Joshua M. Smith

Hi All,

I found a really nice Russian M44 Mosin-Nagant at what I thought was a reasonable price. No rust was evident as I cleaned the cosmoline off.


I'm pretty sure this is what a Russian soldier would have been issued.


This ammo has be baffled, but I believe it's the same stuff found here: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...?Item=80929981

This is my first centerfire rifle. Any advice would be very appreciated. I'm pretty sure this surplus ammo is corrosive; do I just run a Windex patch down the barrel after shooting it? I do not want to shoot the thing until I know exactly what I'm doing.

It'd be nice to find some stripper clips as well. Might have to go back as I think I saw some at the gunstore a while back.

So, whatcha' all think?

Josh <><

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limatunes

Ahhh.. even seeing the word, "cosmoline" has me making funny faces.

I once took a brand-new SKS out of a box and the thing was DRIPPING in the stuff. Cleaning the gun off and then myself was quite the feat.

Anyway.. looks good!

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dogrunner

That sure does look pristine!! Others will tell you that the "windex" approach is OK, do as you will, but if that was mine and I was determined to shoot MSC in it then I'd treat that bore just as I do a muzzleloader with black. Soapy water, followed by HOT (smokin' hot) water to dry it will work better in my opinion.

Sorry, Windex advocates, but I have NEVER been able to get over the buddy that ran some U.S. corrosive ball thru his utterly brand new (super pristine!!)'03A3, back when the DCM was selling them for a song who wound up with a bore that resembled a coal mine.

For sure, the soap and water wash works!!!

Joshua M. Smith

Does the type of soap matter? I think I have Palmolive out there.

How about the breech face?

Thanks,

Josh <><

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Longbow

For sure, the soap and water wash works!!! big +1 to that.
Very nice m44. Some things to know. that is the 762x54R "R" meaning rimed cartridge. When you load this rifle one at a time into the mag be sure to load so the rims are stacked one in front of the other and the same goes for loading onto stripper clips. if not the rims will get in the way and will prevent you from cambering a round.
Also this little rifle WILL KNOCK YOUR SHOULDER TO THE MIDDLE OF YOUR BACK be sure you shoulder that rifle up tight. Also remember that, that little rifle is a battle rifle, don't treat it with kids gloves. It wants to be man handled, slam that bolt closed and slap that sucker open and make that spent cartridge fly, it will like you for it. Oh and be sure to shoot plenty at dusk, she will give you four foot fire ball from the muzzle. Have fun, be safe.
Oh and your missing the collars for your sling.

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Joshua M. Smith

Thanks guys.

I went ahead and shot five rounds of the corrosive stuff right after I posted. I ended up with a pile of salts(?) in the area right before the chamber. I was able to get most of it out and sprayed it with Windex with Ammonia-D, but I couldn't get it all out. It resembles wet sand. Any tricks to getting this out of the crevices, or will it hurt anything as long as it's been well soaked?

Reminds me of a 3" 20 gauge slug load. I grew up shooting 12 bore 3" :D Doesn't bother me; shooting with my off shoulder might hurt though. Then again, some say I'm a bit crazy. I really want to try that .577 T-Rex!

Thanks,

Josh <><

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pgrass101

Josh Hoppes will also get the stuff off. I have poured boiling water down the barrel of my M44.

The M44 is meant to be shot with the bayonet extended, at least mine groups better that way. Plus you can cook hotdogs on it.

Don't worry too much about corrosive ammo that is probably all that rifle ever shot just clean after each range session. I mean it was built for uneducated peasants. You have a great rifle and you can shoot Wolf or corrosive EastBloc surplus out of it.

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AKsrule

The reason for using the AMMONIA (windex) is to NEUTRALIZE
the corrosive salts.

THEN you wash with hot soapy water!

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Shadowsbane

I recently purchased the "bigger brother" version of that rifle.

They are great guns, real fun at the range when you see people look over after they hear your gunshot.

From my experiance with an extended range session (50-70 rounds or so) the bolt gets pretty tight, and the receiver very hot. However white lithium grease seems to hold up better than most standard gun oils to that heat, and for me that seems to help keep the bolt moving freely. (just keep it away from the firing pin)

If you can post some about your range sessions, these are supposed to be very accurate rifles, if their bore is in good shape that is. Mine is giving me about 5-6 inch groups at about 100 yards, but I still have the feeling that it is all my fault. (Not a big fan of those sights under 100 yards.)

Here is a site with a bunch of information of breakdown/care/history/markings and the like

http://7.62x54r.net/

Have fun now, and the fresh grilled hotdogs mid range session really are a treat not to be missed

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Joshua M. Smith

Hi All,

Thanks for the info.

I decided to save back a bit of the heavy ball as I got the last 20 rounds. I went to buy some other stuff today.

I'm not sure I like what I got. The heavy ball has no laquer on the case mouth, and operates very well. The stuff I got today is Russian (headstamped 60) and is laquered. It appears that this is causing the bolt to stick.

From www.russian-mosin-nagant.com :

My chamber is clean, and I cannot see any pitting or corrosion. I was told that this is common in these guns and that I should polish the chamber. I kinda' thought Soviet stuff had generous clearances as is. What are your collective thoughts?

Thanks,

Josh <><

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Is it better to live by a corrupt society's standards rather than face persecution for not doing the same? This is the dilemma we now face. We must hold fast to our convictions as we confront this dilemma. Knowing one's self goes a long way in the crisis. - Me

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