What exactly do I have here?

[Dickie]

I have these two old rifles that were given to me 20 years ago. I know one of them is a m44 Carbine. No so sure about the other one. I'm looking for a little info on both of them...exactly what do I have here?
Thanks.

[cjo1971]

1946 Izhevsk M44 on the second one. Don't know on the first one yet, take some pics and post the top of the receiver on the first.

[Emdawg]

The Mauser is a Czech VZ-24 made for Romania, as far as I can see. A picture of the top of the reciever would be great.

[bunkysdad]

You sure got a good deal on them. So have they just been sitting around for 20 years?

[Dickie]

The top of the receiver looks very worn but it has what looks like the Ruger Phoenix trademark but its very hard to make out. The center of the symbol is totally worn away.

[Dan4good]

nice rifles

[Dickie]

You sure got a good deal on them. So have they just been sitting around for 20 years?

I buddy of mine bought them at a gun show in Texas a long time ago and gave me them as a thank you gift for helping him out. We shot the M44 back then, never the other one. They have been sitting in the safe for about 20 years.

They're cool and all, but not really my cup of tea. I'm more of a S&W revolver and 1911 guy. I have no plans of getting rid of them. I might take them to the range next week but I'm a little concerned if they're safe to shoot.

[Dickie]

Thanks a lot gents.

Also, how do I remove the bolt from the M44?

[Titanium Hammer]

Can't speak for the Yugo but if you fired your M44 20 years ago with no problems then it should be fine now. If you're concerned, they're a piece of cake to disassemble and check. To remove the bolt, just depress the trigger and slide the bolt out.

[Dickie]

Can't speak for the Yugo but if you fired your M44 20 years ago with no problems then it should be fine now. If you're concerned, they're a piece of cake to disassemble and check. To remove the bolt, just depress the trigger and slide the bolt out.

Geez, that was easy.

Thanks a lot

[Junk Yard Dog]

Nice VZ24 and M44

[Dickie]

Great video. Thanks.

[desdem12]

Nice pair to have. Lots of history in the VZ.

[Emdawg]

If I remember correctly the crest on the VZ-24 is not worn off it was buffed off by Romania after they abolished the Monarchy and became a commie republic.

[millman]

If I remember correctly the crest on the VZ-24 is not worn off it was buffed off by Romania after they abolished the Monarchy and became a commie republic.

This is correct. There were 2 different crests. One for king Carol, and one for King Michael. I am not sure which yours was.

[clayshooter2]

Man, I need your friends. 20 years ago when I helped a friend out all they would give me is a 6 pack and a pizza.

[Marcus]

The M44 was imported from Albania about 12-13 years ago. Note that it has the Century Arms Georgia Vt. address on the import mark, not the earlier St. Albans Vt. marking. It's pretty cool that it still has its original stamped matching bolt and floorplate. Does the buttplate match also?

I don't see any post-war Soviet refurb markings on the barrel. Can you post photos showing the back part of the barrel and the front of the receiver to see if there are any refurb markings there? Also of any markings on the right side of the buttstock. It is possible that this is an all original matching, never refurbished, carbine. This would add to its value.

The VZ-24 is also kind of neat. Besides the ground Romanian royal crest, it still has its original number matching stock.

[Dickie]

Thanks again guys, this info is really interesting.

Marcus, I took a few more pics of every marking I could find. It seems the butt plate numbers match as well. At first I thought I've had these '95 but after you said they were imported 12-13 years ago, that got me thinking. I called my friend in Texas who gave these to me. Turns out it was around 2001, about the time I moved to FL. My memory ain't what it used to be.

Thanks again everyone, I appreciate all the info.