Which Mosin/Nagant to buy?

plains scout

M44?

Cubslover

The M44 off a bench is a real bruiser. Muzzle blast from hell. Decently accurate and the shorter length make a good brush gun when hunting. The 91/30 is much longer, thus lighter recoil and less of a muzzle blast. Definitely more accurate.

Both are alot of fun. You'll get some heads turning with each round out of an M44. The 7.62R round packs a hell of a whallop, comparable to a light 30-06, and can be had cheap.

The choice is yours. I had an M44 and put 60rds off a bench. I didn't want to see the thing for a week. Rocked my 6' 220lb body all over the place. Standing or freehand it's not bad at all.

Henry0Reilly

If you want the carbine version the 91/59 is about the same length but without the bayonet to deal with.

Of the Nagants I've fired I liked the M39 the best.

edit = here's an old thread on the M39.

edit #2 = buy this one:

fastcarsgofast

I,ve had three. The M44, M38, and a Sako full sized rifle (can't think of the number right now). Of all I prefer the M38 for it's size and the fact that I don't have the folding bayonet of the M44. For the price you can't really go wrong the M44. They can still be had for around $60 here (if you can find one). They have lots of after market goodies as well (stocks, muzzle brakes, etc.).

jonk

M39 Finn is my favorite; 91/30 Russian almost as good and a third the cost.

allen griggs

M39.
The only Mosin Nagant with screw adjustable front sights. It has great sights to begin with.

1KYDSTR

I agree about the various Finn Moisin's, be they 27's, 28/30's or 39's. The best of the Moisins nearly without exception. Having said that, I have a mint M44 Polish that I scout mounted, and it is more accurate than any other 7.62 x 54 gun I own. The 4x scope really helps, but that stiff little barrel is a dream to relaod for. Although I like the 38's and 59's, I think the added pound and a half of the bayonette assembly on the 44 makes them more shootable. More weight in the rifle means less recoil...do the physics!

11b6r

With the price on arsenal re-build 91/30s, M38s, and M-44s (well under $100 each) why not get one of each? The top ranked military sniper of all time use a Finnish 91/30. Gent named Simo Hayha.

redman.com1

91/30, cheap rifle and ammo and super accurate.

rawhide54

Regarding the recoil you get with the M38 and M44 Mosins, I put a soft "Uncle Mike's" slip-on recoil pad on my M44 and that really tamed it down. I liked the extra length it gave me, too. It's an inexpensive way to make shooting those carbines tolerable. Same worked for my Enfield No. 5 "jungle carbine" after I punched holes and slit between the holes to go over the butt stock sling attachment. Hope this proves helpful.

jhimco

I have the Russian M44, 91/30, and the M38. All are fine shooters. But as you fire it you will notice as it gets dirty the bolt may be very hard to turn. This is the only thing I hate about these. Otherwise great milsurp rifles for the price! Check out SOG for them if you have a C+R.