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Rome · June 17, 2001, 04:34 PM

Dear Doc,

If your M44 has the word "instructie" stamped into the stock, you should assume that it is in a non-firing condition!!!

There were many rifles used for instruction that have that stamped in the stock and usually a red stripe around the butt.

You must check everything before loading a single round in that rifle

You must check the barrel to make sure it doesn't have any plugs in it.

You must check the barrel for size, too. I recently received a rifle that was similar to yours and the barrel was bored out yet you could still chamber a round. The barrel was so bad that I could actually put the entire round up beyond the shoulder of the casing in there! I would have been disaster if I had tried to fire it. Others have written about a blockage purposely inserted in the barrel yet a round could be chambered.

Truth be told, you probably have a demonstration rifle which is only good for hanging on the wall. Figure good condition and accurate rifles sell regularly for around $60 so $15 for a "trophy" rifle isn't all that bad.

Please have a smith examine that rifle before you try shooting it. Otherwise you may be putting yourself into some danger.

Rome

June 17, 2001, 04:34 PM	#5
Rome Senior Member Join Date: February 5, 2000 Location: Connecticut Posts: 420	DON"T SHOOT THAT RIFLE!!!! Dear Doc, If your M44 has the word "instructie" stamped into the stock, you should assume that it is in a non-firing condition!!! There were many rifles used for instruction that have that stamped in the stock and usually a red stripe around the butt. You must check everything before loading a single round in that rifle You must check the barrel to make sure it doesn't have any plugs in it. You must check the barrel for size, too. I recently received a rifle that was similar to yours and the barrel was bored out yet you could still chamber a round. The barrel was so bad that I could actually put the entire round up beyond the shoulder of the casing in there! I would have been disaster if I had tried to fire it. Others have written about a blockage purposely inserted in the barrel yet a round could be chambered. Truth be told, you probably have a demonstration rifle which is only good for hanging on the wall. Figure good condition and accurate rifles sell regularly for around $60 so $15 for a "trophy" rifle isn't all that bad. Please have a smith examine that rifle before you try shooting it. Otherwise you may be putting yourself into some danger. Rome