Russian/Hungarian M44

[tom45]

Hello.  I have just acquired what appears to be a Russian M44, like many others I have/have had, but am confused about the importer's stamp.  Just below the "C.A.I." marking is "M44 Hungarian 7.62x54r".  It has all Russian markings, such as the hammer and sickle, Izzy arrow in triangle (on multiple parts), dated 1946, and all serial #'s match.  Is there any reason this carbine would be marked as Hungarian other than a mistake? All Russian markings are intact and no new markings have been stamped on it.  Was or is it common for importers to make this type of mistake? The person behind the counter assured me it was Hungarian when I called it a Russian.  Mosin experts please help!

Tom

[cbxboy]

We better wait for the Experts BUT yes I find it relatively common for Century to stamp as whatever they feel they want to.  They may have been stamping Hungarians and just grabbed the russian rifle and stamped it.  I've got a Brazilian 08/34 in caliber 30 (30.06) which is stamped German 8mm.  Other examples as well.

As you are probably aware hte only thing that matters is the reciever markings on the top of the reciever.  If marked Ishevsk it is Russian.  Also (my head has been out of guns for awhile) but I do not recall Romanian, Polish or Hungarian M44's in 1946. 

Ted has a WEALTH of knowledge here   http://7.62x54r.net/

Tim

[tom45]

I am familiar with the Russian markings, so I knew it was a Russian reciever.  I didn't know if the carbines were re arsenaled by Hungary or something.  But, all Russian markings are still there, and no Hungarian markings are present (crest, 02, etc.), except of course the CAI import marking.  So I assume the "Hungarian" marking was simply a mistake.  It was redone by someone, as the stock has a blonde hue to it and is in perfect shape (not even a scratch), all blue looks brand new, and the bore shines like a mirror.  The only mod I've done is a Mojo Microclick rear sight and it is the only Nagant I've ever shot that will shoot MOA at 100 yds.  It takes a cold barrel to do this, however, after its heated up groups open up to 1.5-2", which I still think is pretty impressive for an open sighted M44.  Ammo was Czech light ball.  Have not bought dies for the 7.62x54r over the years, military ammo was always cheap enough.  With surplus prices around here hitting $6-$9 a box, I will be ordering dies soon, then we'll see what the little '44 can really do.