Russian M44 7.62x54R for 1st rifle?
I have a buddy (city boy) who wants to go deer hunting for the first time. He asked my reccomendation on what rifle he should get. I saw some Russian M44 7.62x54R's for sale here in good condition for $50 bucks, and some in excellent condition for $90 bucks. Are these rifles any good? What kind of accuracy can I expect? I don't imagine I'll have him taking any shots outside of a 100yds or so - do you all think this is a good choice for a first rifle? The reason I am thinking of this is because I want him to have something cheap (but effective) to start out in case he decides it is not for him, but not so crappy that he gives up on deer hunting altogether.
Oh yeah, he has done some waterfowl hunting and owns a 12ga. Also, we will be hunting whitetail.
To whom much is given, much is expected.
Oh yeah, he has done some waterfowl hunting and owns a 12ga. Also, we will be hunting whitetail.
To whom much is given, much is expected.
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These are rugged and reliable rifles, and a good deal. Very good deer rifle at under 100 yards. They are no sniper rifle, but you can expect a 4 inch group at 100 yards. The $50 rifle is probably as good as the $90. Good hunting ammo available from Sellier and Bellot for $8 for 20 shots.
check out this thread
http://www.gunboards.com/forums/UltraBoard.cgi?action=Read&BID=5&TID=103627&SID=2209540 -
Very good, reliable, and accurate. I would personally opt for the $90 one, usually arsenal refinished. They have a healthy kick to them, so he should be prepared for a little bit of a jolt when he pulls the trigger. The 7.62x54R cartridge is about the same as the 308 Winchester so it'll drop a deer easily. 
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I'd go for the M44 as a first deer rifle myself, but I do have a couple of caveats: First the M44 is a light carbine firing a 30-06 class cartridge and I think it kicks hard. I can shoot an M91 ( 9+ pounds.) as much as I want, but about a dozen shots with an M44 is enough. Second make sure your friend has the finger strength to operate that unusual Mosin Nagant saftey. Third you may have to do some sight adjustment because the rifles were sighted in to be shot with the bayonet extended. Good luck, posh. 0 -
Thanks for the input fellas. I'm definately going to pick a couple up for my buddy and me. I think I'll try to find one at a local gun show so I don't have to pay the shipping/transfer fees that come with buying online. Thanks again.
To whom much is given, much is expected.0 -
The kick ain't that bad, I've shot 'em all day and haven't been too sore. The gun is pretty heavy which cuts the recoil. There is also an AK-style muzzlebrake available for the M44 from Numrich Corp which would further reduce the recoil. 0 -
Not being as tough as KingJoey, I think they kick hard too. These were being sold by Big 5 so if they have stores in your area, you might check them out. 0 -
I'm a big wuss when it comes to recoil, maybe we are talking different loads. The military ammo isn't to bad, its only 148gr bullets. I do have some 204gr hunting rounds that I would not enjoy shooting all day. About five shots and I start going after targets and watermelons with the bayonet instead.[;)] 0 -
I have one and it doesnt kick so bad. Im used to firing 12 gauge magnum slugs all day at the range out of a benelli m3 so the kick on my M44 aint so bad. I dont even notice it. 0 -
Originally posted by SkyWatcher
I have a buddy (city boy) who wants to go deer hunting for the first time. He asked my reccomendation on what rifle he should get. I saw some Russian M44 7.62x54R's for sale here in good condition for $50 bucks, and some in excellent condition for $90 bucks. Are these rifles any good? What kind of accuracy can I expect? I don't imagine I'll have him taking any shots outside of a 100yds or so - do you all think this is a good choice for a first rifle? The reason I am thinking of this is because I want him to have something cheap (but effective) to start out in case he decides it is not for him, but not so crappy that he gives up on deer hunting altogether.
I have one of them that came from Big 5 in a round-about way. I ended up giving $25 for it. Be sure to buy the front sight tool for these types of guns, SKS, M-N, AK47, and a few more. I am going to put one of those peep sights (actual peep on both ends as does the Model 995 Hi-Point Firearms) Something like Mojo, Molo? not for sure. You can get buy with just purchasing the rear sight as it has both windage and elevation on it but the way I see it, you can really fine tune it down having it at both ends.
Goat0 -
cowboyace,
Where do you get the front sight tool for a Mosin. I need one and haven't been able to locate it.
-Marcus
***When the Second Amendment falls, the First will be sure to follow.***0 -
The sight you are referring to is the MOJO sight, you adjust your windage and elevation at the rear on this drop-in replacement rear sight assembly. Here's the website-
http://www.mojosights.com/index.html
Also for more info on the Mosin Nagant series of weapons, try here-
http://pub109.ezboard.com/fparallaxscurioandrelicfirearmsforumsfrm25 or here- http://www.russian-mosin-nagant.com/phpBB2/index.php
Just don't ask about altering or sporterizing ANY type of Nagant, no matter the condition-it'll send these guys into a total tizzy!
Reserving my Right to Arm Bears!!!!
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