Make: Izhevsk Arsenal, Russia. Refurbished by Radom Arsenal, Poland

Model: Mosin-Nagant Model 1938 Carbine

Serial Number: HK4516

Year of Manufacture: 1943 (C&R)

Caliber: 7.62x54R

Action Type: Bolt Action with Internal 5-Round Magazine

Barrel Length: 20.25"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded post dovetailed and pinned to a raised base. The rear sight is a tangent leaf with a U-notch slider, graduated to 1,000 meters.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two-piece hardwood with a straight wrist, finger groove on the forend, metal buttplate, and a single sling escutcheon in the right side with a groove on the left. The stock has been arsenal refinished in dark reddish shellac, typical of Polish refurbishments. There are scattered compressions, dings, and storage marks throughout, particularly on the butt and handguard. A Polish boxed “10” cartouche is present on the right side of the buttstock, and the original Izhevsk triangle-with-arrow inspection mark is still visible behind the trigger guard. There are no cracks or chips. The LOP measures 13.5" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Arsenal Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore but there is stubborn fouling throughout. The muzzle is not counterbored. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its current metal finish. The finish is strong with thinning at common handling areas such as the bolt handle, magazine floorplate, and high edges. There are scattered handling marks and mild oxidation spots, consistent with arsenal rework and age. The screw heads are serviceable. The markings are clear and well-struck, including the Radom Arsenal overstamped Izhevsk triangle-over-arrow and “1943r” receiver date. Matching serial number “HK4516” appears on the bolt, magazine floorplate, and buttplate. The cleaning rod is present. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The bolt locks securely and cycles smoothly. The safety functions as designed. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle includes a green canvas sling and an original cleaning rod.

Our Assessment: This is a Polish-refurbished Mosin-Nagant Model 1938 Carbine, originally manufactured at the Izhevsk Arsenal in 1943 and later overhauled by Radom. This carbine features a desirable mix of wartime Soviet production and Cold War-era Polish craftsmanship. The M38 carbine is a compact and rugged bolt-action rifle chambered in the powerful 7.62x54R cartridge, offering a balance of firepower and maneuverability that’s become popular with shooters and collectors alike.

This particular rifle has excellent characteristics: a bright and sharp bore, matching numbers throughout, and over 95% of its arsenal-refinished bluing intact. The stock displays both Polish and original Soviet cartouches, highlighting its dual heritage. With its correct green canvas sling and cleaning rod, it presents nicely as a well-preserved Cold War collectible.

Whether you're a Mosin collector, a fan of Warsaw Pact arms, or just looking for a solid and compact military surplus shooter, this Polish M38 is a fine addition to any collection.