Newbie question

[bjones]

I've been considering a mil-surp rifle for hunting. The M44 or M38 looks like a handy little package.  What kind of accuracy and range can I expect from these shorter barrels? Any tips on things to look for when purchasing?

[30-30man]

The Mosins are terribly hard to scope unless you go with a scout mount. The ATI mount that is available for conventional mounting is not ideal.  It looks like you would not be able to keep zero with the hot/cold temp changes as the mount is only bolted on one end.  It kind of looks like a diving board. I have seen some side mounts that looked stable though.  I bought several 91/30s just to play with.   None of mine have been accurate enough to scope.  They all shoot way high and to the right, so I never scoped them. I would try the Enfields.  They are much easier to scope and the 303 is bad medicine for deer.  The 150 grainers have enough zip for 200 yds easily.

[Brithunter]

Hi All,

    The scope a Mosin with a scout scope try this :-
http://parallaxscurioandrelicfirearmsforums.yuku.com/forums/116

    He makes mounts that work and stay on zero and they look quite good too:-



http://parallaxscurioandrelicfirearmsforums.yuku.com/topic/23925 :-
as you can see by following the second link.

hope that helps.

[schnarrgj]

I have a few M44s. They are very accurate. As for putting on a scope, I have a scout mount that I have moved to different ones through the years. They make great deer rifles. The 7.62x54r is in the same power class as the 30-06. When you go to purchase one, take a good look at the crown to make sure that it is nice and even and that the rifling is nice and sharp. Check the rifling from the breech too. There are a lot of very good ones out there for very little money. I handload my hunting ammo but wolf gold is accurate and affordable. Of my 91-30s,80% will shoot better than I can if I use the right loads. With both the M44 and 38, the muzzle blast and the flame attract a lot of attention. Through the years, the M44s have accounted for quite a few deer.You cann't beat it for the price.

It is a very hand, rifle.

[EVOC ONE]

I don't own a Mod 44, but do have a couple mod 38's and a 91/30.  I find that they each shoot very well with cheapo gun show ammo.  I don't use surplus corrosive ammo.  Usually I can find Olympic brand made in Greece for a decent price.  Olympic offers soft point ammo and brass cases.  I've shot the Winchester white box brand with good results, but its a bit expensive. 

Many feel recoil is an issue with the carbines.  I've not found it to be a problem.  I place it somewhere between a .308 and .30-06, about where it should be.

At the prices Mosins can be obtained for, it's hard to go wrong with purchasing one for any reason.  The fact that they are a ready made deer rifle is a plus.  Be sure to completely disassemble it and give it a thorough cleaning, even if it looks clean already!  Every example I've purchased has presented a cleaned appearance.  However, each one still had cosmoline deep inside the recesses, including, and most importantly, the bolt.

Check some of the surplus military rifle sites for details on proper dis-assembly, cleaning and care.

This is a good place to begin:    www.surplusrifle.com 

[Mikey]

bjones:  if you have been considering a mil-surp for hunting please also consider the No4 Mk1 Enfield in 303 British, the Yugo M48/48A or M24/47 or M24/52 in 8mm Mauser or the M96/38 Swedish Mausers in 6.5 Swede. 

No gunsmithing scope mounts are available for the 303 Brits.  The Mausers need to be drilled and tapped and bolts should be bent to be used as a scoped field gun.

There are scope mounts available for the 91/30, M38, M44 but I think you have to get the right one. 

Caliber wise, any will do for north American game out to 200 yds or better.  I prefer the 303 Brit and the 8mm Mauser.  I have used the 7.62x54 and although a good hunting round, I prefer the others.  I also prefer the Enfield and Mauser actions.  But, this is JMTCW.  Mikey.

[1911crazy]

I like the mosin m38 or mosin 91/59. 

[TribReady]

I'll occasionally carry an M44 while walking and have shot one deer with a 91/30.  Both of these are open sights.
I'd think a scout mount scope like Darrells sold/advertised over on Parallax Bills's site would be just the ticket.
Once you master the safety, which is really easy once you get it down, the Mosins make great little deer rifles out to 150-200 yds
I think the .303 and 8mm are better choices ballistically, but the 7.62x54 is more than adequate for deer

I personally still prefer surplus 8mm's.  Actually, my non-milsurp deer rifles are also 8mm so even though I'm a little biased I still can't not recommend the Mosins. 

[1911crazy]

Mosin nagant scopemount, i used this on my sks and on my mosins.

Go to; www.polytechparts.com/

then go to "shop now"

then go to "parts & accessories"

go down to Scopemount AKS side mount $19.95

This mount can be made to fit, it has to be cut and lowered and offset to fit your type of gun your going to install it on.  You need to mount the rail first then mount the scopemount to see what needs to be done to make it right.  This is a rock solid scopemount that won't shift or come loose once its done.  Its well worth the work to get it done right.   I been there and have piles of wasted  cheap scopemounts that won't hold a zero that cost me much more than $19.95. Its copied from the orginal mosin sniper mount.

I cut one to fit my mosin and lowered it by cutting the two circles in half then welding it back together.  You need to offset it on some rifles to hold the centerline of the bore as closer as possible.   I got tired of those flimsy mounts on my sks too now it also has one of these mounts on it too.

[bjones]

I bought a Czech Mauser last year at a local gun-show. The bore looked to be in fair condition (some dark) and counter bored about 2", but when I took it to the range I got 8" grp at 25 yrds , and keyholed. The brass was slightly burnt on one side of the neck. Needless to say I un-assed it PDQ. I would like to find a good Mauser but for the price I can get Mosins' in much better condition.