Brief Operational History

The M-44 carbine was developed in response to a special poll conducted in the early 1940's by the Red Army to assess the value of bayonet fighting.  It was soon found that most men who had been involved in close combat assaults with a carbine wanted a bayonet.  The M91/30 was also found to be too large to be used in the close confines of trenches, barricades, buildings, and other obstacles.

The Red Army then began to test eight different bayonets for use on the M-38 carbine.  A design by Semin won the competition and was used during field trials in November of 1943.  On the 17th of January, the complete weapon system was to be known as the Model 1944 carbine, 7.62 caliber.

With the introduction of this new carbine, production of the M-91/30 rifle was stopped.  It was soon found that the weapon was ideally suited for the fast moving attacks that were being conducted by the Red Army at this time.  It was enthusiastically welcomed by troops on the front lines.

It was praised for its ability to be accurate out to 400 meters, and being able to be used in close combat at a moment's notice.  It was a rugged and easy to use weapon that would serve well into the early 50's when it was replaced by semi-automatic weapons.

The M-44 carbine was adopted by many other Soviet supported nations in the years following the Great Patriotic War.  The Chinese adopted it in 1953, calling it the Type 53 rifle.  It represents the final evolution of the venerable M-1891 rifle.

Tactical Use and Limitations

The M-44 carbine was issued to front line infantry units, cavalry, communication, and artillery troops.  As stated above, the weapon became very popular with troops who used it.

The carbine is very light and easy to use.  The folding bayonet is quick to deploy, but adds quite a bit of weight to the weapon when its not in use.  The weapon is designed to be fired with the bayonet deployed, and is very accurate when firing out to 400 meters or so.

Method of Operation

The M-44 carbine is a bolt action rifle.  After firing, the user pulls the bolt handle up to unlock and cock the action, then backwards to eject the spent cartridge.  When the bolt is pushed forward it strips a round from the magazine and chambers it.  The weapon is now ready to fire.

Deployment Chronology

Here you can see what weapons the M-44 carbine replaced and what weapons eventually replaced it.  You can find out more about each weapon by clicking on the links below.

Sources Cited

Here are some of the most informative sources that we have used in compiling this information for you.  We hope you can find them as useful as we have.

• Military Small Arms of the 20th Century 7th Edition, Ian V. Hogg & John S. Weeks, published by Krause Publications 2000

• Soviet Small-Arms and Ammunition, by D.N. Bolotin, published by Finnish Arms Museum Foundation 1995