Does the bayonet make a difference on a Mosin Nagant 44?

Question

I am thinking about getting a MN Model 44 carbine, and I have read here several times that the gun is designed to shoot with the bayonet extended. If extending the bayonet changes the point the bullet hits, can't I just sight it in with the bayonet folded or remove the bayonet and sight it in that way? I don't relish the questions I'll get at the range if I set up on the firing line looking like I'm about to go charging up a hill with fixed bayonets.

Answer 1

The bayonet matters. The M44 is sighted in with bayonet extended. Its not off very much retracted though. My M44 just shoots a little to the left retracted.  

Answer 2

It makes a difference, but to actually answer, Yes, you can just remove the bayo completely and reset the sights and be fine.  

Answer 3

with the bayonet out you will decrease accuracy

Answer 4

It might make some small difference.

You are unlikely to notice.

Since you're not going to run about with the bayonet hanging

out there, do you care?

Answer 5

"designed to shoot with the bayonet extended" simply means you can shoot with the bayonet extended or folded and if it is extended it won't harm your shot your fine calm down

Answer 6

Alice and Fatefinger are correct

The point of impact changes because the bayonet affects barrel harmonics,This is a well known and documented quirk of the M44

It may be a matter of readjusting the sights but you will have to do it every time you extend or fold your bayo

If you don't plan on using it just get a M38

Answer 7

As Irv said, it may make some small difference.  This may be because it acts as a counterbalance to muzzle rise with the bayonet extended.

In competition events, some custom firearms have counterbalance weights near the muzzle.

Mosin Nagants are probably one of the most underrated rifles.  I prove it every time I go to the range.  Accuracy is mostly about the shooter, not so much about the gun.

Answer 8

yes, the gun is sighted in for use with bayonet out, but you can adjust that yourself as you desire

Answer 9

We noticed that when shooting ours out in the National Forest at 200 yards or more the point of impact changes when the bayonet is extended.

If we shoot with it closed we aim in one spot for consistent hits, and if we extend it we have to change where we aim for consistent hits. Either way we get consistent hits. Pretty surprising accuracy for an old russian war carbine.

Just site it in for whichever way you plan on shooting. and remember that the point of impact will change somewhat when you change bayonet position.

Answer 10

The m44 was sighted with the bayonet extended. It will become inaccurate for that reason and it has something to do with vibration but I'm not sure how that works. Folded and the sights are not going to work correctly. At the range I go to they don't care. It might be different for you. I believe but am not certain with the bayonet folded in the gun will shoot to the right by a bit.