M44 Info needed

[Bonecrusher]

I own a 1946 M44 and just picked up a 1945 M44 today. There's some differences between the two that I started noticing. Here they are:
1 - 45 has a bolt through the stock right above & behind the trigger, 46 has no bolt.

2 - 45 trigger is a little thicker then the 46

3 - 45 seems to be a little shorter than the 46

4 - bayo lugs are different. 46 has a little cut-out on the round part that slips over the muzzle.

Did the 45 & 46 have these differences or have these been slapped together with different parts? The 45 is completely # matched and the 46 matches with the exception of the mag plate.

[M. Sage]

#1 sounds like a repair for a crack in the stock...?

Chalk #2 up to wonderful Communist quality control. Post-war rifles got better, but war-time rifles look like they were made by medieval blacksmiths...

#3 - manufacturing tolerances? Eh. See #2.

#4: I don't remember the exact details, but they redesigned the bayonet lug on the M44 at some point, added another detent position for safety. Doesn't sound like what you're describing though...

[freshmex28]

http://7.62x54r.net/

everything you wanted to know about mosin's plus more. Including breakdown of different variations from year to year. enjoy.

[wayoutwest]

Spend some time at the above site

All you need to know and then some