The Russian Mosin Nagant Forum

Just bought a Russian M44. Izhevsk 1946. I consider it excellent condition, all matching, appears normal to me. While cleaning out the cosmoline, I noticed that the bolt seemed really extra nice and "slick" to the touch. On closer inspection, it appears to me that it has been hard chromed or something similar. I have never seen this before and need enlightened. Is this original or has my rifle been Bubba'ed by someone?

We will need some pics. There were some chrome plated ones (commercial bubba job), but some are just shiny in the white steel.

Bolts are Nickel/steel and they do shine some, but the Russians never chromed there bolts ( or bores for that matter)

Classic Arms chromed some entire rifles a few years back, could be you have a bolt from one of these bling rifles. Pictures should tell the tale.

Oh-Oh, looks like that's the answer to my question. The rifle looks good otherwise, appears as it should, no other signs of tampering as far as I can tell. The serial, two Russian letters and four numerals, is stamped, in the same font, on the top of the barrel, bolt body, magazine base and top of the buttplate. The import markings (C.A.I. Georgia Vt) and the new US serial # are in the normal location on the receiver. I do not see the "refurb" markings that I am used to. The suspected chrome parts are the bolt head, bolt body, firing pin, connector rod and cocking piece. The extractor is blued. Looking at the bolt with a strong flashlight I am certain that it is plated with something. I am not very computer savy and do not know if I can post any photos. I have been wanting to learn and will make a try ASAP. Thanks much for the info.

Even the bolts on Classics chrome plated models were just highly polished with jewelers rouge and a flapper wheel which while it is time consuming and results in no performance advantage has been done by people from time to time. What results is usually the next owner swearing up and down he has a chromed bolt. Trust us it is just polished and buffed steel. If it were chromed many of the hunting rifles I have made for people would be sold for extra money because they are "chromed" . Bill

Never had a chrome Mosin, I have a stainless steel shotgun, but it was born that way.

Junk Yard Dog wrote:Never had a chrome Mosin, I have a stainless steel shotgun, but it was born that way.

Yupper and that makes perfect sense to me! Bill

It is likely polished. I have a friend who polished his with Mothers Mag polish till it looked like the shiniest chrome turd you ever will see.

Why would anyone want something that shines like a damn beacon on their weapon? Nothing like a good bright light reflection to tell the game animals or whatever you don't want to know you are coming that you are coming.