Hey DoubleTap, I'm a Mosin Nagant fan alright! I own an M44 manufactured in 1944. It's a beauty too. I wish I could post pics, but I'm a dummy at this. I proudly display my M44 on a unique barn wood rack I made myself. It's a fine shooter also. And I love the price of surplus ammo. Just like your picture you posted--- "What's not to love?"
Good shooting to all, Nightwatch.
Great rifle. I own a 1944 and used to own a 1891. Both are excellent guns. The only thing I don't like is the safety, but for the money there is't a better bolt action rifle. Simple, accurate and built like a tank. Have a real nasty bayonnet too.
I acquired a real fine specimen last week. I'll have to get a picture of it on here. I traded a muzzleloader for it... I still have 3 blackpowder rifles, this was a .45 caliber inline that I had no use for.
It's a 1937 Tula round receiver. All serials match. Bolt is mix-matched parts. Mostly all Izhevsk. I think the only Tula part of the bolt is the bolt head. What intrigues me with this one is that it has the NICEST barrel I ever did see in one. This one is shiny and BRIGHT. Haven't slugged it, but might get to it some time. Haven't got to shoot it for accuracy, hopefully I can do that on Thursday.
This one joins my 1931 Tula hex receiver that I did butch up a bit. Put the composite stock, scope mount, and bolt turn-down. I probably did ruin it, but I guess I don't care too much. The other I have is a 1943 M38 Izhevsk. I acquired this one with the scope mount and bolt handle conversion already done. It is an excellent shooter. One of my favorite rifles. I really like the length of it.
I love these rifles but I always seem to have trouble finding one that shoots worth a damn. Very first one I had (many moons ago) was a tack driver, but it was quite literally falling apart. Every time I shot it, I'd have to pick up all the pieces that had fallen off. It was a train wreck.
Cabela's had them on sale a while back for $99, so I got two of them. I converted one into a hunting rifle by adding a Monte Carlo stock. In the picture, the bottom rifle is not a finished product - I removed the front iron sight and added a Bushnell's scope and viola - an (inexpensive) hunting rifle.
It shoots great - knocked down a hog at 200 yds last Jan, when I was hog hunting in Texas.
I am now! Shot one for the first time yesterday. No other gun has ever left a red mark on my shoulder, except for this one! Five stars for the Mosin Nagant, and I hope to own my own soon!