If you could choose only ONE of the following
Soviet 91/30
Soviet M38
Soviet M44

Which would you pick?  Any particular reason?

I'm looking to buy a representative Soviet bolt action rifle from this list and wanted to know which would be the better rifle to buy.  Thanks.

And why should you only pick just one?  They only run about $70-$80 each.

But if you pick one, go with the M44, they were used very little, is at all.

All three. They only cost $59-69 .

If that's not an option I would go with the 91/30 . WWI , 1917 Revolution, WWII, Korea VN

Watch Dr. Zhivago , Enemy at the Gates. I used to only like the shorter carbines, but the longer Mosins grow on you.

A warning, you won't be able to stop at one. The rifles are cheap,  ammo is cheaper and plentiful . They are many makers and configurations,

I won't even mention the Finn captures and modifications. That is another illness altogether.

out of the 3 the m38's pricing seems to be on the rise with not every dealer having them either. you used to be able to find them in the $59-79 range and now they are in the $89-99 range. it would be my choice based on these observations.

I bought an M38 and hunt with it regularly, its quick and the lightest besides the 91/59 in a carbine below $100. The M44 is OK but I don't like the pig sticker. the 91/30 is a good all round gun and they mix ex snipers in with the "standard" 91/30s. I like them all, and want every model, but I'd go broke first.......have you checked this out yet??

Mosin Porn

Ted is pretty cool about answering questions too.

I know guys, at those prices its hard to stop at one.  I'm going to try (probably wont be able to) though.
I'm leaning toward the m38 because I've heard the quality was better with that one.  Is this true?

Go with the M38. It is an excellent deer rifle, the thing is just real accurate. Also, as someone else hinted at, the importers are running low on these weapons. M44's in wrappers are aplenty at the gun shows. The prices have risen slightly on the M-38's as supply is drying up. M-38s are much more rare that 44's. (The soviets loved bayonetes). If you don't get a 38 soon, you'll paying more shortly.

Just my 2 cents.

Bill

I've had the M38 and 91/30.  I like the 91/30 the best.  I'd like to get another in the future.  They're great range guns with the cheap 7.62x54r, and don't hurt the ears as bad.

 My choice of the three would be the 91-30.  The longer barrel makes it much more pleasant to shoot than my 44.  I also like the longer sight radius.  My best shooter so far is a '43 izzy.  The one with the best workmanship is a '39 Tula.  Enjoy whatever you get,there great guns...Essex

I like the M38.

91/30's were not built until after 1930 so these have no WWI experience.  M91 is the original design.  

For me the 91/30 would be the way I would go.  M38's and M44's are LOUD and give off great pyrotechnic displays.  M44 with the bayonet on it is too unbalanced for me.  

I do own M91's, 91/30's and M38, a 91/59 and some Finnish variations (M27, M39, Finned M91's.)  It really depeneds upon what you plan to do with it.  If you plan on hunting, get the M38.  For al around target shooting the 91/30 fits me better.  I am 54 and my eyes really appreciate the sights on these rifles.  Much easier to use than those on Mausers.  

If geting an M38 check the bore real close.  Many of these have been rode hard and put away wet.  Counterboring is not an issue, but condition of the rifling is.  

i bought a 91/30 with a laminated stock at a gun show the other weekend and finally got to take it out to the range. at 50 yds with 203gr SP it shot fairly well. the barrel was clean and almost brand new looking. the only problem is the magazine follower is sticking a little, but nothing i can't fix.

I am thinking about ordering a M44 and a M38 on Friday..

its not on your list but the 91/59 as mentioned above would be your best choice in terms of accuracy and collectability. allans armory is THE only game in town for 91/59's. they will run you around $150