How do you move that sucker? The M44 7.62 x 54R I bought has a hooded front sight and looks like it can be tapped over. It is in a dovetail type slot.

I tapped it pretty hard and it doesn't want to move. Do I get a bigger hammer or is there some type of set screw holding it that I have not seen?

Another beginner question: The ammo I bought is in a 300 round can. It was all soldered shut. I sawed it open and all the rounds were in little packets - wrapped in paper and tied with string. I suspect it is as old as the rifle.

When I shot it a ball of flame came out that about lit the woods on fire. What kind of powder is in this stuff?

quote:

Originally posted by Palmer:
What kind of powder is in this stuff?

What were the case head markings?

DaMan,
The case head has a star at the top, a 3 on the left side, a 10 on the right side and it looks like a 52 on the bottom.

I will take it into the office tomorrow to look at it with a magnifying glass to be sure. I can't focus my eyes close enough to see it clearly.

quote:

Originally posted by Palmer:
DaMan,
The case head has a star at the top, a 3 on the left side, a 10 on the right side and it looks like a 52 on the bottom.

I will take it into the office tomorrow to look at it with a magnifying glass to be sure. I can't focus my eyes close enough to see it clearly.

Like this?.....

DaMan,
Exactly like that. What does it all mean?

quote:

Originally posted by Palmer:
DaMan,
Exactly like that. What does it all mean?

That's Bulgarian 7.62x25 pistol ammunition.

Holy smokes. That was not what I was expecting to hear. Thanks anyway for the information.

Had the same trouble with the front sight on a M44 Nagant carbine. Support the barrel/muzzle on a wooden block and hit the front sight at its base with a steel tap and a heavy hammer. It will begin to move. Sounds like your ammo is the same I've been using. Pretty lousy stuff. Many of the case necks were collapsed. Still shoots o.k. Doubt what you've got is pistol ammo given that your's is packed the same as mine was. Just crappy Soviet 7.62X54R

The 7.62X54R is a rimmed case with a casehead diameter of .567". The 7.62X25 Tokarev has a casehead diameter of .392".

backdoc,

Thanks for the suggestion - I suppose the dovetail is just tight and I will try that.

After looking on the internet this afternoon the 7.62 x 25 pistol ammo is definately shorter and the bullet is shaped differently than my rounds however the case head markings are the same and the little pink paper wrappings are the same so it is possibly Bulgarian powder of some type.

Its a FMJ bullet like this:

Palmer, I think this is probably what you have..... Bulgarian Lead Core Light Ball

The "Star" and the "3" on the case head threw me for a loop because those markings can also be found on Bulgarian 7.62x25 pistol ammo.

I have some later 1955 ammo and it just has the Bulgarian country code "10" and the year of manufacture "55" (exactly like this picture).




On the windage adjustment..... try some Kroil or other "penetrating oil" on the dovetail before adjusting. Give the oil a chance to soak in and work before starting to whack on the sight.

My MN 91/30 has "witness marks" on the front of the sight (between sight base and hooded sight). If your 44 has these marks..... observe them carefully and closely after each whack.

Good luck!

Don

DaMan,
Thanks for the Kroil idea. I will try that.

A few minutes ago I put some wood blocks under the barrel and using a punch I whacked it pretty good but it still does not move. I am afraid I will bend the barrel.

I will try the Kroil tomorrow.

I did read on the internet today that these rifles were sighted in with the bayonet extended and if not extended they will shoot left like mine does.

Allen,

If you can't move the front sight with a brass punch and hammer, I'd highly recommend a sight-pusher. I don't have a link to one right now, but if you look around at Numrich GPC, Tapco, Sarco, etc., I'll bet you could find one for a decent price.

I haven't played with my Mosins in a while, but my 91/30 is pretty accurate. The only real sight problems I've ever had are with the rifles shooting high.

Tex21
Thanks for the idea, I will look into those sources. I have not been able to move it yet with a punch and hammer. I have soaked it in break free and Kroil oil overnight and hit it harder than I want to - still no change.



One thing I have found out is that with the bayonet extended this rifle is on the money. I gave some thought to just leaving it that way. It would be a great pig gun that way - shoot em then run up and finish them off with the bayonet.

I would still like to move the front sight so maybe that sight-pusher will work.

As you said, the M44 is sighted in with bayonet forward. As tight as that bugger is in there, I'd just leave it if it's fairly close.

Buying a sight pusher or going to a gunsmith (with sight pusher) would be the only remaining options. It just depends if you think the windage correction is worth the time and money.

If we're talking like 6" or less at 100yds, I'd say just leave it as is and use Kentucky windage.

As you said, the M44 is sighted in with bayonet forward. As tight as that bugger is in there, I'd just leave it if it's fairly close.

Buying a sight pusher or going to a gunsmith (with sight pusher) would be the only remaining options. It just depends if you think the windage correction is worth the time and money.

If we're talking like 6" or less at 100yds, I'd say just leave it as is and use Kentucky windage.

PS - I don't recommend it, but I've heard that Russians soldiers in the field would sometimes "bend" the front sight slightly to make windage adjustments. It probably would look like crap, but it's a 'field expedient'.

DaMan,
I think you are right. I am going to leave it alone.

I dont know about 100 yds. but at 30 yds the bullets pile on top of each other with the bayonet extended. If I fold it back they not only shoot left but they are scattered everywhere.

This is a really fun rifle to shoot and it ought to be a good impromptu deer or pig in heavy brush rifle.

Loud report and flash are common with a M44 as that's a full size cartridge going through a short barrel. Sight pushers aren't that pricy and handy to have around. Get it in the black at 100 yards and call it good.

quote:

This is a really fun rifle to shoot and it ought to be a good impromptu deer or pig in heavy brush rifle.

You might get some odd looks if hunting deer with bayonet extended...... but who cares!

I really enjoy these old military rifles....
And I'm not a collector and have access to the newest high speed/low drag technology.

But there's something about these old guns I like.... the HISTORY!