February 2006
For more pictures and information see the Finnish "Straight Barrel" SIG M24 page.
Appraisers:  SlimTim, Radom, kh, finnmn/ragtop88, Ol Duke, Gunmaker, DudleyDR/NotPC, Alsky, Mike O, Michael Jon Littman

With regard to the Mosin-Nagant rifle, I collect only Finnish specimens.  I've been collecting in the southeastern US since around the turn of the century.  That sounds like a long time, but it was only six years ago.  Mosin-Nagants are *NOT* my primary interest, but they seem to be plentiful in my area and inexpensive, so I've accumulated a number of them.  I do not purchase Mosin-Nagant rifles from wholesalers or distributors at all.  My valuations will reflect my locale and my purchase criteria--I only buy if it's cheap.

I'm real new to the M24, my collection contains 2 M24 rifles, both purchased in December of 2005.   Both have stepped barrels, so this rifle appeals to me for the reason that it has a straight barrel.  The original serial number, 11, very much interests me.

I don't laboriously study the variances in small parts of Mosin-Nagants, I can barely tell a type 1 barrel band from a type 2.  So my valuation will not consider the minute details and instead consider the major points:  low serial number, straight barrel, uncommon model in general.

I would pay $250 for this rifle.  Again, I only buy if something is a deal.

Were I to own this rifle, I don't think I would sell it.  However, since the question is at what price would I sell this rifle, I'd price it at $550.

I'm Steven "Radom" Henderson. I've been collecting military firearms in general since the mid 1980's and all Mosin Nagants for about nine years based in central Oklahoma.  This was my idea, so blame me!

This non stepped barrel M24 is a great, near impossible to find rifle. I have never seen one in person or for sale.  I like that it shows quite a bit of finish wear, as opposed to being a post war refinish.  The original serial number of 11, even though struck out, is hard to ignore.  I like that it's still in a one piece stock, instead of a '40s spliced Finnish M91 type stock.  Early Finnish Civil Guard rifles rule!   Really can't find anything bad to say about this piece.  I would pay around $600 for this rifle.  If it were at auction, I'm sure I'd lose!  If I owned it and had to sell, I doubt if I could let it go for less than $800.  Given recent Finnish M91 sales & a certain M24 "normal" sold at auction, I think I'm being quite conservative with these figures.  That's not like me!  I'll try to loosen up a bit on the next one.

I have been collecting for "40" years in Germany and concentrate on All Mosin Nagants along with some other Nations of WW2.

The negative feature of this rifle is the rope hole.  I like this rifle (it fits my collection) because of its rarity.  I would pay $400 for this rifle  (they are very hard to find).  I would ask $400 for this rifle.

I have been collecting for 3 years in the Southeast and concentrate on Finnish Mosin Nagants with an attempt to focus on Civil Guard rifles.

Although I present positives and negatives below I would not associate a specific value to any of them, I would use them as an overall way to evaluate the complete rifle.

The positive features of this rifle are:  the straight barrel, low serial number, the matching bolt, complete rifle to include handguard and cleaning rod, barrel band pins, clear Civil Guard shield on barrel. It is unclear of the rifle is import marked, if not that would be a positive, however, I would not consider the import marking as a negative.

The negative features of this rifle are:  I guess if one were looking for a pristine example, this particular rifle exhibits some wear and tear (likely from use during wartime) and was never refurbed.  To me its not a negative due to my collecting preferences of “wartime” used rifles.  The front barrel band appears to be missing the screw, figure in a replacement cost of approximately $10, which is a small percentage of the overall value of this rifle.

This rifle it fits my collection on many levels: its Finn, Civil Guard marked, matching, and a rare variant with the “straight barrel”.

I would pay $450.00 for this rifle (higher if I didn’t own one already).

I would ask $600.00 for this rifle.  This to me is a fair market value when considering what the stepped Bohler Stahl and stepped SIG barrel rifles typically sell at.

I would place a high, medium, low fair market value on this rifle of $750, $600, $450.  (Auction prices not reflected)

I have been collecting for 9 years in the Southeast.  I collect all types of surplus military rifles and pistols and concentrate on Nagant revolvers and SKS'.  Lately, I have ventured to somewhat newer types of military only due to market availability of collectible surplus.   I have a decent collection of Finn rifles...M27's, M28's, all manufacturers of the M39s', Finn marked 91/30's, Russian 91/30's, M44's, M38's and a 91/59.

The positive features of this M24 include:  Consistent patina, definite Finnish rework influence and the 60% condition for this relatively rare Finnish piece.  Most M24's that I've seen have been the "stepped barrel" variety, so, the "straight barrel" SIG is a noteworthy piece.

The only negative that jumps out to me is the butt stock condition, but, due to the rarity of the piece that can be overlooked and considered in the general condition of the rifle.

The pricing of the piece is a little vexing to me in that I have little experience with this mark...but, considering like condition of a "stepped" M24, I would increase the value of an M24 "straight" at 50% higher.

Therefore, my values are as follows:

Buying: $350.00

Selling: $425.00

I've been collecting Finn rifles exclusively since 1999.  I collect in the Midwest.

The positive features of this rifle are, #1 it is a SIG straight barrel.  Low production numbers and high attrition rate make this an extremely rare rifle.  #2 is the rare occasion of the pins still being intact in the bands.  This is a rare feature that was only used for a couple years before it was done away with.  I tend to believe this rifle may not have ever been rearsenaled.  #3, much of the hard varnish or shellac finish is still intact.  #4, the Finnish repairs to the stock are interesting, i.e. the old sling holes are filled, interesting, but doesn't necessarily increase the value.

I find nothing negative or offensive about this rifle, it is a highly desirable collector's piece that is rarely seen.  I would be pleased to add another straight barreled SIG to my collection if it is as interesting as this one.

Now to the money....I must say I'm shocked at the recent prices these guns sell for.   This is a $500 plus gun in today's market.  I wouldn't be surprised if a gun like this brought $900, plus or minus, on the internet auction sites.  Would I pay that much for it?  Not likely, I already have two SIG straight barrels in my collection, and wouldn't be likely to pay top dollar to add another.  If  I was offered this specific rifle at $350 to $450, and I had the money to spare, I'd probably consider buying it although I'd much rather pay less than $200.  I don't ever sell Finn rifles, but if I did, I'd want top dollar for a gun like this, and if there are people out there that would pay $900 for a gun like this, then that's what I'd sell for.   Guns like this will continue to rapidly rise in value over the next few years.   Where these prices will level off at is anybody's guess.

I have been shooting and (later) collecting firearms of all types since 1956.  My collecting interests have evolved to the Mosin Nagant rifle with a special focus on the Finnish variations.  I currently live in the shade of the Rocky Mountains where very few Mosins migrated to or settled in.  I have found only two Finnish rifles locally in the twenty years that I have lived here.  As my options are limited, I turn to the trader boards and the auction sites for acquisitions - places not known for "garage" or "fire" sale prices.

I like this rifle.  It would definitely fit in my collection, as I do not have any Finnish M24's.  Beyond the fact that it is a rare M24, what makes this particular rifle desirable to me are the combination of its various older, previously used parts.   It oozes history and it is unique.  Finnish rifles can be legitimately called "parts" rifles, and as such, no two are alike.  I look for examples with as many features "typical" to a particular model as possible.  Such as; the re-used Russian stock, "rope holes", intact barrel band retainer pins, Finnish modifications, lack of Finnish-modified front sight blade, legibility of markings, and overall stock and metal condition.  This one works for me.

What I do not like about this rifle is that it is not mine and it makes me want one.

To purchase:  I truly do not know what a straight-barreled SIG M24 could be worth, but I would expect to have to pay upwards of $500 to acquire a comparable rifle.  (A main reason that I do not have one.)  I have never seen a Finnish M24 in a pawn shop, gun shop, or at a gun show, but I am still looking for that elusive $100 rifle.

To sell:  I would not buy it with the intent of ever selling it.  That would be up to my heirs.

I have been shooting & collecting firearms for over "40" years in Central Pa and have concentrated exclusively on "Finnish Firearms " for the last 6 years.   Most all of my Finnish collection has come to me from contacts on the internet.

The positive features of this rifle are the "straight barrel", low serial #, matching numbers , and it is a very, very early civil guard rifle

The negative features of this rifle are........... The repairs on the wood do not take away form the value.  I would prefer a little more metal finish and a stock that shows less usage.

All of the M24 Finn rifles and especially the straight barrel is a perfect fit in my collection.  In scouring the local shows and shops in my area over the last 9 years, I do not remember seeing any M24 rifle for sale. 

I would pay $450 for this rifle.  Which may be less than others would pay but I have an example of the straight barrel in my collection.

I would ask at least $600 for this rifle.  Once I have them it is very difficult to let go of the tougher rifles.

I am from the Pacific Northwest area in Washington state and I have been collecting milsurp firearms for the last fifteen years, the last ten of which I have focused mainly on Russian, Finnish and East Bloc Mosin Nagants.

Positive features of this rifle:

(1) This rifles main positive feature is that it is historically intact and for the most part correct. It shows its age but is in very good condition with lots of character and visible history.
(2) The presence of a wood patch under the butt and a filled "rope-hole" in the fore-end indicate that the stock was once in Austro-Hungarian hands. Some may view this as a flaw but I think these modifications only add to the rifles history and desirability.
(3) Obviously, the straight contour barrel is a very positive feature as this shows the rifle is of very early production. The M24 is one of the first Finnish modified Mosins produced and was subjected to much use in training as well as actual combat. Due to it's long service life and war-time use, not many have survived to the present day. Production numbers of M24's with straight contour barrels was quite low. This, coupled with the high rate of war-time losses and general wear and tear make this a very rare and collectable rifle.
(4) Intact barrel band pins. These pins are rarely seen intact although many Finnish Mosin still exhibit the holes where they were once located. Most pins were removed at some point and replaced with small wood screws ahead of the bands. The pins are very uncommon and a big plus in my book.

Negative features of this rifle:

(1) Broken band screw on front barrel band
(2) The following are more neutral than negative but wanted to mention them just for the sake of being picky! The struck out numbers on the left side of the rear sight base are calibrated for the M27 army rifle so I would say this is likely a replacement part installed during war-time after the rifle was transferred to the army. The wire sling swivels are also not original to the rifle as these did not come into use until the 1940's. Again, a later army modification. Just to reiterate, I do not view these army modification as negative, as to me these features are part of the rifles history, but they do not add in additional value in my opinion.

Do I like this rifle? YES! The M24 straight barrel is one of the harder to find Finnish Mosins and this is an exceptional example, looking just about the same as it did during WWII. Civil Guard rifles in general are very collectable and this early rifle is a prime specimen that I would be proud to have in my collection.

I would pay $500

I would ask $700

I have been collecting firearms for 27 years in the South Eastern United States.  I have been actively collecting Mosin Nagant rifles for 22 years.  My collection is eclectic but my general concentration is the first half of the 20^th Century with an emphasis on the World Wars.

The Finnish M24 is a compelling rifle.  From a historical point of view these rifles find their genesis as Imperial Russian Three Line rifles that were obtained by the early Finnish Republic.  After extensive deployment of Mosin Nagant rifles in WWI a number of deficiencies in the design became apparent.  Further use by Finnish armed forces after their short War of Independence indicated a number of areas in the Mosin Nagant rifle that could be altered or improved.  The Finnish M24 was employed by the Finnish Civil Guard during WWII.  The potential intrinsic historical value of this rifle is immense.  It speaks of its Imperial Russian origins, the valiant fight for freedom fought by the Finns and their later fight for survival against the Soviet Union.   To this end there is currently tremendous demand among casual and serious collectors for Finnish M24 rifles.  Finnish M24 rifles appeal to a huge spectrum of collectors.  The supply of these rifles is quite small with no chance of further amounts appearing on the surplus market and demand seems to be on the rise.  As a result current prices paid for these rifles reflect that demand and the value of these rifles is clearly trending upward in appreciation of their rarity.

The wood does show several repairs.  These repairs are consistent with Finnish arsenal repair protocols and thus indicate repairs made in a Finland during the service life of this rifle.  The repairs appear to be well executed and stable. Indeed the serious collector of Finnish rifles will appreciate wood repairs as indicators of rifle that has seen action and been deemed worthy enough to repair.  An examination of the wood finish shows the original varnish wood sealant is in place but is damaged from field use.  The fact that the varnish is present is a good sign.  This illustrates that the rifle has not been altered while in the United States.  Again, the fact that the varnish is damaged is not considered a negative among collectors of Finnish rifles as this indicates an historical rifle in its historical context.

The markings on this rifle are extraordinary and serve amply to tell the story of its service life and issuance.  With the original serial number of 11 present on both the barrel and bolt it is unmistakable that this rifle has served the last 82 years without serious alterations to the original factory configuration.  Further markings show the service history of this rifle.  The Finnish Civil Guard District marking and acceptance stamps show the movement of this rifle from the factory to the Civil Guard unit and its deployment to a specific area of Finland.  The SA marking shows the transfer of ownership of this rifle to the Finnish Army.  There is a small importers marking, but this is of little consequence to collectors as these rifles.  The remaining bluing is very thin. Certain areas; notably the barrel shank, bands, and muzzle area of the barrel appear to be graying.  This is an indicator of being carried and used but, and this is significant, this rifle has been cared for.  There are no apparent signs of abuse or neglect on the metallic surfaces.  The bore in this rifle is consistent with the outside surfaces in that it shows wear but indications it has been cared for by a person who knew the value of maintaining their rifle.

If one can state that Finnish M24 are uncommon then this rifle is extraordinary.  It was made in the first days if not the first day of production.  It is a rarer straight barrel example, rather than the more common stepped barrel variation.   It has remained substantially intact since its construction, with the only alterations being evidence of its service life in Finland.  Although this rifle's condition is somewhat typical of it's type the particular features of this rifle and its overall presentation make this an uncommon and desirable rifle.

The negative features of this rifle are few.  The wood repairs may affect the value of this rifle in the eyes of those collectors uninitiated in collecting Finnish small arms.  Additionally the graying of the metal surfaces is considered undesirable by some.  In general the negative features of this example are far outweighed by its positive features.

I would like this rifle because it really speaks of the unique history of Finland.   It is a unique relic of the early history of Finland and the Second World War.   Other Finnish rifles may shoot better or be more aesthetically appealing but this one has a tremendous amount of intrinsic and significant history.

After some market research I have found several auctions and posted sales of Finnish M24 rifles.  The apparent selling prices of these rifles ranged from $300 to $500.   This rifle is certainly not the run of the mill Finnish M24.  The markings, condition and fact that the rifle is still in as issued condition would lead me to suggest that this piece would be on the high end of the spectrum of values if not over the higher end.  Indeed, there exists no reliable means, other than recent auction prices paid to judge or predict a reasonable price for these rifles.  As stated earlier the demand for these rifles is high and this particular example is unique.  It is, therefore my estimate that the example examined would reasonably bring at market 20% more than the highest auction price for a Finnish M24.  That would be a market price of $600.  The question of what I would pay is influenced by my abysmal income as a Public Servant.  If money was no object I would not object to the stated price.  On the other hand money is tight. I would jump on this piece for $400 and would have to think twice at the higher values.

If this were my rifle to sell I would place a reserve price at $600.  The key to selling a rifle like this and realizing its true financial potential is clear, accurate photographs and a detailed description of both condition and features.  The seller should indicate the reasons the rifle is rare and valued high.  Properly marketed I would estimate this example making $600 at auction.