Bought a new "beater" in 7.62x54

[teddy12b]

I noticed a week ago that the local Gander Mountain has had a 7.62 x 54 Russian on sale for $129.  It's been on my mind so much lately because it's just so cheap and it didn't look bad at all.  I stopped by there tonight and there were 4 on the shelf.  All the same price.  I had a coupon from credit card points and after taxes I walked out of the store with a bolt actioin 7.62x54 for $112.  I don't think I got a bad deal at all but I wanted to know what you all might be thinking about it.  It's a Russian M44 and the crown on the barrel didn't look bad.

Anywho, what do you all think?  What kind of accuracy should I expect?

[Stan in SC]

Accuracy will depend on the bore condition,crown condition,ammunition used and your proficiency.
I have a Mosin carbine that I put a scout scope on and it will consistently pop golf and tennis balls at 100 yards.These are great rifles for the money and the milsurp ammunition is reasonably priced.
The power of this cartridge is very good almost approaching 30-06 levels.Beware of Mosins. They travel in packs and when left alone in a gun safe attract others of their kind.You can't have just one.

Stan

[teddy12b]

I looked at the 4 that they had and two of them had really bad crowns.  All of the actions locked up about the same, so after the inspecting the crown I looked at the finish on the stock.  I'm pretty happy with the one I got.  I'll probably just start getting some wolf or Seller & Bellot ammo and then I'll see hwo it shoots.

[mikedb]

I have several.  Great plinking guns.  I get about 4 to 5 inch groups at 100yds.  Try to find surplus ammo therei s a lot out there.  I usually pay about $35 for about 440 rounds.  The stuff is old but in good shape.  I cant remember getting a misfire.  Occasionally some rounds may be corroded tho.  Try ammunitionstore.com and do a google.  I avoid shipping and buy at gunshows.  Sometimes it will be cheaper sometimes not.  Aim is another dealer I have good luck with.  They are in southern Ohio, but ship every where..

[teddy12b]

I got 100 rounds of FMJ over lunch for $20.  That seems like a fairly good deal for just plinking around.  I'll get some winchester white box SP ammo if I ever want to get serious with it and take it hunting.

[mikedb]

Might want to look at some Wolf Gold.  It is brass reloadable hunting ammo. 

[30-30man]

Yeah, I want one of those too.  A dealer has them in my area for $129.  I just sent my application off for a C&R, so I'll have to wait.  It was $30 for 10 years and you can order the same gun for $69-79 plus shipping at the surplus dealers.  AIM, SOG etc.  It's hard to wait though, the muzzle blast from one of those cannons is awesome.

[mikedb]

The first time I shot one it was dusk and snowing.  It felt like a scene out of Dr Zivago or Enemy at the Gate.  Very cool in low light.  Think I will go out right now and blast a few.

[Stan in SC]

The C&R license is $30 for 3 years,not 10 years.

[30-30man]

Yeah, I meant $10 a year for 3 years= $30 fee.  Sorry  I am debating  to buy the 91/30 or 44.  I'll probably buy both but how accurate is the 91/30 compared to the 44?  I've heard stories of the 91/30 being able to shoot 1-2 inches @ 100.   What kind of accuracy can I ecpect out of these Mosins?  Thanks in advance.

[ihuntbucks]

Congrads on the 44.I have one also.Gets 3-4" at 100 yrds.Using 180 gr RN over 39.5 Varget.The brass was higher than loaded ammo (winchester),so I bought the Win and loaded the brass after words.Have fun.......Rick

[Stan in SC]

It's really not fair to compare accuracy of a 91/30 to an M44 simply because the longer rifle has the advantage of longer sight radius.I have both and the 91/30 with iron sights is more accurate.Of course the most accurate Mosin is a model 39.

[teddy12b]

Hey Everyone,
       All you Mosin Nagant guys out there.  How do you adjust your sights for windage (left/right)?  My front sight post is fixed and the rear sight doesn't adjust that way.  The only option I can think of is taking out a pin and hammer and tapping the base of the front sight to where it matches up correctly.  Anybody got any better ideas?

[Stan in SC]

I manufacture and sell Mosin front sight adjusters for the model 91 and the model 91/30.They will not fit a Model 44.To my knowledge no one has been able to develop one to fit the M44 due to the wide front sight base and it's friction.
Just for giggles if you want to see my adjuster go to the Surplus rifle site and read the article written on the LT2.Or just google "LT2 sight adjuster".

Stan