A New 1953 Hungarian Blonde

Capybara · November 3, 2012, 05:40 PM

Have been looking for a deal on an M44. There are not very many out there. Today at a gun show, I was one of the first through the door and scored what looks like a nice, clean M44. When I looked at it, I brought my bore light, my head space gauge set and some cash. This is my third Mosin so I am starting to be able to tell what's what when I look at one, thanks to the brain trust on this forum and the 762x54.net website.

At first, I thought the stock had been totally Bubba'd as it was blonde and sling inserts had been painted black. After looking at the 762x54.net website, I realized that this Hungarian H2 Arsenal M44 is supposed to be blonde, very cool http://7.62x54r.net/MosinID/MosinM44H.htm Of course, someone has put some varnish on it to make it shiny, but so what, I don't care, this will be a shooter, not a collector.

1. All numbers match
2. Metal is all beautiful
3. Barrel needs to be cleaned but looks really nice, relatively shiny, strong lands and grooves.
4. Not counterbored
5. Was missing cleaning rod but the bayonet looks 100% clean and unused.
6. Head space was good

At first I was thinking I will refinish it. But the blonde look is growing on me, it looks different than every other Mosin. The black, painted sling ferrules look kind of lame but I can probably remove the paint from them. Negotiated to a little over $235.00, what do you think? Did I do okay? It drives me crazy that I probably could have scored this for $129.00 just a year or two ago but Mosin prices are climbing and clean, nice condition M44s are tough to find. I am happy with it, can't wait to go bruise my shoulder and make some big fireballs.

Oh, yeah, best source for a "02" stamped M44 cleaning rod? Numrich? Sarco?

Creeper · November 3, 2012, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Negotiated to a little over $235.00, what do you think? Did I do okay?

Very nice... I think you did just fine.

C

Capybara · November 3, 2012, 10:29 PM

Thanks Creeper. Most of the ones I have been seeing on Gun Broker are over $300.00. This one is a bit Bubba'd, someone varnished it to look shiny, painted the sling inserts black and put on stupid sling swivels but I can fix those things.
Ordered a real dog collar Mosin sling tonight and found a cleaning rod for $7.00. I think when all is said and done, I will have the M44 I have dreamed about, it is about 85% of the way there.

The important parts to me was that the barrel and all of the metal look almost brand new, this thing should be strong shooter.

Creeper · November 4, 2012, 12:23 AM

Quote:

The important parts to me was that the barrel and all of the metal look almost brand new

Wood is usually easier to un-wank than metal... so it's a winner. Post some "after my first range visit" shots when you get them.

C

Capybara · November 4, 2012, 12:16 PM

Will do.

Unfortunately, down here in bone dry SoCal, the place is a tinderbox this time of year and all of the public ranges prohibit magnetic or bi-metal ammo because of fire danger if it strikes a rock. I have one Forestry Service area I can shoot my Mosins at but it is closed for fire season. As soon as we get a decent amount of rain though, they will re-open it and I will be able to shoot this new rifle. Hopefully late this month or early December, then it should be open until mid to late Summer.

November 3, 2012, 05:40 PM	#1
Capybara Senior Member Join Date: April 8, 2012 Posts: 180	A New 1953 Hungarian Blonde Have been looking for a deal on an M44. There are not very many out there. Today at a gun show, I was one of the first through the door and scored what looks like a nice, clean M44. When I looked at it, I brought my bore light, my head space gauge set and some cash. This is my third Mosin so I am starting to be able to tell what's what when I look at one, thanks to the brain trust on this forum and the 762x54.net website. At first, I thought the stock had been totally Bubba'd as it was blonde and sling inserts had been painted black. After looking at the 762x54.net website, I realized that this Hungarian H2 Arsenal M44 is supposed to be blonde, very cool http://7.62x54r.net/MosinID/MosinM44H.htm Of course, someone has put some varnish on it to make it shiny, but so what, I don't care, this will be a shooter, not a collector. 1. All numbers match 2. Metal is all beautiful 3. Barrel needs to be cleaned but looks really nice, relatively shiny, strong lands and grooves. 4. Not counterbored 5. Was missing cleaning rod but the bayonet looks 100% clean and unused. 6. Head space was good At first I was thinking I will refinish it. But the blonde look is growing on me, it looks different than every other Mosin. The black, painted sling ferrules look kind of lame but I can probably remove the paint from them. Negotiated to a little over $235.00, what do you think? Did I do okay? It drives me crazy that I probably could have scored this for $129.00 just a year or two ago but Mosin prices are climbing and clean, nice condition M44s are tough to find. I am happy with it, can't wait to go bruise my shoulder and make some big fireballs. Oh, yeah, best source for a "02" stamped M44 cleaning rod? Numrich? Sarco?

November 3, 2012, 10:29 PM	#3
Capybara Senior Member Join Date: April 8, 2012 Posts: 180	Thanks Creeper. Most of the ones I have been seeing on Gun Broker are over $300.00. This one is a bit Bubba'd, someone varnished it to look shiny, painted the sling inserts black and put on stupid sling swivels but I can fix those things. Ordered a real dog collar Mosin sling tonight and found a cleaning rod for $7.00. I think when all is said and done, I will have the M44 I have dreamed about, it is about 85% of the way there. The important parts to me was that the barrel and all of the metal look almost brand new, this thing should be strong shooter.

November 4, 2012, 12:16 PM	#5
Capybara Senior Member Join Date: April 8, 2012 Posts: 180	Will do. Unfortunately, down here in bone dry SoCal, the place is a tinderbox this time of year and all of the public ranges prohibit magnetic or bi-metal ammo because of fire danger if it strikes a rock. I have one Forestry Service area I can shoot my Mosins at but it is closed for fire season. As soon as we get a decent amount of rain though, they will re-open it and I will be able to shoot this new rifle. Hopefully late this month or early December, then it should be open until mid to late Summer.