WW II Russian M38 Carbine ………(F 1079) SOLD

Soviet WW2 M 38 Carbine

Chambered in the standard 7.62 x 54R round with a five-shot internal clip fed magazine.  This is the shortened version of the 91/30 Mosin-Nagant infantry rifle.  The action is the same, the magazine and bolt set up is identical as is the four grove right hand twist rifling.  The difference is the length of barrel and the stock.  Overall the carbine is 40″ long.  The round blued barrel is a nominal 20″ and the trigger Pull is 13.3/8 to centre.  Consequently these sturdy carbines pack quite a punch as they still use the standard ammunition, used in the full length weapons.  The other side effect being the fireworks show that goes on at the other end every time you pull the trigger!  The muzzle flash from non-expended powder is something to behold and will light up any gloomy morning on the range.

The other developments which were included in this model are the round breech and the perfected Tangent rear sights.  Something that may have come from observing captured German weapons which started to appear mid-war, on the Type 38, is the multi-ply layered composite stock. When German ordinance developed their version they may not have realised at the time, that they had stumbled on an almost indestructible solution to their lack of timber problem.  Common stock faults are derived from a failure that runs with the grain. Splitting  caused by either external forces or through recoil generated by the weapon as it fires.  Often weakness’s, unseen at the production stage are exposed in use and cracks or splits start to open up from the rear tang.  These stocks have the grain running at 90 degrees to each layer with a strong adhesive between each thin layer.  Thus a very strong stock is produced, they did however add another cross bolt for good measure.  Not only will it resist the common problems mentioned above but, it is far stronger around the wrist, another weak spot that shows up in rough handling.  Top that off with a glutinous layer of varnish and you have perfected the equation. The shortness of the rifle as a whole and the strength in the stock have produced an almost indestructible battle rifle.  They are not the most attractive weapon produced but they are sure going to last a long time.

True carbine rear sight graduated from 100 to 1000 meters with no windage adjustment.  Front post sight protected within a ring.  Later type slots cut transversely through stock for leather sling mounts. Steel butt plate with matching serial number on tang.  Twin barrel bands retained by spring clips and steel cleaning rod under barrel.  Finger grooved stock with two cross-bolts.  Rounded receiver plain with split rear bridge including clip loading slots.  The breech of the barrel carries all the relevant markings some of the lettering being in Russian script; Multiple inspection markings about the breech.  Starting furthest forward the Hammer & Sickle within wreath / 1944 / c n 9199 / Izhevsk Arsenal mark”    The whole of the weapon is finished in a military black with NO wear showing.  The floorplate of the weapon has the best blue yet observed and is also stamped with the matching number. The matching bolt is purposely finished in the white and has the serial number “9199” clearly stamped onto the rib.  Bore good, dark but may clean.  Rifling complete – no observed damage.

Extras that come with the rifle, ink marked canvass sling – fitted.  Dual oil bottle in pouch and basic field service kit in brown fold over pouch.  Very slight scrapes in the surface of the lacquered timber but nothing serious, no dents.  A very good example of a WW II Soviet era carbine used to push the Nazi invading hordes back out of Mother Russia.  UK proofed.

FAC Required – Stock No 1079

£ 550.      SOLD

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