M44s

[MichonRAFW]

With all of those cheap M44s out there new in the mummy wrap or vg-ex for less than $100, it seems almost rediculous not to get one. I'm planning on turning one into a scout type rifle with a synthetic stock. Questions are, what kind of accuracy can I expect from both milsurp and the few new commercial stuff(some russian mfg i believe) on the market? Also, what's the difference b/w the polish, russian, etc rifles? just different markings?
Ryan

[Caspian]

I have the exact same questions about the M-44's. Will be interested in hearing peoples responses.

regards,
Caspian

[Tony.]

I believe that the M44 were designed to hit a 9 inch circle at 200 yards, thus they are not sniper rifles. The side folding bayo is annoying for me as a lefty. Nonetheless, they should make fun brush guns / shooters.

I have a Russian laminated stock with all matching numbers in like new condition, thus I plan to keep it that way.

I also have a VG Polish which I feel is better made than the Russian. Better machining and nicer bluing. I have not had the chance to shoot it yet.

Don't take my word for it, at these prices buy both!

BTW, a batch of M38 carbines (if you don't want the bayo) just hit the market, they are supposedly in like new condition for around $140.

[skfullgun]

I have a couple of Russians, a Polish, a Romanian (I think?) and a Hungarian. I would say they are all comparable in the accuracy department, but the Romanian seems to be the best overall finish.

I'm converting one to a scout rifle. Put a LER red dot sight on it, cut down the barrel and reworked the stock. It's in the final stages of completion, but has taken back seat to several FAL builds!

[skfullgun]

BTW, the ammo is cheap. I've bought tons of the stuff in the "sardine" cans for $40-$50 per 440 rounds. It is corrosive. The hunting stuff is mildly corrosive, and a little more expensive. I bought 200 rounds of the S&B that is reloadable. It was about $40 for 100 rounds, but it is hunting ammo in brass cases and is reloadable. I also bought a set of reloading dies and have reloaded some 150 gr. SP bullets with satisfactory results. Loaded mildly, the brass should be good for 4-5 reloads with minimal problems, and since it is a true .30, bullet selection is plentiful.

This round is just shy of 30/06 and .308 velocities. Way better than 30/30!!! I figure it is comparable to a 7mm/08 and way cheaper to shoot! A very enjoyable rifle, the M44.

[Richard Bird]

Originally posted by skfullen:
The hunting stuff is mildly corrosive, and a little more expensive. I bought 200 rounds of the S&B that is reloadable

Are you saying commercial S&B is "mildly corrosive"?

[bandityo]

Ryan,

why get the new unissued ones for $100 if you are going to take off the stock? I have seen many here in our shop that have 90-95% blue for $56 if you are going to take the stock off anyways. Many Polish, Hungarian and Russians coming through.

On the corrosive ammo, just shoot windex with ammonia after shooting down the bore and it will neutralize it, then clean it as normal.

david
tampa

I shop at www.floridaammotraders.com

[MichonRAFW]

why get the new unissued ones for $100 if you are going to take off the stock? I have seen many here in our shop that have 90-95% blue for $56 if you are going to take the stock off anyways.

I figured that I'd buy one mummy wrap one and then "have" to take home a less purdy one with it
That way I get a nice M44 to keep in mil surp condition as a piece of history and can use the beater to dremel on for my pseudo-scout rifle.
Ryan

[Slater]

The M-44 was supposedly designed to be fired with the bayonet extended for the greatest accuracy, although I'm not sure how that actually works in practice.

Most people say that the Polish M-44's are the best with regard to fit and finish, but, as above, I've seen some really nice Romanians.

[ByronF]

Originally posted by Slater:
The M-44 was supposedly designed to be fired with the bayonet extended for the greatest accuracy, although I'm not sure how that actually works in practice.

Most people say that the Polish M-44's are the best with regard to fit and finish, but, as above, I've seen some really nice Romanians.

I doubt that it is any more accurate, but the sights were zeroed with the bayo extended. Wobbly stuff on the end of the barrel never helps accuracy. I'm betting the M38 is inherently more accurate than the M44 on account of this.

As far as being a handy little brush gun, I had the same idea and bough an M38 to make deer hunting more interesting. I've since realized that the Mosin safety is hardly suitable for snap shooting. I'll use it anyhow just for fun, but I think a FR-8 Mauser is a far superior milsurp brush gun. Of course, they cost a lot more than an M44.

Byron

[gates]

my .02

i have 8 soon to be 13 (centurys 5 for $150 deal) mn.s of different stripe. i have a 1945
ars refin. m44 that wouldnt shoot worth a darn til i recrowned the muzz. century has the deal i mentioned above (cracked stocks) on 44s right now and they let you mix n match. if accuracy is what you are after buy a low grade m39 (i hate to say this) from WG&A for $90 or so you will be MUCH happier if thats what you are after.

if you must have a 44-(they are kinda cool)
dont expect much better than 3-4 inch groups
AFTER you get the rifle dialed in.

aj

[law4fun]

MUCH better accuracy with any M39 than the 44. Besides, lots more fun to shoot with less recoil. Having said that,with the M-44, you might find that your accuracy increases if you extend the bayo before you unleash the shoulder cannon. I read that the rifle was designed to be shot with the bayo extended. My groups improved greatly with bayo out as opposed to closed.
HTH
Jim

[skfullgun]

No, Richard Bird, I didn't mean to say that the S&B stuff was mildly corrosive, but having gone back to read my post and can see where you would have thought that.

The S&B stuff is NOT corrosive, and is top of the line. Brass case, boxer primed, and completely reloadable.

I MEANT to say that the hunting stuff, with steel case and a soft point bullet, is mildly corrosive. Some of it says it is non-corrosive, but don't believe it. In my experience, it may have non-corrosive powder, but the primer is still mercuric...hence, mildly corrosive.

Even at $40 per 100 rounds (shipping included) the S&B ammo is reasonable. I bought a couple hundred rounds of it just in case the milsurp stuff dried up.

[Buttplate]

Got myself a 5 pack of Polish M44s from Century in VG condition for $259 shipped to hold me over till my next FAL build. They have a special you get any 5 good condition M44s for $150 shipped. I like this gun. I too plan on making a scout carbine. Way fun to shoot.