A friend of mine has been ordering these M 44 7.62 x 54 mm. WW2 rifles. Says he will sell me one for 180 bucks, allowing him to make a little of coarse on the sale. He sent one home with me in almost unissued condition. I have shot it a few times and kinda like it. Would make a great chunk in the truck kind of gun. Any one have any input on me buying one of these guns. They are Russian made and most produced around early to mid 1940s.
Anyway, would appreciate any input.

Other than the price, they do make good truck guns...simple, solid, and reliable...ugly as sin; only thing uglier is one taht's been home converted to a "sporter" so leave it alone.

Are carbine modles and long models...and variosu makers, dates of manufacture, and condition rules the price market.

Do think I'd not buy one at $180 when I've seen several very servicable ones for a good bit less.

Most of the ones at this price are unissued or excellent condition. Just saw a site on the net where you can remove the rear sight and mount a pistol scope, long eye relief, in its place so as to not have to alter the bolt.

Try this site...proably more than you'd ever want to know about these rifles.

http://www.russian-mosin-nagant.com/Site_index.htm

In my opinion, your friend is poking you in the eye over price!
Wholesale is substantially less than $100 from most suppliers. I've seen some very nice ones that retailed for $150 tops.
Good solid rifles. As mentioned before, several companies make scout mounts, that allow you to mount a long eye relief scope, if you must have a scope. Actually, the issue sights are not bad as they come.

Well...I never said I wasnt gonna bicker about the price a little. I will probably get him down a bit.
As far as the sights, Yeah they are pretty good, But my eyes are not. Even with corrective lenses, I have trouble focusing on all three (front sight, rear sight and target.) One of them tends to blur out on me, usually the front sight. And the sad part is. I am only 36. Too many years on a backhoe watching for phone and gas lines, fiber optics and what ever else they bury these days.

I got one about 6 months ago. I really like it. the guy had around a hundred of them, he wanted $79 bucks a piece for them, but for $10 more he let me go through each box and pick the one I wanted.

Mine is very ammo particular. The surplus is corrosive and you have to clean accordingly. The Norma brass is very expensive for handloading and the .308 bullets are a little small for the bore but mine does not shoot the .310 diameter bullets any better.

some have never been fired and some are well used. Some have a laminated stock that is neat.

Our local "farm and barn" store has used M/N rifles for $89.00
Even though used they are in pretty good shape.

Russian Model 1944 carbines in mint condition with a sling, cleaning kit, ammo pouch and accessories sell for about $99.00 around here. I recently bought one in the same condition without the accessories for $79.00. All the best...
Gil

Our local Big 5 Sporting goods store carries them (Like new, reconditioned, with accessories kit) for either $79.99 or $89.99

A friend of mine has been ordering these M 44 7.62 x 54 mm. WW2 rifles. Says he will sell me one for 180 bucks, allowing him to make a little of coarse on the sale. He sent one home with me in almost unissued condition. I have shot it a few times and kinda like it. Would make a great chunk in the truck kind of gun. Any one have any input on me buying one of these guns. They are Russian made and most produced around early to mid 1940s.
Anyway, would appreciate any input.

Another great link to read up on any surplus firearm is
http://www.surplusrifle.com/

They have alot of information on many different models, including the Mosin Nagant.

Get a new buddy. Local Dunhams have them on shelves today for 79.95. They have a bunch to sort through. Also have some with a laminate sporter stock for 119.95. Actually I have a Finnish one and am happy with it.. Buy one and enjoy...