The M-38 Carbine in Pictures

This section has many high detail pictures of the M-38 carbine. Virtually every part of the weapon is photographed and described. To go to a specific part of the weapon simply click on the desired section below. I should warn you that some of these pages may take a little while to load.

 

 

Barrel Bands and Front Stock

The M-38 carbine has a stock made of solid birch wood that is usually varnished.  Those refurbished in the late 40's often have laminated birch stocks.

These two pictures show the upper hand guard of the rifle and the forward part of the stock.  Also visible are the retaining bands and sling.  The bands are kept in place by metal springs in the stock.

 

Buttplate and Rear Stock

The two pictures below are of the rear portion of the rifle.  The first picture shows the placement of the rear sling slot, while the second gives some idea as to what the butt plate looked like (and the screw that fastened it to the stock).  The electro-penciled numbers are not original to the rifle and were probably placed there when the weapon was refurbished or upon import to the United States.

 

The Receiver

The receiver is the heart of any firearm and the M-38 is no exception.  In fact, it is the most interesting part of the weapon.  The top right picture shows the numerous marking that adorn the receiver, showing that it was made in the Izhevsk factory some time in 1943

The second picture shows what the weapon looks like when the bolt is pulled to the rear.  The stripper clip guides are visible in this picture on either side of the receiver, just ahead of the grey metal bolt.

 

The Magazine and Trigger

The five round magazine is one of the M-38's most easily recognizable features.  It can be easily opened by using any simple flat tool (like the M91/30's bayonet or the tool out of the cleaning kit).  It contains a simple leaf spring which can be easily removed when the magazine is opened to clean or remove ammunition.

 

 

  

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