The Russian Mosin Nagant Forum

Ive attached some pics of my M38 Izhevsk refurb. Id appreciate any comments regarding the markings, etc. The metal is a little rough, but I suppose 1942 versions were all pretty rough considering the unpleasantness going on with the Nazi's.

I learned a little about the marking, most of which I found on this web site...great job everyone...Correct me if I'm wrong, but the crude hand stamped number on the barrel chamber is the refurb number as it does not match the serial number...This number matches the bolt and the trigger/magazine housing.. Interestingly, there is a number on the magazine floor plate that has been scratched through and replaced with the refurb number... The barrel number seems to have been filled with a contrasting color at one time...???

I'm thinking maybe the stock may have been changed since the 1942 refurb as I believe it to be a M44 stock... I sure wish the gun could talk. But for $69.00 about 7 years ago, I only regret not purchasing more at that price. Comments and information is most appreciated!

It's the rifles official serial number, nothing to do with the refurbishment of the rifle other than the barrel shank number was restamped on the other parts. That sloppy number on the barrel is typical of wartime rushed work, it is original, that is the one serial number that was not changed. The lineout number on the magazine is typical also, they got lazy sometimes and just lined out the old number rather than grind it off. The stock is M44, this is a common replacement stock used on the M38 as in later years the M44 was in production while the M38 was not after 1945. Coloring in the serial number made it easier to read, this could have been done by the Soviets, or some US owner, probably the Soviets by the look of it.

Thanks JYD...Regarding the number on the barrel...There is another professionally stamped number on the left side of the receiver that is totally different than the one on barrel, bolt and trigger/magazine assembly...I will give it a good look tomorrow and post a pic...don't know if that was an import number keeping with ATF rules regarding the receiver being stamped or just what...Ill post something tomorrow..

Does the 1942 stamp indicate when the gun was first made or when it was refurbished or something else...

That number was stamped there by Century, the importer , they were complying with Federal requirement's that the receiver be serial numbered. Later on the serial number was incorporated into the "banner" style import markings on the side of the receiver that we see on later imports.

That's what I thought...Thanks..