The weight makes recoil feel almost nonexistent and it still balances well enough to not interfere with off-hand shooting. The WZ48 is so front-heavy that even a 91/30, which is 3 oz lighter, and M44 which weighs the same as the WZ48, feels lighter. The weight difference is not much, but is noticeable while handling due to the M38 having better balance. The WZ48 is actually slightly heavier than the M38 at 8 lbs 10 oz as opposed to 8 lb 2 oz. Mosin enthusiasts who might not be familiar with the WZ48 might also take a glance at it and comment how Ivan must have had too much vodka one day and forgot to install the crossbolt on the stock. The lack of magazine and the longer barrel (24.75” compared to 20.25” of the M38 and M44) with the carbine length hand guard does make the look seem unbalanced however. Many times at my local range, which separates rim fire and center fire, I have been told to move to the center fire lanes when pulling the gun out. It generally looks and handles the same as an M38 or M44. They sit in the same stock and share a few parts with other Mosins. I personally think Mosins look wonderful, even more so carbines, M39s, and 28-76s. If anything, it looks generic to those not into firearms. I must disagree with the old TTAG review of the Mosin Nagant 91/30, which calls the rifle “aesthetically-challenged” and “ugly”. Top to Bottom: M91/30, WZ48, M38Design and Ergonomics I don’t know of anyone selling aftermarket pins, but I have read of a few people creating their own fairly simply. ![]() One other part commonly needed is the firing pin. Unfortunately they are currently out of stock, but from what I understand, a few batches have been made every couple of years, depending on demand. ![]() The first one I ordered fell apart, but the second one has held up for the past ten months and a few thousand rounds. The ENM extractor is made from two separately machined pieces and welded together. Top: Old extractor Bottom: ENM Extractor Left Old extractor Right ENM Extractor The only new production part that I know of, is the extractor made by ENM Sports. If not the issue becomes, where do you find parts? Many parts are actually interchangeable with other Mosin Nagant rifles (certain sight component, barrel bands, carbine hand guards, butt plate), but the parts that are proprietary are rather hard to find. The headspace issue is easily solvable if you have a good condition extractor. Spent casing of rounds shot with out of spec extractorįrom Left to Right: Old extractor Federal Bulk, Old extractor SK STD+, ENM extractor federal bulk, ENM extractor SK STD+ If the extractor is out of spec in anyway, the casing will bulge (or even worse, blow out), sending hot gas rearwards towards the shooter’s face. It has a split chamber, one half being the extractor which supports the round while in chamber and affects headspace. The action, which is exactly the same as the WZ31 Mauser look-alike trainer (which its own action is perhaps based on older 1920’s Mauser design), is very simplistic, but it has some issues which could be potentially dangerous. I have not seen any WZ48s on the primary market since, but they can still be found in the secondary market. $200 each on the primary market for IO imports). I picked mine up early 2012 for $250, which was more expensive than M44s and M38s during the time (Approx. In 2006, you could pick one up for $170 before shipping and fees. Prices have gone up steadily, as of any surplus rifle really. I believe that both are Radom markings however. There are two arsenal markings that I have seen, the Archer and the Circle 11. A handful of them have been imported into the states. Produced from 1948 until 1960, the WZ48 was used to train Czech and Polish military cadets. The WZ48 is now my go-to firearm to use to introduce new shooters into the world of shooting sports due to its simplicity and accuracy. A Polish single shot military trainer modeled in the image of the Mosin Nagant M38 carbine (which itself shared similarities with the M44 carbine which Poland actually put into service). While I have known of the Wz48 rifles for some time, it was not until early 2013 until I decided to pick one up. ![]() I fancy myself as somewhat of a casual collector of Mosin Nagants.
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