M38 flea market find.

[walnut red]

Trying to clean out the barn so I set up a table at the local fairgrounds flea market. Walkign to get breakfast I found a 1942 Izhevsk M38. Typical refurb, post war stock,force matched numbers, counter bore etc. But the import mark is under the barrel above the cleaning rod, not plastered over the side and it looks pretty clean and unmolested. At $115 I could not resist. I've a weakness for carbines. I sold very clean a 1940 Tula to a young lady who was not much taller than a M91. Her husband said she liked shooting his 1942 Izhevsk 91/30 so they came to the market trying to find one for her. Down side was I forgot the bayonet so we've agreed to meet at a LGS this afternoon and I'll deliver the bayonet. The bright side is that the rifle range is between me and the LGS so I'll have a chance to try out the M38. I guess that makes it a wash.

[pongo]

Very nice. That is an excellent price. I would be very happy with that.

[BuckeyeSgt]

You stole it if it really exists.

[walnut red]

Yeah, I know. I'll try and get some pictures posted this week. While walking back to my table I had someone ask to see my Russian Mauser. Some people I don't even try and correct.

[Junk Yard Dog]

You found things in your barn that people will pay you for? Lucky, all I found was 70 years worth of 'coon shit and squirrel nut hoards, and I am still cleaning it all out. Nice M38 find, they were once as common as dirt, now few remain, I always said they would be the first Mosin refurb to vanish off the dealers tables.

[walnut red]

1942 M38.jpg

One odd thing is that a new serial number was added to the top of the receiver, obviously for import reasons. The same serial number was also added to the bolt with the old serial number having been scrubbed off first.

[redspoon]

Looks good, wow what a bargain. Congrats

[etprescottazusa91]

That would be a buy any day at that price, nice find