A Soviet M38 carbine from the Izhevsk Arsenal, dated 1943, importer serial M3822817, chambered in 7.62x54R with a 20.5-inch round barrel. The original numbers match, with the magazine floor plate force-matched. The bore is good with strong, well-defined rifling, the action is smooth and functions correctly, and wear is limited to minimal handling and storage marks for an overall very good grade. The M38 was the shorter, handier companion to the full-length M91/30, built at the height of the war.

7.62x54R is a centerfire cartridge far above New Mexico's .22-caliber minimum, so with expanding bullets this carbine is legal for deer and elk; the Department of Wildlife schedules most rifle hunts for those species between October and December under their hunt codes, and licenses mostly come from the annual draw. Surplus full metal jacket cannot be used on big game, so stock soft-point hunting loads if this carbine goes to the field.

Key features

• 7.62x54R bolt action, 20.5-inch round barrel
• Izhevsk Arsenal, 1943
• Matching numbers, floor plate force-matched
• Bore good with strong rifling
• Overall very good, minimal wear

The carbine is delivered to the licensed New Mexico dealer you select, who releases it after the NICS check and the seven-day state wait.