M44 Rifle

The 7.62 x 54 Mosin Nagant M44 rifle was the last of the Mosin Nagant series of rifles.  The M44, like the 1938 model nagant, was a shortened version of the M91/30.  It was designed for front line troops other than infantry, such as engineers, communications, supply truck drivers etc.  The barrel of the M44 rifle is 8 inches shorter than the original 1891/1930 rifle, and the overall length is 40 inches.

Manufactured at the end of world war II, the M44 incorporated a permanently attached spike style bayonet that folded down the right side of the weapon when not in use.  The 7.62x54 ammo is quite a powerful round, and makes an impressive fireball and a hell of a boom when fired from the M44. 

As far as its utilization as a survival rifle, it is definitely a tough weapon, and its size is a plus, although at 8.9lbs, its still pretty heavy.  The ammo is also heavy.  The straight bolt action is pretty smooth and easy to operate, although I have to admit I prefer the mauser style bolt.  But for the money, this is still one of the better military surplus firearms of its time.

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