The M44 Mosin Nagant, A Common Man Rifle

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[@Quodge]

"I want durability, long term sustain ability. I want easy maintainability." Man I love americans.

[@kyletango]

Dave, I remember when I was a kid my dad and his friend each bought a Mosin Nagant at a store called Gaylords for $6.25 each. They took the wood and hardware off the barrel and shorten the lower stock to make them a deer rifle. About 8 years later I was seeing these same rifles in SE Asia.

[@raywells6088]

In 2012...the Mosin Nagant would have been a really tough choice to beat. Today, while they are still bullet proof they aint nearly as budget priced, neither is the ammo especially at surplus prices. I wished though I would have jumped on one of these and bought several when they were still reasonably priced. I am kinda of curious as to what Dave would "lean on" these days as I think there are more economical options in rifles these days.

[@karjalankarhukoira1]

One of the best, most common sense vids I've seen on the MN - I own a PU30 sniper model, and wouldn't trade it for anything:-) Thank you for sharing - looking forward to more!

[@AgentBlueK]

And now to find a decent one you have to spend $400...

[@dennisgriffeth5430]

Much as I love my Ruger Gunsite Scout rifle, and use it exclusively as my medium/large game hunting rifle, I must admit the Mosin Nagant is growing on me. The fact that I can order ammo already on stripper clips is a big plus, together with the ease of finding cheap cleaning supplies and relative ease of working on is appealing as a hand-out rifle, or one to go in the toolbox of my truck when I don't trust the neighborhood enough to bring my Ruger along.

[@IIDASHII]

The bent bolts are longer than the straight one's that come with the rifle, and give you more leverage to work the action so you don't have to lower the gun to charge it. Trust me, it feels way better. Plus what Dave said about not catching on brush.

[@ohhunter1995]

Older video but still great the only thing is nagants have went up considerably in price

[@jager9825]

I agree and disagree with this video. I love the nagants and agree they are durable. The problem is ammunition, while readily available at most stores, it is not going to be the easy to find at a mom and pop store, out in the field running into other people, and an shtf situation. Love Dave and his videos, be great to meet him someday.

[@Mike_858]

I'd still take a Mauser 98 over the Nagant. Why? It has all the advantages the Mosin has but it also has a huge indestructible Extractor claw compared to the Mosins tiny claw and its got a really good safety. It's just a little bit better.

[@thomasmann3209]

My grandfather went to war against the Germans with this rifle.It works!

[@jarkoer]

I don't know where you live, but if I were so inclined I could run out into town right now and come home with several THOUSAND rounds of 7.62x54R. And this during an ammo shortage!

[@Achubycat1]

Wow, it would be great to own a M44 Mosin. Unfortunately the price has gone up considerably. I can't seem to find one for under $200 let alone one for under $100.

[@ve5psl]

Huskymotard88 here in canada, a garand will be around a grand, my 91/30 was on sale for $175 taxes included. an m44 will be closer to $300.

[@deadhorse1391]

Enjoyed your video. One thing is when you swap bolts you have to worry about headspace problems, not a big chance that you will have problems with a mosin but there is a chance, I'd pick up a go/ no go gauge just to be safe. If I was going to spend any money for something to put on a Mosin first thing I'd do is get one of those rings to put on the safety knob, makes it much easier to use. Then better sights

[@Gungnir762]

Russian have a reputation for making rugged small arms. The 7.62x54R is one of the oldest caliber still in use. Russian 7.62 are about equivalent to a 310 caliber in diameter as the 7.62x39mm. Cheers.

[@VomitTidalwave]

Totally agree Dave! i own many of these badboys. Stock model 91/30's (not carbine or sniper models) shoot a little right without the bayonette attached. An easy fix is to attach the bayonette, put it in a vice, cut it off with a hacksaw at about 4 inches, and grind it down to a point.

[@dumpbagfullofshells]

I have an M44 that I bought from a friend for 40$ because he wanted to get rid of it. Did a trigger job on it, smoothened the bolt, put a sling on it, and one of those Allen shell holder/pouch things for 20 rounds of ammunition, fishing hooks, 10 ft of paracord, a knife, and a multitool. Its my all around survival rifle.

[@DevilTakeMe]

To demonstrate this, as of today, most Mosin Nagant 91/30 rifles are sold at around 80-120 dollars. Corrosive surplus 7.62x54R is most often sold in "spam cans" of 440 rounds for 90-110 dollars (which is about 20-25 cents per round). Non-corrosive ammo typically sells for twice that price. Consider that most budget 5.56mm/.223 Rem ammunition is sold for 27 cents or more, and you see where this all adds up.

[@SinghofKings]

Absolute favorite rifle. The price can't be beat, the ammo is cheep for surplus $110 for 440 rounds shipped to my front door so less at a gun show. And I know that Remington and bear make soft-tips for hunting that perform great.

[@brettbauscher2833]

If you are changing/buying bolts for a rifle like that it's very important to have the headspace checked or things may get very exciting. I have seen some Nagants that had excessive headspace.

[@Jesses001]

I have a lot of Mosin Nagants. I am a collector. They really are bomb proof. Even the ones that are now over 100 years old are in good shooting condition. Even when they are dragged though the treanches and poorly maintained, they still work. They are down right cheap, and they are highly customizable if you are into that and want a project. Everyone should have one someplace. Oh, almost forgot that the ammo is cheap too compared to other high powered rifle rounds.

[@rudocalbrone]

I agree with the mosin carbines being great all around regular dude rifles. I have a 91/59 mosin carbine and it's awesome! decent accuracy for hunting or self defense and a cheap but powerful cartridge to boot.

[@saladfork8]

Mine is a Winchester Mod. 94 lever. Chambered in .357 mag. It serves well enough in these regards. Good against man and beast alike, short as I live in THICK woods a longer gun impedes travel, it is also lighter. Iron sights do not fail will work from 10' to 200 yrds. I appreciate a Mosin, will get one someday but I will leave it behind in a bug out. My 94 will be in my hand. Great Vid!

[@Ho0li4n]

Hi Dave, im from Germany,the most used rifle here is the 89er.I think it compares well to the Nagant. Just a piece of advice: When cleanung ur gun, never pull into the chamber.Pull the string or stick or whatever from behind the chamber trough the chamber and then trough the barrel.Otherwise it is possible dirt and other stuff will be draged from the barrel into the chamber. One addition: It might be a decent suggesting getting a diopter sight. Loving your videos, ceep the coming and God bless.

[@neolexington]

Nice M44, my wife just bought me a 1955 Romanian M44 for my last birthday. They are great rifles for the money, you really can't beat them. That cleaning kit is key, especially with all the surplus ammo being corrosive. Love the gun vids Dave!

[@SinghofKings]

That is correct. The sniper version was used by the soldier that still hold the record for war time sniper kills. It has also been found in the hands of every revolutionary force since WW2.

[@jceinwechter]

Ah man, the prices you used to pay on Mosin Nagants... Still very affordable but they have doubled to tripled in price in the past few years.

[@TheGWood89]

I think you are confused sir. You do realize that you just said that the ammo availability of the 7.62x54 is somewhat low? Have you been to gun store or website recently.... or ever??

[@arthurleino]

I have owned my m-44 for 5 years. Love it!

[@adisupastar]

This ammo is actually very accessible. You can order it from ALL major ammo retailers online. Also most firearm stores will have it in stock provided they carry older/historic firearms regularly. I pay $130 for 880 rounds..... That's cheaper that 357 or 38 SPL

[@larrybushman1]

Great video Dave as always. I live in the Uk and shoot a .303 Lee Enfield sort of falls into the same category . I load the .303 with home cast lead bullets and fill the cartridge with black powder. That’s about as common man as I can get with a centre fire. Larry.

[@ElJefeGringo]

Well done dave, very few bad things can be said about the mosin. Worth every penny for one of these bad boys.

[@RobSmith123456]

One thing you might want to add to your cleaning kit is the Mosin-Nagant bolt tool/firing pin guage. You can take the rifle completely appart and back together using nothing but that tool and it is multi-use in a pinch to strike a ferro rod etc. The only part that can't be easily swapped between rifles is the bolt head.

[@Lethalchem]

I have 3 M44's and 5 91/30's (2 being sniper versions) . I LOVE these rifles, though I enjoy the M44 the most. You CAN still find these rifles at good prices, though they have been going up slowly over the least few years. The 91/30's are easier to find than the M44's. While the rifle is stout and easy to maintain, the bolt itself can be a little tricky for some people if you break it down into all it's components.

[@NJBeemaster]

I have the M44, 91/30 and SKS - none give me more pleasure than the M44. I go to Fort Dix, NJ Army Shooting range with all those AR15 types - them shooting what sounds like a capgun at paper 50 and 100 yards away and me with the M44 blasting cannon-like booms, percussion almost enough to set a car alarm off - lol and the sweetest recoil into my shoulder that only another M44 owner can appreciate. I learned about the bolt, grab at the top and at the bottom and keep your fleshy palm parts away and it will always break clean and pinch the crap out of you. It is an amazing thing to behold when fully broken down. I raced a friend blind-folded (took turns and watched the other) reassembling a fully broken down bolt - and you weren't done until re-gauged.

[@Stiggandr1]

Thanks for these videos Dave. It's very helpful for people like me who are only familiar with a few firearms. Put an AR 15 or M4 Carbine in my hands and I can break it down and put it back with my eyes closed. Ask my about anything else and I'm clueless!

[@nitehawk85]

The original Russian M44 and M38 carbines are starting to climb above common man prices. The Chinese type 53 clones can still be had from around $120-$150 range. If your not partial to the carbines. You can still pick up the original length 91/30 for less than a $100 bucks.

[@NorthRainProductions]

My M44, My SKS and my Ishapore 2a1 are my rifles of choice. The M44 has never failed me and I've hunted with it. The SKS has taken many coyote and the Ishapore is a new purchase but it is built stronger than an original Enfield and comes in .308

[@Carrionlich]

I did not notice anyone pointing this out but when you change the bolt on a rifle you are going to want get a set of head space gauges(go-no go-field) to make sure that the new bolt matches the rifles chamber and this goes for any firearm not just a surplus. bad head spacing can cause anything from failure of the bolt to seat properly to the chance of a case rupturing and venting hot gases back in to the breach and your face. better safe then sorry and if unsure consult a gunsmith

[@spraynpray]

On the front of this is a muzzle brake, not a flash suppressor. I do not know if that model will actually function, but if it does, it will increase flash shooter as well as doubling the report of the rifle. Big loud bang.

[@eddiespencer1]

Something that should be mentioned is that the surplus 7.62x54R ammo, while inexpensive and reliable, is corrosive to the barrel once fired. It's not a big deal so long as you are judicious in your cleaning, though. Just don't let it sit around dirty for very long, especially if it's humid out, or you will have rust in the barrel.

[@crashphoenix]

Thanks for the great Video. I had one for years for deer hunting and gave it to a good friend to get him started with hunting when I upgraded to a different rifle. Easy to clean, Ammo is easy to find and plentiful, just watch out for the corrosive type. I know most of us really appreciate your common man reviews.

[@bigdubbatoo]

I got a 1955 Bulgarian M44 new in Cosmo & paper wrapper at a local gunshow 10 years or so ago at $100 even with everything . Put a flash suppressor like this except it twists off to use the bayonet . Shoots flat at 100 yards without any sight adjustments with a approx 4inch spread with the good surplus ammo & the bayonet extended . Wanders & is 3inch higher without the bayonet extended .I read around & info said they were sighted in to shoot with the bayonet extended "back in the day" .

[@mobgripone]

Man you couldn't be more right. My cousin went out to Cabelas and picked up a gently used Mosin Nagant for only $95. One of the cheapest and most effective weapons that I know other than a knife.

[@Amunrad]

100% agreed! These rifles are phenomenal bargains and almost 30-06 power. Nothing they can't stop with good shot placement in North America. Throw in a good H&R single barrel 12 gauge and maybe something like a Marlin stainless steel bolt action tube fed 22 and for hunting purposes you're set for long term sustainability in a shtf scenario, which with the current world political situation seems almost a reasonable situation.

[@matcotech]

Great rifle Dave. The only issue you've got is the FMJ surplus ammo. It'll go through six deer and into the next state. I've got a mosin myself. I had planned on hunting with surplus ammo but was informed it is illegal in my state. My friend gave me some soft points to hunt with thankfully.

[@asheradensein]

Thanks a lot for uploading this, Dave. I know you already have a Mosin vid in your virtual classroom (like a lot of other content), and I appreciate that you still give it for free on KZbin. Very common man, and we love ya for it, brother.

[@rifleslol]

Military rifles are typically zeroed pretty far out at the factory. Mosins come with a 300 meter zero usually. There really isn't much you can do non-destructively to raise the front sight to get them to shoot right on at say 50 yards. One method I've seen is to get a piece of wire sheathing and stick that on the front sight and trim it until you're happy with the POA/POI.

[@shannonbtanner]

If you clean your gun after each use you don't need solvents brother, there are brushes and the rag you use with a light oil, the key is to clean after each use so you don't get a build up

[@graysmoke89]

you can buy surplus spam cans for under $100 and you can find it cheaper then that if you shop around and buy in bulk, i have a couple spam cans and i believe they have 440 rounds a piece in them if i am not mistaken. and also being that you can pick up the gun for around $100 you will quickly pay more for ammo if you stock up around 500 rounds or so.

[@d.l.hemmingway3834]

Strike Hard Gear has a nice collection of accessories for the Mossin-Nagant. These include a stock mounted ammo pouch, belt ammo pouches, and bandoleers.

[@stambo2001]

I love my .303 Enfield and hardly ever go into the bush without it.

[@threeredstars]

I got two of theese one is longer but I like the shorter one better. Also you really can't beat the price on ammo!!!

[@zippo1592647873]

Long time sub here , I trust your judgement explicitly, so Im going against my own opinion of years ... Just ordered me a mosin

[@tommymac88]

of all my fire arms, my Mosin was the least expensive BY FAR and still my favorite. To be honest, i like it better than my AR-15.

[@robertguenther4308]

The M44 Mosin Nagant has been my primary rifle for 10-15 years. As you said, it's bomb-proof. I've seen a lot of after market mods available for them, but IMO they tend to make the rifle less durable. I like the factory straight bolt just because some of the milsurp steel case ammo can burr and make the bolt difficult to operate when ejecting the cartridge, so the straight bolt gives me more leverage for a quick cycle. I love that the firing pin is roughly the size of a No. 2 pencil. It's just rugged. I have seen some comments on here regarding the milsurp ammo bein the only real available option, and that has not been my experience. Yes, when using ruskie milsurp, you need to clean after shooting. You can buy a gallon of a ammonia based window cleaner from Dollar Tree, works the same as a $4 can of gun scrubber. Simple. Also, there are a number of hunting rounds on the market which are REMARKABLY easy to find in my experience. I was gifted around 200 rounds of Winchester brand ammo, but I prefer Sellers and Bellot, which retails at my local Cabelas at $14.95 for a box of 20 rounds. That's cheaper than a box of low brass shotgun field load at Walmart. The ammo "issue" is a non-issue.

[@kdknitro]

I just went to a gun show at dulles expo center in virginia, didnt see a single nagant anywhere and i was trying to keep an eye out for a buddy, i was amazed not to see one there at all anywhere

[@MrPoppabear255]

I've had one for a few years and like it a lot. I also have a British Lee-Enfield MK 4 which is also a very stout and reliable weapon.

[@JoeRitrovato]

Good video Dave I have to agree with you about the Mosin Nagant being bullet proof at good price. I have two 1903 A1 Springfield's (But inexpensive rifles & surplus parts are getting hard to get for them now). I love the 06 for ammo availability. I have always been able to get 30-06 & 30-30 cartridges are everywhere in America. The 7.62X54 MM can sometimes be hard to find where I live. Thanks for the informative Video. Joe R

[@1legionary]

ahhh the m44. my second rifle. good rifle for mid-range shooting. would suggest a 30-06 if you wana go long range (i have personally seen(my best shot is at about 750yds.) a deer dropped with a Springfield 30-06 from 1100yds.) but if you wana go iron sights the m44 is a great choice

[@madhatter01231982]

if you are gonna use surplus corosive ammo keep some ammonia or windex close by for cleaning.

[@mybestlifeoutdoors7077]

Ever thought of reviewing an SKS?

[@Izaana030505]

Thanks Dave, It's great to see you finally doing more gun stuff...Love it brother!

[@glocnrol]

Great vid Dave Thx!! Nice to see you putting gun vids up and explaining how they fit best in the survivabilty/sustainability context. Puts it all in context nicely!

[@randyjohnson4614]

Great vid.and iron sights are so hard to find anymore.

[@PhoenixCustomPrimiti]

I've been looking at a mosin and a few cans of ammo. It's still in cosmoline which means I'm spending some serious time cleaning it up, but what I've read and seen, it's about as bullet proof as it gets. Ammo cans are all over the place if you know where to look and you got a gun shop looking out for you. I got a 12 ga and I'm looking to round out the working long arms with a .410, mosin, and a .22. May look into a 30-30 or 30-06. The mosin will take care of my .308 needs.

[@voodoovfr]

303 isn't cheap ammo. You can readily buy surplus mosin ammo 400 rounds for about 80-90 bucks. If you get a mosin, go for the hex barrel. 20 bucks more and you usually get pre war quality.

[@1guyin10]

There are plenty of counterbored Mosins out there that could be sporterized if someone wants to do that without sacrificing a nice example. For dragging it around the woods the polymer stock makes a lot of sense. The Russian stocks are heavy. I have a Chinese Type 53 (post-war M 44 clone) and they had softwood stocks that were much lighter. They also show damage much more and the Type 53 tends to have been used more and cared for less. I lucked into a salvageable example.

[@boogieman309]

Bought one almost identical to this. Shot it today for the first time and I love it. And it's by far my loudest gun lol

[@IIDASHII]

I looks very much like the one Dave is holding here is an M-38 Carbine, since the front sight is still on it. If that is the case, the guy who sold it to him had no idea what he was selling, because $110 would already be a steel for an M38 without the stock or muzzle brake.

[@totxmacher]

Great video. I'm taking my off-the-rack M91/30 out for bear tomorrow. If for some reason the 7.62x54R doesn't finish the job, the bayonet will.

[@1030brad]

Dave, excellent job on these videos. I know you put a ton of time in to teaching others. Thank you. Ive learned so much from you, and been entertained a lot as well...

[@edwood1263]

great vid man, I am really happy to hear you say its in the shooter, I have been trying to tell my son that very thing hopefully he listened when you said it, don't really know much about this rifle, have seen them in gun shops, going to have to check one out better, thanks alot man

[@jerryperkins1748]

Omg everything that comes out of this man's mouth I agree with I also like the sks

[@xXpreflexXx]

i know you are looking for Dave's opinion, but if you think about it a Enfield is a more expensive rifle firing a expensive round compared to a mosin, and the 303 is a lower power round than a 7.62x54r

[@LaneMaddox00]

7.62x54r is the longest serving round in the world if that says anything about it...since it was created it is still being used today in sniper, BFW, and rifle platforms

[@voodoovfr]

Good job with the videos Dave. Love watching them with my son. We both have learned a lot from you.

[@wolfranger13141]

THANK YOU SIR. I have wanting and waiting for someone to do this type of things for years. My Daughter and her Intended have gone this route. And even though thru personal experience I am a believer in the SKS (7.62 x 39) I now feel better about their choice. That means more to me than you perhaps can know. I guess even when they get into their 30's they are still your kids. Be well Sir. And the best to you and yours. Shalom.

[@michaelkaylor6770]

Thank you for your opinion and knowledge.

[@DevilTakeMe]

There's also the SKS, which is what came after the Mosin Nagant and before the AK-47. Semi-automatic, just as reliable as both, uses the 7.62x39mm used in the AK-47, and for a long while, was just as inexpensive as a Mosin Nagant. The problem is that there aren't as many out there, and it's driven the price up. There's Chinese and Yugoslavian copies that are fairly inexpensive, however.

[@berhorst59]

Another great video from Wilderness Outfitters. Thanks, Dave. Keep 'em coming.

[@brightoctober711]

I appreciate how the author lists the prices for everything so I have an idea of how to bargain later. Thanks for the video

[@simonferrer]

The 7.62 x 54R round isn't going anywhere anytime soon. The Russian Federation still uses it for it's general purpose machine gun round in the PK and the PKM, so surplus crates are still readily available. The surplus stuff has corrosive primers, but that's not a problem if you keep it clean. The Mauser K98 is a fine rifle, but was not made anywhere in the same numbers as the Mosin Nagant series, and is going out of the common man's price range.

[@SeedOfTruth777]

Be very careful with the surplus ammo. It is very corosive. It will literaly rust your bore over night. Make sure to clean immediately or neutralize the corosive salts with windex if you dont want to clean right away.

[@NYGMENfan1]

Gun season starts here in New York this weekend also.good luck.

[@bradgillis3701]

Love the M44. we have several in different configurations. ive seenem as cheap as $50 but around here at dunhams etc theyre about $150 now. still a deal. i think the ban on importation of russian guns is whats driving the price up.this rifle in a "scout" configuration is my carry gun on the farm/retreat. its not moa but is certainly MOC(minute of coyote),i mainly carry it for yotes, coydogs and feral dogs that are a threat to our chickens and smaller livestock.I carried a customized SKS but the neighbors etc didnt like that. One thing with new or surplus FMJ fodder, we buy at least 500 rds out of the same lot. weve seen where it varies greatly lot to lot.

[@mkuhnactual]

I love seeing the endorsement of the Mosin on here. I own a 91/30 and have kept it original and I love it. Only downside is it's heavy, so for trekking it around the M44 model is a good one to go with. 91/30 could work well too but you would need to replace the stock, as the original stocks have a lot of wood on them as most military style rifles do to make them more rugged but that makes them heavy.

[@leloodallasmultipass]

not sure what you are trying to say...? the cartridge is a centerfire type. not rimfire.

[@rockymountainprep]

You are confusing the title "rimmed" with rimfire. The Russian 7.62 x 54 R is a centerfire cartridge, the typical foreign made ammunition is Berdan primed (difficult to reload, but not impossible) Boxer primed cartridges (with a center hole for the anvil provided primer) that are very easy to reload are available. The bolt action rifles can be used with cast lead, can easily use reloaded paper patched bullets, and will function even if you use blackpowder to reload. A viable long-term option.

[@23Belligerent]

Excellent video, good choice too. The Mosin is a great, dependable rifle. ammo is cheap 440 rounds for about a $100 bucks.

[@user-fq4ls7rf2y]

I bought my M44 at a gun show in West Palm Beach in 93. Brand new made in Poland in 1955, o habe fired hundreds of rounds through it. Rugged, accurate

[@CyberNinjaZ44]

@tybo09 If you clean it the same day you shoot it, corrosive ammo wont hurt it. Just make sure you don't forget to clean it. For a cheap non corrosive ammo alternative, I use herters ammo from Cabelas.

[@ed5042]

I have one, talk about a beast. Got mine years ago when they first showed up, 45 bucks. Lost the top hand guard, lost the bayonet, trimmed the wood a bit. One handy accurate beast. This of course before I realized the dwindling availability of the M44 and the value, argh.

[@rockymountainprep]

Actually you can reload the Berdan steel cases, it may well not be worth the effort but it is not impossible and tools that decap Berdan cases are common as is the instance of reloaders using the hydraulic method. It is a myth that Berdan is not reload-able, it is just time consuming and often not worth the effort.

[@homesteadinarental]

Great review on One of the Best Gun Deals out on the Market.... The SKS can still be bought for little $ also if a person wanted a Semi... The Ruger 10-22 is also on of the best small caliber guns to buy cheap also.... And the Single shot 12 g. .... well if you don't got at least one then you aren't a Woodsman, they are so great it's not funny..... Greetings from NC Tim

[@kaizoebara]

Haha, I know this cleaning kit. Had this issued to me with my HK G3 when I was in the Gwerman army.

[@lacrosse1080]

looking into getting some new firearms this is now on my list

[@davidolie8392]

I own two M91/30sand I've just gained an M44, so I'm looking around for opinions.

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

While this gun is great if you have about 300-700 dollars get the M1 carbine it a great gun for the money and ammo is pretty cheap plus they are just as accurate and reliable.

[@whathahk]

As much as we all like a mosin……...beware of the J latch bolt, if worn it will premature fire! Always tap the gun before loading in the fire position a couple times to check to see if it will fire and for measure for wear.

[@FishOnIsMyHandle]

9:51 : Truer words regarding firearms were never spoken. Great video, thanks.