 M44 from Big V from about that same time. As I recall from my research at the time, it is a rare item. Of course, as a refurb, it's value is limited, but a knowledgeable collector would love it.
Mauserguy

[crotter]

There should also be a year mark on the bottom of the receiver tang for when the receiver was made when you take it apart. But I think that they made some M44's using new and existing older parts. So you could have a M44 made with older 91/30 and M38 parts. I recall hearing about an M44 with a Hex receiver once. Unfortunately unusual doesn't always mean valuable, just different.

Interesting. Had no idea about the receiver date stamp. Haven't had this rifle completely apart before. I will try and see if I can find it tomorrow.

Thank you

[I Swan]

I have one but missing bayonet I have most the parts eventually I'll get one back on. Earlier Russian M44 bayonet is slightly different.

The one I bought was actually being used as a range rental gun! Bore was OK though. I actually once owned a Finn capture M44 1943 date too. The 1944 M44 SA marked Finn is rarer though.

All are super rare though only like 25-30 are known.

[crotter]

I have one but missing bayonet I have most the parts eventually I'll get one back on. Earlier Russian M44 bayonet is slightly different.

The one I bought was actually being used as a range rental gun! Bore was OK though. I actually once owned a Finn capture M44 1943 date too. The 1944 M44 SA marked Finn is rarer though.

All are super rare though only like 25-30 are known.

25-30 of the 1943 date stamped M44's?

[crotter]

Took the rifle apart this morning and found the date stamp on the receiver tang.

Also 1943 dated.

As far as I can see the rifle is completely matching. The serial on the receiver, bolt, butt plate, and trigger guard housing all match.

[Mauserguy]

Okay. She's pretty, but how does she shoot?
Mauserguy

[I Swan]

25-30 of the 1943 date stamped M44's?

I believe the Finns captured about 200ish M44's and now about 25-30 are known as Finn SA marked in collections.

[crotter]

Okay. She's pretty, but how does she shoot?
Mauserguy

Thanks,

Shoots decently enough. The only Mosin in my collection so don't have any other experience to compare it. Definitely a cannon- typical huge fireball out the muzzle!

I've only shot it a handful of times on the 50 yard range. I honestly don't get out shooting much and am more into the collecting aspect of the hobby. It doesn't help that finding any decent ranges around the bay area is not so easy. I find them way overcrowded and just not a fun environment to be at. Looking forward to moving out of the state and obtaining some acreage to enjoy shooting the collection more on my own property.

I believe the Finns captured about 200ish M44's and now about 25-30 are known as Finn SA marked in collections.

Thanks for clarifying.

[beerman]

Nice find OP. But man, I move well away when another shooter has an M44 on the bench..Same category as AR And AK pistols. Horrific muzzle blast to everyone but the shooter... That said, I miss the Big5 sales and coupons. My last 91/30 was $49.. Should have bought 50 of them. Enjoy your blaster bro!

[omega]

the Russian M44 saw extensive use in Vietnam

the M44 Mosin Nagant with folding bayonet is a classic military bolt action that saw a lot of use in the VN war , also variants from other Soviet bloc countries , including the CHI COM TYPE 53