Wanting to buy Nagant m38... few questions please

[nasem]

I have been looking at some websites and I saw a sporterized version of the m-38.  It was dipped in chrome, the entire gun looked like it was stainless steel with a modern stock.  It looked so pretty and Im thinking of getting one.

My question is regarding how accurate the m-38s are.... I believe the cartridge is 7.62X54R, are the barrels chrome-lined ? hows the muzzle blast ? and can they handle the hot loads of surplus ammo (180+ gr)?

thanks guys

[jack19512]

I have been looking at some websites and I saw a sporterized version of the m-38.  It was dipped in chrome, the entire gun looked like it was stainless steel with a modern stock.  It looked so pretty and Im thinking of getting one.

My question is regarding how accurate the m-38s are.... I believe the cartridge is 7.62X54R, are the barrels chrome-lined ? hows the muzzle blast ? and can they handle the hot loads of surplus ammo (180+ gr)?

thanks guys

The accuracy depends on several factors.  The individual rifle, the type of ammo, the ability of the man behind the trigger etc...etc...  My M38 is very accurate but I only shoot my reloads.

No, the barrels are not chrome lined.  The muzzle blast is also dependent on the ammo used.  The M38 can handle any ammo the rest of the M/N's can.

Myself, I consider the M38 one the best of the lot for hunting because of the weight and length of the rifle.

Here is my M38.


Here is a 3 shot group from around 70 yards.


Here is a 3 shot group from 98 yards.  I was experimenting with the OAL of the rounds.

[nasem]

Im planning on buying the cheap surplus ammo for practice.  at about 8 cents a round, can't beat that.

Mostly the czech silver or yellow tips with 147 grain projectile

[jack19512]

Im planning on buying the cheap surplus ammo for practice.  at about 8 cents a round, can't beat that.

Mostly the czech silver or yellow tips with 147 grain projectile

I have two 91/30's, one M44, and one M38.  None of them shot well at all with any of the mil-surplus ammo I tried in them.  I have a bunch of the Czech silvertip and I just pull the bullet and powder and throw the steel case away and use the components in my reloads.  Reloading was the only way I could get any decent accuracy from my M/N's.  Here is a group I shot using the Czech silvertip powder.

[nasem]

hey Jack, hows the muzzle blast on the m38s ?  when You talk about accuracy, I mean I don't expect sub moa, but atleast If i get  2-3" groups at 100 yards I'll be a happy camper... its only for practice and such.

I was always under the impression that all the nagants were chrome-lined.... since they were military rifles and the chrome-lining makes those barrels last forever... I guess i was wrong

[S.S.]

I have seen a couple of those Chrome  or Nickel
plated rifles, In a few years the rust it is covering up will re-surface.
I would steer clear of those. They were marketed as "PARADE" rifles
many, many years ago.

[nasem]

when you say rust... you mean like surface rust ? or internal rust also ?  cause if thats the case i doubt i'll want one....
I just wanted a cheap plinker that I can use to practice my shooting and such....

[jack19512]

hey Jack, hows the muzzle blast on the m38s ?  when You talk about accuracy, I mean I don't expect sub moa, but atleast If i get  2-3" groups at 100 yards I'll be a happy camper... its only for practice and such.

The muzzle blast on my M38, because I reload for it isn't any different than other rifles in the power range of this caliber.  Some mention the muzzle blast from the shorter barreled M/N's when using the mil-surplus ammo.  I think they are referring to the ball of fire from the shorter barrels and if I am not mistaken this is from the unburned powder.

This is only my opinion, but I doubt you will see 2-3 inch groups from 100 yards using mil-surplus ammo.  At least none of mine were capable of that kind of groups from 100 yards.  Mine generally averaged around 6-8 inches from 100 yards.  But I didn't try all of the surplus ammo though.  I did try the Czech silvertip and still have a lot of it left and none of my rifles shot good with it.  Let us know how yours does.

[Airsporter]

Muzzle blast is noticable from the M38 with standard surplus ammo. Lots of fun late in the day!  I suggest you shoot the light ball (silver tip) vs. the heay stuff.  My son bought one and I ended up reloading for it.  You can turn it into a real pussycat, if you want, by loading it down to 7.62x39 velocity with H4895 and using cheap 123gr bullets.

[corbanzo]

Yeah, if you want a practice gun for fun, dont worry about pretty, pretty caused problems.  We are talking about a very old gun in the first place, keep it old.  My M38 has been a really good time for me, the 54R doesnt have the hard kick some of the newer hunting cartridges have.  It does have some muzzle blast, but not that bothers, so you can keep shooting it for more fun on end.