The Bayonet Assembly

The M-44 bayonet was very unusual as it was the first integral bayonet ever used by the Red Army.  Although the concept was later used in the SKS-45, it there were several modifications made to it before it was considered perfect.  The first such modification was the change in the bayonet hinge.  The wartime models made from 1945 (shown on near right) onward have a different hinge than those made in 1944 (shown on the far right). 

Below are views of  the bayonet folded and extended.


1945 Version                       1944 Version

The picture to the upper right shows a view from above of the bayonet in the extended position.   This was done so that the details of the mechanism could be seen more clearly.

 

The Bolt Assembly

The M-44 bolt is identical to the bolts used on all Mosin-Nagant rifles.  It has been called overly  complicated in design, but this was largely due to its creator trying to avoid infringing on the Mauser patent.  Still, it is rugged and reliable, even if it is hard to take apart.

It is important to mention that an owner of these rifles should not fire one if he has replaced the bolt, until he has had it checked by a competent gunsmith.

 

 

Sight Assembly

Here are some close up views of the front and rear sights, both of which are identical to those on the M-38 carbine. The picture to the right shows what the sight picture should look like if you were trying to aim the rifle at something.  The rear sight is graduated out to 1000 meters, while the front sight is a non-adjustable hooded post.

 

 

Accessories

Like is predecessors, the M-44 Carbine was equipped with many accessories to keep it clean and otherwise maintain the weapon.  The picture to the right shows a basic M-44 cleaning kit and two variations of the pouch it is contained in.  Below is a newer version of the oil bottle.  The ammunition pouch in the lower right corner is a later Soviet design (although there were many styles).  Each of the two pouches holds 15 of the 7.62x54R cartridges.  These cartridges are held in groups of 5 on stripper clips as seen in the picture.

  

Mosin-Nagant Rifle Manual

Here is a 1961 edition of the training manual for Mosin-Nagant 91/30 rifles, M-38 carbines, and M-44 carbines.  This 144 page hardcover training manual familiarizes the user with all the components of the weapons, then provides basic maintenance instructions.  The next section of the book shows proper shooting techniques and positions, while the final chapters tell how to properly sight the rifle and how to fire from a variety of concealed positions.

 

  

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