M38 or M44

Carb850 · Apr 9, 2004

I'm thinking about ordering a second Mosin to complement my 91/30. Which should I get, a M38 or M44? I know the M44 has the side folding bayonet while the M38 does not, but what other difference are there? Has one seen battle while the other has not? Is one usually in better condition than the other? Just looking for any reasons why I would get one over the other.

BTW, I may eventually get both but I may not. I'm trying to set myself a Mosin limit.

Sangrun Hunter · Apr 9, 2004

The 38 is less clunky looking, but production started in 38.

44's can be gotten looking almost new if made late in the war.

Either is a neat choice though.

The 2 M44's I got were pretty well used.

Custer · Apr 9, 2004

I have them both and like them very much.

I like the look of the bayo but not having a bayo does lighten it up.

mike26038 · Apr 9, 2004

buy both, Aztec has them for $50.00 so have at it...

Carb850 · Apr 11, 2004

Cephus,
Do you deal with SOG much? I have heard mixed reviews about their products. If I get any more Mosins, it will be from Aztec but I was just wondering about SOG for other future purchases.

As for the M38 vs M44, well I think I will go with the M38. Seems as if the M44 is more common, so pretty much just getting the M38 because it is different. Besides, I like the history of the older Mosins knowing that they may have seen war time use. Now to rake up that $$ :smile:

Greg L · Apr 11, 2004

If you're only going to get one & not round out the Mosin collection later then I would go for the 91/59. It looks the same as a M38 however it was made with cut down 91/30's well after WW2 (1959 oddly enough

). From what I've read they are the most accurate of the carbine versions. They do cost more than a 38 or 44 but the one that I got from AIM was in beautiful shape & is a great shooter.

Carb850 · Apr 11, 2004

Since the 91/59s are cut down 91/30s, do you find some with hex recievers? How about ones that are pre-1930?

I just checked Aimsurplus.com I do not see them advertised any longer. Do you know if they are out?

Custer · Apr 13, 2004

I heard AIM was out of the 91/59.

It is one I still need to get.

Sangrun Hunter · Apr 13, 2004

Don't quote me on this....

From what I read or heard somewhere 91/59's are salvaged 91/30's that were cut down and re-arsenaled.

We all know Russia was very good at keeping every weapon they ever made for a day in the future just in case something happened again. Considering the Nazi invasion it's not hard to blame them. Let's not forget arming the soldiers of their newly aquired territory after WWII also.

Instead of melting the damgaed or injured weapons down it looks like they took their vast surplus of spare parts to refurbish everything they had.

I don't think 91/59's have ever been known to have hex receivers either.

Greg L · Apr 13, 2004

There are 91/59's with a hex receiver (either Izhevsk or Tula) however they are much rarer than a round receiver. Which makes sense when you consider that the 91/30 that it came from would have had to make it through WW2 reasonably intact to be cut down in 59. Most of them are probably late WW2 production that never saw much service (mine is an 1944 Izhevsk on a M44 stock with an arsenal splice repair on the stock).

Sorry, I thought AIM still had them listed when I sent you out on the hunt for one

.

Carb850 · Apr 13, 2004

I cannot find a 91/59 at all, not even on Gunbroker.

Greg L · Apr 13, 2004

http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976334157.htm

Bluejack · Apr 14, 2004

The AIM has new Laminated Stock M38 with all match number for $79.99,
I guess this is place where All West Virginia Mountaineers haug out.

http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/Laminated_Russian_1938_7_62x54R_Mosin_Nagant.html

Carb850 · Apr 14, 2004

Those laminated M38's sound pretty nice. Man, I really need to get my C&R.

Few West Virginians around these parts. I'm from Charleston.

Bluejack · Apr 14, 2004

I think I maybe order one of these today
I am from New Martinsville

Carb850 · Apr 14, 2004

Bluejack said:
I think I maybe order one of these today
I am from New Martinsville

Going for the AIM M38? Once recieved, post some pics if possible.

Oldgunner · Apr 20, 2004

Aim M-44 & 91-30

I purchased an M-44 and a 91-30 last month from Aim. The 91-30 is in very nice condition and is a 1942 manufactured piece, it has the usual rough milling on the receiver and such but has a great bore, overall finish is about 95% and only a few small dings in the wood, overall it?s a very fine gun. The M-44 is as new, it was made in 1946 and only has a couple of very small spots of warn bluing near the muzzle from rubbing on something over the last 58 years. I think the Nagant rifle is the last great buy in our life times, enjoy it while you can. Enjoy the recoil of the gun and be thankful you didn?t have to take one of these into battle to save your country. As I get older I realize I like the recoil now, it?s part of the fun. Didn?t like it much 45 years ago shooting Mausers, Loved the gun but not the kick.

Custer · Apr 20, 2004

Oldgunner said:
I purchased an M-44 and a 91-30 last month from Aim. The 91-30 is in very nice condition and is a 1942 manufactured piece, it has the usual rough milling on the receiver and such but has a great bore, overall finish is about 95% and only a few small dings in the wood, overall it?s a very fine gun. The M-44 is as new, it was made in 1946 and only has a couple of very small spots of warn bluing near the muzzle from rubbing on something over the last 58 years. I think the Nagant rifle is the last great buy in our life times, enjoy it while you can. Enjoy the recoil of the gun and be thankful you didn?t have to take one of these into battle to save your country. As I get older I realize I like the recoil now, it?s part of the fun. Didn?t like it much 45 years ago shooting Mausers, Loved the gun but not the kick.

I love the 3 Mosins I have, but I have to say the Swiss K-31 I bought a couple weeks ago is about the best bargain I have ever seen in C&R.

M38 or M44

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