Another pawn shop M-44/ possible bring back. Thoughts and opinions requested.

[greendevil41]

After a bit of a milsurp draught lately I got a call from a local pawn shop I frequent about a Russian M-44 that came out for sale. I went there expecting some sort of refurb and was pleasantly surprised to find this old war horse. Decent condition 1945 dated M-44 with all matching numbers and no import marks. Front band spring is broken off and MIA and someone, presumably the guy who brought it back, applied some sort of shellac or varnish over the rifle to preserve it that has yellowed but surprisingly the bore is still nice and shiny. Lots of stampings and inspection marks that are not seen on the more common refurbs. It has some little holes in the stock that look like insect damage similar to other firearms I've encountered that came out of Vietnam. That's just conjecture though.

Either way, for $200 dollars I didn't think I could go too wrong.

Should I try and remove the shellac/ varnish from the metal or just leave it as found? I wouldn't mess with the stock at all. Opinions welcome!
Mike

[AZAK]

Really great deal for $200. I know I'd be strongly tempted to clean up the metal, think you're right about the wood.

[njkalashnikov]

I would leave it alone and shoot it, like AZAK said great deal for $200.

[Gman]

$200 would be a decent score.

[MPiKM-72]

You had me at all matching and no import marks.

Great score!

Are the stake marks on the bayonet screw still lined up?

[AKBLUE]

Nice old school looking M44.
One of my favorite Mosin Nagant rifles. Though I like them all., and bought my share and a few more.

[myst173]

Pull it out of the stock and then try to clean the metal. Looks suspiciously like dried up 3n1 oil. Use something like one of the citrus bases cleaners and test against a normally hidden spot, shouldn't effect the finish. If you do clean it off then oil it well.

[jjjxlr8]

I don't know if I would clean it. This isn't the first bringback I've seen with a similar type of coating. Until you know what it is, I'd leave it alone.

[greendevil41]

"I don't know if I would clean it. This isn't the first bringback I've seen with a similar type of coating. Until you know what it is, I'd leave it alone."

Good advice.
I just had a interesting story related to me about a G.I. in Vietnam that had traded a case of beer for a SKS that was one of many captured during the Cambodian incursion. Apparently there were some former VC Kit Carson scouts in the unit who told him about a homemade recipe for a shellac type coating that was applied to V.C. weapons that might have to be buried or submerged to hide them. Later they made some up for him to put on his rifle. Anecdotal but possibly legit.

[AKBLUE]

It appears to potentially be a post rust application.
Like maybe some Tru oil or other rub on type finish.
But first hand inspection would reveal that better of course.

[greendevil41]

On this example I think your right. Something applied to address existing oxidation. Whatever it is it's been on there awhile.