My new M38, question...

[Spermgewehr]

Hey guys, new to the forum. Picked up my second Mosin the other day, a 1943 Izhevsk M38. I am far from a "collector" but enjoy firearms and history so naturally milsurps fit into the equation.

My M38 has all matching stamped numbers except for buttplate, correct stock, nice furniture, great rifling and has has NOT been counterbored. The front sight is odd though. Rather than the simple post and hood that is ubiquitous with MNs, such as on my 91/30, it has the alternative bladed sight post with no hood. From what I understand the M38 should have the other front sight. Is this simply a case of a new (spare) sight being attached when refurbed?

[desdem12]

You will have to post pics for us to tell. There is a possibility it was altered or it may be an arsenal replacement. Please post fotos of the front site and the barrel shank where all the marks are including the ones on the sides if there are any.

[Junk Yard Dog]

Did you find an SA stamp on it anyplace?

[bunkysdad]

Oh no you don't Sperm. You can't pop in here and make mention of a potentially super cool carbine like that and not even post a photo layout. We got to have them and plenty of good ones too. If you have a Finland m38 then you have a super cool one indeed. If you don't you still have a cool one if it's a all original m38.

Ya gonna pull those pistols, or whistle Dixie?~ Josey Wales

[Izhevsk762]

Pics?

I've never seen an M38 with the straight post; technically it should have the post and globe, but I suppose it's possible.

[Longcolt44]

Oh no you don't Sperm. You can't pop in here and make mention of a potentially super cool carbine like that and not even post a photo layout. We got to have them and plenty of good ones too. If you have a Finland m38 then you have a super cool one indeed. If you don't you still have a cool one if it's a all original m38.

Ya gonna pull those pistols, or whistle Dixie?~ Josey Wales

Ya, what BD said.

[Spermgewehr]

Sorry guys, don't have a good camera. Ill try taking pics with my phone if I can get some good lighting.
Another question: when I disassemble her the pin that holds the trigger in place tends to come out. Any fixes for this? Anywhere I can find this pin, if necessary? Its not a problem for shooting but it is loose and I would hate to lose it

[MN Fan]

Hi Sperm, welcome to the forum!

I have to chime in with the rest...we need pics

The loose pin is common with all Mosins. Read the "Cleaning Your Rifle for the First Time" sticky. It talks about the pin in the first paragraph. I believe dolk has some or had some for sale if you ever do lose it.

Again, welcome!

[Rongo]

Did you find an SA stamp on it anyplace?

Just what I was thinking....

[Rongo]

And by the way Spermgewehr....



Welcome to the forum.

[mogunner]

Yes, it should have the same post and globe upper sight as the 91/30, however there are some blade style that will fit the dovetail just fine, and if it's not a Finn then it could just be that someone changed it for whatever reason. The M91 used a blade style that is tapered from top to bottom of the blade, the original 91/30 front sight used from 1930-1932 was a blade style but had a "step" roughly halfway down the blade.

[Jumperwire]

Yes Snap one with your phone, Maybe in the bathroom, where there is usually great lighting or maybe a kitchen. Text or email it to your computer and then post it on the sight. Unless you have a smart phone. Then it's simple. Is this a trend lately? It's 2011 and we can't get pictures.
Welcome to the Madness SpermGewehr. Sounds like a pretty neat rifle there. Oddities are pretty cool around here. Nothing more off than that Username. Looking forward to those pics

[Junk Yard Dog]

Is There a SA stamp on that carbine????????

Like This

[Spermgewehr]

Some pics taken with my phone. The quality leaves much to be desired.

[Junk Yard Dog]

I can't see the markings clear enough to tell if it has the SA stamp or not.

[Spermgewehr]

I can't see the markings clear enough to tell if it has the SA stamp or not.

No, definitely no SA stamp. I wanted the rifle regardless but that was the first thing I looked for when it was in my hands.

[Izhevsk762]

Looks like a Finnish M91 front sight blade.

[desdem12]

A nice looking rifle, Not a finn stacked sight anyways.

[bunkysdad]

It's hard to tell but it sure looks like you knew what to do when you found it. you just had to have it didn't ya? Like it was speaking to you perhaps?

Ya gonna pull those pistols, or whistle Dixie?~ Josey Wales

[Junk Yard Dog]

Finn or not it's still a nice M38