My M44s are Home!!!

[breastman]

Went to UPS first thing this morning to pick up my M44s from AIM, and I unwraped them as soon as I got home. Well. this is what I got: the In-Wrap one is a 1946 Izhevsk M44, the blueing looks good, ALL MATCHING NUMBERS, and lots of inspector marks and Codes that I wish to decifer later. The only problem is that I found some small rusting spots with pitting on the Barrel/Handguard bands, and on the top part of the barrel, is this acceptable? I hope it will look better when I clean it up (losts of cosmoline and some orangy residue).
The WII issued Laminated M44 is a 1944 Izhevsk rifle, Good bore and crown, again ALL MATCHING NUMBERS on the receiver, barrel, bolt, and mag-floor plate (I did not check the numbers on the wood), the stock looks very good and the metal shows no signs of rusting or pitting. The BAD on this one is: Bluing is thinning specially on sharp edges, probably 60-70% of the bluing is still there, and REDSTAR's pet pieve NO CLEANING ROD:mad: I paid $69.95 each plus Shipping, and the Laminated one (listed last) is supposed to be Hand-Picked ($10 more over the regular $59.95 for these). I am really upset about the cleaing rod missing on the Hand-Picked one, I think I'll try to Call AIM and let them know, maybe they'll credit me my $10 and/or send me a cleaning rod. So, what do you guys think? Did I good, or should I return any of these? This is my first order, so I appreciate any feed back.
Thanks everybody for posting and for looking. HAPPY NEW YEAR YA'LL!!!

Sincerely,
Breastman:cool:

[REDSTAR]

They'll just say 'None of these rifles came with rods'. But I hope you do call them. The more people who bother them about it the more chance they will advertise that next time.

Sounds like you did great. The main thing on the laminate is that you got a matching bolt. Many don't have them. I'd say they are both keepers. The conditions described sound acceptable to me.

I picked up my extra cleaning rods from Tapco several months ago, not sure if they still have them though.

[IcePirate]

Mine came in from AIM 3 weeks ago in the wrap and it had the rod with it. I'd send a heated e-mail or call em bitchin about it. I also paid 69.95 for mine. No rust, blueing is great, wood is great and all numbers match. Over all I'm very please with its condition.

[REDSTAR]

I think he was refering to the laminate one. None of the laminates from AIM will come with a rod.

[fishman]

Got two 44's from AIM and ordered a 3rd cause they are so damn nice I coulden't resist..I got one 1944 and one 1946 as per the "ears" on the crucifix bayonet mount for the dating...so one war one and one post war one... the 1944 is a high count issue with approx 3.5 million, the 1946 is a low count 180K , both came with cleaning rods and are in perfect condition, all matching #'s on both, recievers,bolts,floorplates, everything...original, not "stenciled" or electropencil...stocks are perfect, bores are mirror...bayo's are like new..the post war has the brass fittings where the sling goes,. the war one does not because of the metal shortage...I am very happy with these rifles..they just look and feel great..

[breastman]

REDSTAR is right, the M44 w/o the cleaning rod was the laminated one, btu its still a nice rifle with ALL MATCHING original stamped numbers, and looks a lot better then the ones (M44s) the local gunstores sell for $110 and up. I called AIM and complained about the missing cleaning rod and they told me that most do not come with the rods. I also asked about what exactly did I pay for with the Hand-picking fee, and they said that was just about matching numbers, stock and metal condition, but did not guarantee a cleaning rod. I feel good about my first purchase, and I can't wait to clean and shoot these babies, so I'll let you know when I take them to the range. However, I've never shot an M44, but if they are anything like my M39, I bet they'll kick like a mule.
Is there anything I should inspect closer or clean more thoroughly before I shoot these rifles? Again, thanks for posting and for all your info.
P.S., for my next purchase, I'm looking for a nice M91/30 with a good shooting bore.



Later Ya'll and Good Night.
Breastman.

[JWS691]

from Century for the most part, so if the rifles arrive at AIM without rods, then guess what, you will not get a rod. How many rifles have you received from Century with cleaning rods????

There have been rumors that Century takes the cleaning rods off of all rifles and then re-sells them to outfits like TAPCO and others. If you think about the time involved in removing rods from each rifle, this seems highly unlikely. I believe most are imported without rods.

As for the "wrapped" M44's not living up to standards, I believe they only unwrap the rifles enough to log serial numbers and apply the import mark, so they would have no way of knowing what is under the wrap entirely. The M44's are a great value right now so grab 'em up before they are gone, and trust me, at some point they will dry up. These rifles have a great history and are a blast to shoot, they will make a great addition to any collection. As for condition, remember, these are surplus rifles, not NIB. Stock dings, etc. add to the character of the rifle. My favorite rifles are the ones with shrapnel embedded in stock or carvings.

Just my .02. Sorry for the ramblilng. JW

[breastman]

You're right JWS, the M44s I got from AIM are from Century. I love MNs they are great guns, lots of fun, and pack quite a punch at the range. I went to the range last week and shot my M39 with some of that Wolf 200gr Ammo and it was lot of fun, my gun was the loudest at the range and it turned quite a few heads :D
P.S., I can't wait for my 91/30.


Later Everybody, and Happy New Year to All.
Breastman.

[JWS691]

I think you will find that AIM is about the best supplier out there. No, I am not an employee, nor do have any personal interest in the company. The fact is, Bryan has done me right each and everytime. If he tells you something is VG, then you can bet on it, unless it is in wrap, such as the wrapped M44's. He takes care of his customers and when you call, you actually talk to the owner, try this at Century, SOG or some of the others.

I have waited for AIM to get the Yugos and I know I will not be dissapointed and will save $100 off of IO's price.

JW