The Russian Mosin Nagant Forum

Hi again. Infuriatingly I hardly managed to get any photos of this before it had to go back for safe-keeping. I believe it's a 1945 Ishevsk carbine and, whilst you can't see it from the pictures (no full-length pic managed, dammit), it has the folding bayonet, making it an M44? Nice, clean, crisp rifling. It's force-matched - I can't get my head around that but I think this is quite normal from what I read here!

Less marks on this one than on the ex-Dragoon I just posted. Just a quick thought or two on what you see and whether my identification is right would be very welcome, thanks!

The pix...

Safekeeping? You have to store it at a club? Yes, Soviet carbines with the attached folding bayonet are M44, while the same thing made in China during the 1950's and early 60's is called the type 53. A Mosin carbine without the bayonet or bayonet mount is the M1938. That's a great looking M44, I see a proof stamp on the left side of the barrel shank, is that UK or German? Force matching is just a convenience, since the Soviets insisted on following the practice of serial numbering multiple parts of the rifle, and these parts got all mixed around during both normal service and refurbing they just erased the old numbers and stamped all the parts to match the barrel number. In the case of your M44 they used an electric pencil to engrave the new numbers.

Another nice find

You can see the tip of the bayonet in one of the photos...yes, it's an early production M44 (production was from late '44 to '55). And yes, force matching is pretty common, but yours is rather obvious I actually like the crossed out numbers and EP markings. It puts a personal touch on the rifle. You can see the history before and after, versus a scrubbed and restamped number.

If I could only have two Mosins, youor ex-dragoon and this M44 would be perfect choices. You're going to love shooting this one

Congrats!

You guys rock, thanks! JYD - I think that's a UK proof mark but I'll need a closer look to be sure. Appreciate your comments, as always. Cheers!

Another member from the UK thought his rifles proof was German, but I am no expert on that. Seems Germany also requires a firearm to be proof tested, Italy also I think.

I think it might be one of these - Birmingham (UK) Proof House. What you think?

Nice M44 Grello and welcome aboard Looking at your chart the mark does appear to be of the Birmingham proof. Nice chart BTW, I need to print that one and save.

Many thanks, redspoon!

Nice M44! I agree with Cliff, for just your first two Mosins, you have outstanding examples!

How many can you own in the U.K.? Are there limits? If so you may need to emmigrate over here, because these Mosins are an uncontrollable addiction!!

Semper Fi, Rob

See my reply to my Dragoon post, Rob. I can feel am emigration coming on!

We need more gun owners over here!

Semper Fi, Rob

Nice M44 carbine Grello. It is common and expected for them to be forced matched. That looks like a great 45. Have fun with the flames out the barrel on the carbines

Thanks desdem12 - yes, I've seen the fireball videos and I can't wait! We have a 25 yard indoor gallery, too. Have to download for that but I'm looking forward to seeing if we manage fireballs in there, too - it'll put the black powder boys back in their box! Ha ha!

The electro-pencil stuff is pretty common. I have that on one of my M44 carbines. Another nice rifle you have. I've never shot one indoors before. That might be new and different. Kind of like setting off a stick of dynamite in your garage. Enjoy!

Yes M44 has BNP Birmingham proof house stamps one on barrel in front of the 7.62x54r the other just on the receiver.

Wow you know how to pick them another great looking M/N. If you use milsurp ammo then you will get a fire ball.

Thanks guys. I will see how effective the other chaps' ear defenders are indoors! Really appreciate all the comments. Cheers!

Whenever I shoot my M44 at the outdoor 100 yard range the other shooters will soon stop and come over to check out the little cannon I am firing off. It is LOUD! Two very nice rifles my man.

Thanks very much alwyswrkng!

Black powder makes some big fireballs Best to try shooting the rifle in the dark or low light to get the best effect