Considering that the Germans were using carbine-length versions of their original 98 Mauser design, the Russians decided to follow suit and create a carbine version of the Mosin Nagant rifle. The M38 was the result. It is simply a cut-down version of the 91/30. Only, it was created this way from the factory instead of being cut down from an existing rifle. This was not the first Mosin Nagant carbine, as the 1907 version held that title. However, the 1907 carbine was based on the 1891 model, where the M38 was based on the 91/30. It used a hooded front sight and the rear sight was marked in meters, not Arshins. Production years were from 1939 to 1945, when it was replaced by the M44. It was not a front line infantry rifle, but was meant for those who required less bulky weapons, like engineers, artillerymen, signalers, and cavalry.
This particular example of the M38 shows how the Russians treated their weapons. It is dated 1943, and has several arsenal repairs to the stock. The repairs are expertly done. The muzzle has been counterbored approximately 1" back. This is apparently due to overzealous cleaning in the field with the metal cleaning rod, which negatively affects accuracy. It is an arsenal refurb and is now in very nice condition. Sometimes I am amazed by the amount of work the Russians were willing to do in order to keep these rifles in storage for that eventual all-out battle against the West.
As with most M38s found today, it is fitted to an M44 stock (as evidenced by the cutout for the bayonet, which an M38 would not have had). All numbers match, although some have been force-matched at the arsenal. It came with the sling, cleaning kit, and ammo pouch.
