Yep, a M44 kicks like a mule and launches one he!! of a fireball, (kinda like an Number 5 Enfield ;-). If you have never seen one....probably the best made M44 came from Poland, the Factory 11 M44 is a beauty (as far as Mosins go). Factoery 11 also made the WZ 48 .22 trainer that closley resembles the M44 in weight and looks....VERY simple design.