Bubba is a 1953 hungarian M44 with some issues. This is the condition I purchased this in, here on the board. I read about people "sporterizing" (read: butchering) these rifle, and figured that since this one was already tortured, that it would be a fun project.
Step one... remove front sight assembly.
This is more difficult than it appears. There are two pins, and some sort of demonic bonding agent and about 4 gallons of packed in cosmoline holding it in place. Needless to say, after a few beers, a lot of **** talking, and seemingly endless opunding with a 16oz claw hammer, it came free.
Next was to remove the rear sight. This wasn't necessary, but since we were beating on a rifle, I figured... why stop now?
One pin, and it slid right out.
After this, it was time for a well deserved break.
The next day I went to the Sportsman's Guide and picked up a kit to further butcher this poor rifle.
Here is the sequence of marking, drilling and tapping for the scope mount.
This all went pretty well with the help of Shipyard, his basement and his beer. The steel in the receiver of this rifle was surprisingly soft, but after getting the mount attached I was amazed at how stable it is. No movement at all.
Here is with the scope mounted.
All in all it looks OK, and works a lot beter than expected!
Next project is the bolt handle. IThe standard straight handle of the M44 has to be replaced with a bent handle that will clear the scope mount. Shipyard has a mill that he wants to play with, so I sent it with him. Updates when I get it back.
) and don't have a beer in my hand. it ain't like it's my basement with a drill press 
)
