Polish M44 Accuracy

About six months ago, I purchased a Polish M44 from a gunshop for 150 bones. It came with the ATI bolt and scope mount. The gun was in superb condition, and having wanted a Mosin Nagant for a long time, I purchased it.
I am also a reloader and loaded a box of 20 Prvi Partisan cases, with 49 grns of H414 and 180 grn soft points.
Having read numerous threads on the accuracy with and without bayonet, I decided to perform tests, fired from 50 yards using a portable shooting bench, chrono, etc.
Glad I did this, I shot the rifle without the scope, with the bayonet folded, extended and removed.
The rifle shot about and inch and a half from center of the target, and groups averaged about an inch. The position of the bayonet did not seem to affect accuracy at all, as the rifle shot to the same point of aim, irregardless.
With the scope installed, with the bayonet folded back or removed, it was consistently shooting dead center.
This put the theory to rest, as far as my rifle was concerned. My particular rifle is in great condition. I slugged the rifle 311", used 312 bullets. Same ones I fire in my SMLE. Chamber is tight.
Shooting the rifle was a riot, loved it. I think I will be shooting it often.

Most interesting! The bayonet and sighting connection is usually associated w/ 1891s and 19/30s. Haven't particularly noticed it w/ M44s, but never got real "scientific" w/ that model. Nice Polish rifles aren't common any more, either, at least around these parts.