Viet Nam Capture M44

This rifle is a 1947 Izhevsk Soviet M44 that was captured at Vinh Long in Viet Nam on February 16, 1969. It does not have the typical "bring back papers", but rather a capture tag marked "hold for analysis" The circumstances of it's importation to the United States are unclear. Other than the affixed tag and a serial number on the stock it is a typical late production Soviet M44 with no outstanding features or markings.

The serial number of the capture tag matches the rifle's barrel number, but all other numbers are mis-matched. The bolt number is typical for the period, but the floorplate is apparently from an earlier rifle when 6 digit serial numbers were used.

The buttplate is rusted to the point that no serial number is visible if one ever existed. However, the butt of the rifle is numbered in the manner of late Chinese T53 production and it's possible that the stock is Chinese. The overall condition of the rifle is poor with evidence of water stains and rust consistent with use in the jungles of Southeast Asia.

Return to Mosin Nagant Virtual Museum