The Russian Mosin Nagant Forum

Shortly after developing an interest in Mosin Nagant rifles, I realized that what I really wanted was an M44. I managed to acquire two 91/30s (impulse buys) during my search, but couldn't find any M44s locally. I was thrilled when I found Classic Firearms (just an hour from my parents' house) had a local pick-up option, and even more so when I learned they had M44s in stock. I ordered one right away. Picked it up this weekend and this is what I got. A 1944 Izhevsk Molot M44, of less-than-perfect quality. Still in the process of cleaning it up... but here are all the markings I noticed during the initial tear-down.



Top of the Receiver


1944 Izhevsk triangle/arrow on the tang of the trigger assembly


Molot KO-44 marks on the underside of the barrel


Force-matched numbers, bottom of the box mag


A collage of stamps on the bottom of the trigger assembly, just in front of the trigger guard. Is that an M inside a box?


Underside of the Receiver


N mark, side of the bolt head


Izhevsk triangle/arrow on ejector


Izhevsk triangle/arrow on the firing pin


Bolt pull knob - maybe an 8 in a circle?


RNC? diamond, underside of bolt


RNC? diamond, top side of the trigger assembly, just behind the bolt catch


Various/Random markings on bolt


Another circle 8 (maybe) on the bolt

One of the lucky few who got the last of the carbines, one day , maybe today, you will look at some gun show table full of $500 M44's and remember when you could just order one from a retailer for half that. Good move in acquiring it now, your the guy who just makes the station as the train is starting to pull out.

Nice carbine congrats Very good pics also

My Molots all have that small 6 sided clock face looking thing on the receiver........What could it mean?

Glad you got yourself a nice one. I got one last year and regretted not getting an M38 while they were still readily available. Availability has diminished over the last two years. I see more swiss rifles now than Mosins(On line). Quite a few stampings on that one. Adds to its character.

I recently got one of the AIM 96/11's. Talk about numbers everywhere and they all match. Beautiful bore, nice upgraded stock. And those unbelievable bolts