This 1929 dated M28 was manufactured with a Tikka barrel and built on an New England Westinghouse (USA) receiver. The bolt knob and buttplate are stamped "51" to match the serial number (26151), while the side of the bolt is stamped "S24" to match the Civil Guard number (S30024). Tikka made a little more than 13,000 barrels for M28 production, though these were not stamped with the date of manufacture. Between 1928-1933 nearly 30,000 M28s were built at the Civil Guard's arsenal at Riihimaki, which in 1927 had actually become SAKO. The Finnish Civil Guard used the M28 to great effect during the Second World War. The Civil Guard number on this rifle (S30024) indicates it was issued to the Pori district, which is along the southwestern border of Finland, directly to the north of the Turku district.

while the side of the bolt is stamped "S24" to match the Civil Guard number (S30024). Tikka made a little more than 13,000 barrels for M28 production, though these were not stamped with the date of manufacture. Between 1928-1933 nearly 30,000 M28s were built at the Civil Guard's arsenal at Riihimaki, which in 1927 had actually become SAKO. The Finnish Civil Guard used the M28 to great effect during the Second World War. The Civil Guard number on this rifle (S30024) indicates it was issued to the Pori district, which is along the southwestern border of Finland, directly to the north of the Turku district.

This Tikka barreled M27 was built in 1933 on a 1899-dated Tula receiver. Approximately 60,000 of these rifles were manufactured during 1927-1934 by Tikka within the serial number range 20,000-81,000. The M27s were intended for the regular army, as opposed to the Civil Guard, and were gradually replaced in service during and after 1940 by the M39. Caliber 7.62x54R.

The M27s were intended for the regular army, as opposed to the Civil Guard, and were gradually replaced in service during and after 1940 by the M39. Caliber 7.62x54R.

This Tikka barreled M27 was built in 1934 on a 1899-dated Tula receiver. Approximately 60,000 of these rifles were manufactured during 1927-1934 by Tikka within the serial number range 20,000-81,000. The M27s were intended for the regular army, as opposed to the Civil Guard, and were gradually replaced in service during and after 1940 by the M39. Caliber 7.62x54R.

The M27s were intended for the regular army, as opposed to the Civil Guard, and were gradually replaced in service during and after 1940 by the M39. Caliber 7.62x54R.

The m/28-30 was a further development of the m/28. The need for an improvement of the old Russian designed sight was decided upon in the early 1930’s and a design for a more robust replacement was undertaken by Harry Masner, an Arms Inspector assigned to the Civil Guard. The first of his designs were fitted to rifles in 1933 and further refinements were done. 2,700 rifles were ordered from SAKO fit with the new sight and were designated the m/28-30.

This particular rifle was manufactured by Sako in 1937 on a 1914-dated Izhevsk receiver. The Civil Guard number on this rifle (S32886) indicates it was issued to the Pori district, which is along the southwestern border of Finland, directly to the north of the Turku district. This M28/30 is definitely a gem -- it's in near-mint condition and is one of the finest rifles I've seen. I picked this one up from Dennis Kroh at Empire Arms. It was spendy, but definitely worth every freakin' penny!

undertaken by Harry Masner, an Arms Inspector assigned to the Civil Guard. The first of his designs were fitted to rifles in 1933 and further refinements were done. 2,700 rifles were ordered from SAKO fit with the new sight and were designated the m/28-30.

This particular rifle was manufactured by Sako in 1937 on a 1914-dated Izhevsk receiver. The Civil Guard number on this rifle (S32886) indicates it was issued to the Pori district, which is along the southwestern border of Finland, directly to the north of the Turku district. This M28/30 is definitely a gem -- it's in near-mint condition and is one of the finest rifles I've seen. I picked this one up from Dennis Kroh at Empire Arms. It was spendy, but definitely worth every freakin' penny!

This M91 was manufactured by VKT in 1940 using a 1911-dated Izhevsk receiver. The M91 was the workhorse of the Finnish military forces during WW2; the M91 was the most widely issued Finnish rifle until it was overtaken by the M39 late in the Continuation War (1941-44).

This particular M91 probably saw action during the Winter and Continuation Wars. The bluing is pretty thin in most places, the bore is pretty dark (though the grooves are still strong), and the stock has quite a few dings. But it's still quite the shooter!

until it was overtaken by the M39 late in the Continuation War (1941-44).

This particular M91 probably saw action during the Winter and Continuation Wars. The bluing is pretty thin in most places, the bore is pretty dark (though the grooves are still strong), and the stock has quite a few dings. But it's still quite the shooter!

This M91 was manufactured by VKT in 1941 using an 1899-dated Sestroryetsk receiver. This M91 is in very good shape -- it was obvioulsy refurbed at some point, probably after WW2. The bore is a little dark, but the rifling is still sharp.

little dark, but the rifling is still sharp.

This is a B barreled M91 manufactured in 1942 using a 1912-dated Sestroryetsk receiver. This M91 has seen some use, but it's still in very good shape. The metal finish on the receiver has been worn a bit, but everthing else looks good. The bore is a little dark, but the rifling is still sharp. Caliber 7.62x54R.

bit, but everthing else looks good. The bore is a little dark, but the rifling is still sharp. Caliber 7.62x54R.

This is a 1942 Sk.Y (Suojeluskuntain Yleisesikunta -- Civil Guard) marked M39 built on a scrubbed receiver. All M39s intended for the Civil Guard were built by Sako, with about 11,000 (depending upon your source) such rifles being built in total. Note the Civil Guard cartouche on the right side of the butt stock, the Civil Guard serial number along the right side of the chamber, and the lack of the familiar [SA] mark since this rifle was not issued to the Finnish Army (Suomen Armeija). The Civil Guard number on this rifle indicates it was issued to the Kainuu district, which is along the eastern coast of Finland and shares it's western border with the Oulu distric.

your source) such rifles being built in total. Note the Civil Guard cartouche on the right side of the butt stock, the Civil Guard serial number along the right side of the chamber, and the lack of the familiar [SA] mark since this rifle was not issued to the Finnish Army (Suomen Armeija). The Civil Guard number on this rifle indicates it was issued to the Kainuu district, which is along the eastern coast of Finland and shares it's western border with the Oulu distric.

This is a 1943 Sk.Y (Suojeluskuntain Yleisesikunta -- Civil Guard) marked M39, originally built on a 1932 Tula receiver. All M39s intended for the Civil Guard were built by Sako, with about 11,000 (depending upon your source) such rifles being built in total. Note the Civil Guard cartouche on the right side of the butt stock, the Civil Guard serial number along the right side of the chamber, and the lack of the familiar [SA] mark since this rifle was not issued to the Finnish Army (Suomen Armeija). The Civil Guard number on this rifle indicates it was issued to the Raahe district, which is along the western coast of Finland in the Oulu province.

(depending upon your source) such rifles being built in total. Note the Civil Guard cartouche on the right side of the butt stock, the Civil Guard serial number along the right side of the chamber, and the lack of the familiar [SA] mark since this rifle was not issued to the Finnish Army (Suomen Armeija). The Civil Guard number on this rifle indicates it was issued to the Raahe district, which is along the western coast of Finland in the Oulu province.

1943 Tikka 91/30, built on a 1938 round Tula receiver.

This is a Tikka barreled M39 dated 1943; original receiver date is 1898 (Tula). Tikka only made between 3000-5000 M39 barrels, so this is definitely a rare collectible.

1943 Tikka M91, built on a U.S. made New England Westinghouse receiver.

This is a pristine 1944 Tikka 91/30 Mosin-Nagant, cal. 7.62x54R. This rifle was rebuilt by the Finns on a 1905 Izhevsk receiver.

1943 Tikka 91/30, built on a 1938 round Izhevsk receiver.

This is a 1944 dated Tikka M91/30 Mosin-Nagant rifle I picked up in Seattle while I was home visiting the family for the holidays. The rifle is in overall great condition and appears to have been built on a 1916 Sestroryetsk receiver. The blue is somewhere near 99%, the stock is in awesome conditon, and the only part missing is the front wire sling hanger. This one was definitely a great deal, too -- the shop owner had a price tag of $95, which is pretty cheap. I looked at the bore and noticed it needed some serious cleaning (like someone had shot corrosive ammo through it years ago without cleaning afterwards), pointed that out the owner, and he dropped the price to $75. I took it home, spent 10 minutes cleaning the bore, and now not only do I have a great looking rifle that shoots just as nicely, but I got one hell of a bargain in the process. :)

built on a 1916 Sestroryetsk receiver. The blue is somewhere near 99%, the stock is in awesome conditon, and the only part missing is the front wire sling hanger. This one was definitely a great deal, too -- the shop owner had a price tag of $95, which is pretty cheap. I looked at the bore and noticed it needed some serious cleaning (like someone had shot corrosive ammo through it years ago without cleaning afterwards), pointed that out the owner, and he dropped the price to $75. I took it home, spent 10 minutes cleaning the bore, and now not only do I have a great looking rifle that shoots just as nicely, but I got one hell of a bargain in the process. :)

This is a Finnish Model 39 rifle, cal. 7.62x54R. The date on this rifle is "1968," with no manufacturer's stamp. Following the Finnish surrender to the Soviets in 1944, the Finns agreed to not manufacture any military rifles at the Sako plant (which had been given to the Red Cross in 1944 to keep that plant from being given over to the Soviets after the surrender). While the majority of M39s were produced between 1941-1945, the Finns built ~5500 M39s between 1967-1970 for military match shooting and/or officer training. These rifles are sometimes referred to as "sneaks" due to the lack of a manufacturer's stamp, but that moniker is highly misleading since these rifles were used for military training purposes. It's hard to keep something a secret when it's being used in such a way, no? :)

manufacture any military rifles at the Sako plant (which had been given to the Red Cross in 1944 to keep that plant from being given over to the Soviets after the surrender). While the majority of M39s were produced between 1941-1945, the Finns built ~5500 M39s between 1967-1970 for military match shooting and/or officer training. These rifles are sometimes referred to as "sneaks" due to the lack of a manufacturer's stamp, but that moniker is highly misleading since these rifles were used for military training purposes. It's hard to keep something a secret when it's being used in such a way, no? :)

This is a Finnish Model 39 rifle, cal. 7.62x54R. The date on this rifle is "1970," with no manufacturer's stamp. Following the Finnish surrender to the Soviets in 1944, the Finns agreed to not manufacture any military rifles at the Sako plant (which had been given to the Red Cross in 1944 to keep that plant from being given over to the Soviets after the surrender). While the majority of M39s were produced between 1941-1945, the Finns built ~5500 M39s between 1967-1970 for military match shooting and/or officer training. These rifles are sometimes referred to as "sneaks" due to the lack of a manufacturer's stamp, but that moniker is highly misleading since these rifles were used for military training purposes. It's hard to keep something a secret when it's being used in such a way, no? :)

manufacture any military rifles at the Sako plant (which had been given to the Red Cross in 1944 to keep that plant from being given over to the Soviets after the surrender). While the majority of M39s were produced between 1941-1945, the Finns built ~5500 M39s between 1967-1970 for military match shooting and/or officer training. These rifles are sometimes referred to as "sneaks" due to the lack of a manufacturer's stamp, but that moniker is highly misleading since these rifles were used for military training purposes. It's hard to keep something a secret when it's being used in such a way, no? :)

From mosinnagant.net: http://mosinnagant.net/USSR/US-Mosin-Nagants.asp

"The outbreak of World War I in August 1914 caught Russia seriously short of military weapons. The existing stockpile of small arms was inadequate to arm Russia’s huge army, and the situation became rapidly worse through the expansion of the armed forces and the normal loss of weapons by capture, accident, and otherwise. In 1915 the Tsar’s government ordered 1,500,000 M1891 infantry rifles and bayonets and 100,000,000 rounds of 7.62x54 mm ammunition from the American firm Remington-UMC, and an additional 1,800,000 of the rifles and bayonets from another American company, New England Westinghouse. In February 1917 revolution erupted in Russia and the monarchy was overthrown. This was not the Bolshevik Revolution; that took place later in the year, in November (October in the old-style Julian calendar Russia used at the time, hence “Red October”.) Late in 1917 the Russian government defaulted on its contracts with Remington and Westinghouse. The Russians refused to pay for the guns, claiming the rifles were of poor quality, but this was untrue: the American rifles were actually better-made than the Russian ones. The real reasons for default were simply the Russians’ shortage of ready cash and their unwillingness to pay."

At some point in it's history this rifle ended up on Finnish hands... it doesn't appear to ever have been used much at all, nor does it appear to be a refurb, so I'm doubtful this rifle was acquired for or used during the fighting in WW2. This example is nearly pristine and appears to be all correct.

arms was inadequate to arm Russia’s huge army, and the situation became rapidly worse through the expansion of the armed forces and the normal loss of weapons by capture, accident, and otherwise. In 1915 the Tsar’s government ordered 1,500,000 M1891 infantry rifles and bayonets and 100,000,000 rounds of 7.62x54 mm ammunition from the American firm Remington-UMC, and an additional 1,800,000 of the rifles and bayonets from another American company, New England Westinghouse. In February 1917 revolution erupted in Russia and the monarchy was overthrown. This was not the Bolshevik Revolution; that took place later in the year, in November (October in the old-style Julian calendar Russia used at the time, hence “Red October”.) Late in 1917 the Russian government defaulted on its contracts with Remington and Westinghouse. The Russians refused to pay for the guns, claiming the rifles were of poor quality, but this was untrue: the American rifles were actually better-made than the Russian ones. The real reasons for default were simply the Russians’ shortage of ready cash and their unwillingness to pay."

At some point in it's history this rifle ended up on Finnish hands... it doesn't appear to ever have been used much at all, nor does it appear to be a refurb, so I'm doubtful this rifle was acquired for or used during the fighting in WW2. This example is nearly pristine and appears to be all correct.

From mosinnagant.net: http://mosinnagant.net/USSR/svt401.asp

"The Tokarev rifle or Samozaryadnaya Vintovka Tokareva, as the Soviets refer to it and abbreviated to SVT, loosely translates to, "self loading rifle-Tokarev." This weapon was first introduced into Soviet service as the SVT-38. The 38 referring to the year of submittal to the Peoples Commissar of Armament in 1938. After prolonged and repeated trails against other designs and systems of operations, primarily those of Simonov and Rukavishnikov who both submitted promising designs, the Tokarev design for a self loading rifle was awarded first place in the competitions. The rifle was adopted for production on February 26, 1939. This was a questionable decision as the Simonov designed weapon used less material and time to produce, as well as being lighter both in loaded and unloaded overall weight. It is reported that Stalin himself intervened in the selection process to award the contract to his favorite armament designer, Feodor Vasilyvitch Tokarev. Actual production of the SVT-38 began on July 16, 1939 with regular production utilizing small parts for actual assembly commencing on the 25th of July. Mass production of the rifle began on October 1, 1939, after some assembly flaws were worked out and some parts were simplified to accommodate mass production. The first three rifles from this initial mass assembly were sent to the Peoples Commissar of Armament, B.L. Vannikov, and the Central Committee of the VKP and Peoples Defense Committee."

Today SVT-38s are extremely rare. In over 10 years of collecting milsurps, the rifle in this album is the first I've ever personally seen. This particular rifle was made by Tula in 1939, captured and used by the Finns (likely during the Winter War of 1939-1940), and then eventually imported into the United States (probably sometime before 1968 since there's no import stamp). The Finns captured ~4000 SVT-38s (compared to ~10,000 SVT-40s) from the Soviets and most were destroyed during WW2 and/or used to refurbish other rifles.

An SVT-38 is a prized piece of any collection.

loading rifle-Tokarev." This weapon was first introduced into Soviet service as the SVT-38. The 38 referring to the year of submittal to the Peoples Commissar of Armament in 1938. After prolonged and repeated trails against other designs and systems of operations, primarily those of Simonov and Rukavishnikov who both submitted promising designs, the Tokarev design for a self loading rifle was awarded first place in the competitions. The rifle was adopted for production on February 26, 1939. This was a questionable decision as the Simonov designed weapon used less material and time to produce, as well as being lighter both in loaded and unloaded overall weight. It is reported that Stalin himself intervened in the selection process to award the contract to his favorite armament designer, Feodor Vasilyvitch Tokarev. Actual production of the SVT-38 began on July 16, 1939 with regular production utilizing small parts for actual assembly commencing on the 25th of July. Mass production of the rifle began on October 1, 1939, after some assembly flaws were worked out and some parts were simplified to accommodate mass production. The first three rifles from this initial mass assembly were sent to the Peoples Commissar of Armament, B.L. Vannikov, and the Central Committee of the VKP and Peoples Defense Committee."

Today SVT-38s are extremely rare. In over 10 years of collecting milsurps, the rifle in this album is the first I've ever personally seen. This particular rifle was made by Tula in 1939, captured and used by the Finns (likely during the Winter War of 1939-1940), and then eventually imported into the United States (probably sometime before 1968 since there's no import stamp). The Finns captured ~4000 SVT-38s (compared to ~10,000 SVT-40s) from the Soviets and most were destroyed during WW2 and/or used to refurbish other rifles.

An SVT-38 is a prized piece of any collection.

This is a Soviet 1941 Izhevsk manufactured Tokarev SVT40, cal. 7.62x54R. This rifle was captured by the Finns and then put to use against the Soviets... imagine having your own weapon used against you in combat. :)

in combat. :)

This is a Soviet 1941 Tula manufactured Tokarev SVT40, cal. 7.62x54R. As with the Izhevsk SVT40 also in this seciton, this Tula rifle was captured by the Finns during their struggle with them thar Commies.

Commies.

These surplus rifles have only recently become available to collectors in the US. The rifles were originally built as M28 rifles and were later specifically upgraded for target/match shooting (some may have been used in a sniper function, too). This is as quality a rifle as you'll find - expertly bedded, finely tuned trigger, adjustable target sights, purpose-designed target/competition stock, and the barrel has been properly floated - yup, you can slide a piece of paper between the barrel and the stock with no trouble. This one's a tack driver, no doubt!

may have been used in a sniper function, too). This is as quality a rifle as you'll find - expertly bedded, finely tuned trigger, adjustable target sights, purpose-designed target/competition stock, and the barrel has been properly floated - yup, you can slide a piece of paper between the barrel and the stock with no trouble. This one's a tack driver, no doubt!

This is a Finnish M24 "Lotta" rifle. The barrel was manufactured by Böhler-Stahl in Germany and the rifle was built sometime between 1924-1928 (M24s did not have dates stamped on the receivers like other Finn rifles). The receiver tang has been scrubbed, so I'm unable to determine how/when this rifle started out (though I'm assuming it was originally a Russian or Soviet M91 before going to work for the Finns). The Civil Guard number on this rifle (S96183) indicates this rifle was issued to the district of Etelä-Pohjanmaa itäinen (along the mid-western border of Finland).

A few things to note about this rifle that make it a bit uncommon (as if M24s weren't uncommon already). First, the bolt S/N matches the receiver (most older Finns I have in the collection do not have matching bolts since they've likely gone through many arsenal refurbs). Second, the original-style magazine mounted rear sling swivel is still attached to the rifle (the Russians stopped making that design after 1908). Finally, there's a sharp piece of metal firmly imbedded into the stock on the right side of the rifle (near the stock crossbolt). I'm not familiar enough with battle-damaged rifles to know for certain, but it's possible this is a piece of shrapnel (doesn't look like a nail or anything else obvious).

Given it's age and likely hard use, this rifle is in great shape. Caliber 7.62x54R

other Finn rifles). The receiver tang has been scrubbed, so I'm unable to determine how/when this rifle started out (though I'm assuming it was originally a Russian or Soviet M91 before going to work for the Finns). The Civil Guard number on this rifle (S96183) indicates this rifle was issued to the district of Etelä-Pohjanmaa itäinen (along the mid-western border of Finland).

A few things to note about this rifle that make it a bit uncommon (as if M24s weren't uncommon already). First, the bolt S/N matches the receiver (most older Finns I have in the collection do not have matching bolts since they've likely gone through many arsenal refurbs). Second, the original-style magazine mounted rear sling swivel is still attached to the rifle (the Russians stopped making that design after 1908). Finally, there's a sharp piece of metal firmly imbedded into the stock on the right side of the rifle (near the stock crossbolt). I'm not familiar enough with battle-damaged rifles to know for certain, but it's possible this is a piece of shrapnel (doesn't look like a nail or anything else obvious).

Given it's age and likely hard use, this rifle is in great shape. Caliber 7.62x54R

In 1923 Finland adopted the Parabellum pistol (Luger), chambered for the 7.65 Parabellum with a four inch barrel, as their standard sidearm. Between 1923 and 1929 Finland purchased approximately 8,000 of these pistols, with about another 1,500 pistols purchased between about 1930 and 1935. Most of these pistols have been arsenal re-worked, and may be found parkerized, with replacement black plastic grips, Finnish made barrels chambered for either the 7.65 mm Parabellum or the 9 mm Parabellum in lengths of 4 or 4.75 inches, with mismatched small parts.

This example is chambered in 9mm Luger, includes a Tikka made barrel (4.75 inches long) and original (though not matching) magazine. Given the age of this piece, it's in rather remarkable condition. And, boy! Is it a fun shooter! :)

8,000 of these pistols, with about another 1,500 pistols purchased between about 1930 and 1935. Most of these pistols have been arsenal re-worked, and may be found parkerized, with replacement black plastic grips, Finnish made barrels chambered for either the 7.65 mm Parabellum or the 9 mm Parabellum in lengths of 4 or 4.75 inches, with mismatched small parts.

This example is chambered in 9mm Luger, includes a Tikka made barrel (4.75 inches long) and original (though not matching) magazine. Given the age of this piece, it's in rather remarkable condition. And, boy! Is it a fun shooter! :)

This is an unissued 1942 B barreled M39 Mosin Nagant rifle, caliber 7.62x54R. This rifle was built on a 1901 Izhevsk receiver. It's been reported that only 3,000 to 13,000 (depending upon which source you're reading) B barreled M39 rifles were built by the Finns. The original stock developed a crack along it's left side, but I was able to find an even nicer replacement set. This beauty shoots as well as it looks, too!

source you're reading) B barreled M39 rifles were built by the Finns. The original stock developed a crack along it's left side, but I was able to find an even nicer replacement set. This beauty shoots as well as it looks, too!

This is an unissued 1943 Sako M39, built on an 1898 Tula receiver, caliber 7.62x54R.

This is an unissued 1944 VKT M39 Mosin Nagant rifle, caliber 7.62x54R, built on an 1895 Tula receiver. Technically, this rifle is an antique! I've equipped this M39 with one of Darrell's scout mounts and a Tasco 1.25x4 LER scope.

mounts and a Tasco 1.25x4 LER scope.

These are two stock sets I recently acquired. Neither stock has been stained, oiled, or otherwise finished. In fact, I still need to drill the screw holes for the buttplates, sling bars, rear sling swivels, and nose caps. Definitely some great look figure in that Artic birch!

swivels, and nose caps. Definitely some great look figure in that Artic birch!