The rifle is a 1954 Hungarian Model 52. It is mirrored off of the Russian M91/30 PU sniper, with the main difference being that all of the parts were made by the Hungarians and are marked with an "02". Also, Hungarian snipers have only been found with the serial prefix of "BC". The stock is of Beech wood and is also marked with an "02" and a "B" for Budapest. This rifle would have originally had a Hungarian made scope mount and scope, but mine was replaced with a authentic Russian version at some point in it's life. My scope was made by the Progress factory. I am unsure of the year of manufacture, but I'm guessing somewhere in 1944-1945? It is said that these rifles entered the US in one of two ways: as a Vietnam bring back or "traveled" down from Canada. I guess some were imported into Canada at some point, and Canada does not have import markings like the US. I'm not sure of the estimated number of rifles in the US, but the Hungarian M52 is thought to be the rarest of the PU sniper variants.
This rifle was definitely used and has dirt and sand inside it. The bore looks bright with good rifling, but I still need to do a thorough cleaning of the bore. I already cleaned the chamber area and boy was there some dirt and crap in there! I need to learn how to properly set the scope up and then readjust the recticle as right now who ever messed with it last has adjusted it upward to get on target. The bolt was pretty dirty as well. The green stuff actually looks like lacquer paint from shell casings? Did any countries make a round with green paint/lacquer that would chip or flake off? Besides being dirty, this rifle has BY FAR the smoothest action on a Mosin I have ever worked. It rivals my K98 Mauser. The trigger is good, very smooth but still with some weight to it. I only have maybe 1-2 triggers that are nicer and they are on Finn rifles.
I am excited to get this scope set up and dialed in and see what she can do. Hopefully I can shoot it tomorrow. Happy Labor Day everyone!
A little built up dirt. More sand. Some grease. Dirt and grass under the butt plate. Dirt and grease? from the chamber area. Nasty bolt head. Matching bolt. Markings.
