Finnish Mosin Nagants Built on Later Receivers

Finland adopted the Mosin Nagant design upon it's independence from Russia in 1917 and used it through the Continuation War (concurrent with WWII) and beyond. In the beginning M91 and Dragoon rifles captured from Russian stores in Finland were refurbished and put to use as they were. Finland then began to acquire many rifles through purchase and trade with other nations following WWI. The unserviceable weapons were used for parts including the receivers which became the basis for rifles with new barrels purchased from foreign contractors and eventually produced in Finland. Development of updated models began by both the Civil Guard and Finnish Army, culminating with the M39 which was a joint effort. All Finnish rifles are built on receivers from Russian rifles, including Chatellerault, New England Westinghouse, and Remington contracts and there were no new receivers produced in Finland. Most of these receivers date from 1919 or earlier as there was no significant opportunity for later rifles to be captured or purchased outside of Russia until the Winter War and WWII. During the Winter War Finland did capture many rifles from the Soviet Union and while most were probably reissued after needed repairs, some were stripped for parts and the receivers used for new production. The captured rifles ranged in age but some were M91/30s on round receivers which are dated 1936 or later. Although the Finns seemed to prefer the hex receiver pattern as a basis for new rifles, the round receivers began to be used also. They are found primarily on the Tikka M91/30s dated 1943 and 1944, but occasionally appear on M91s and M39s. Although the barrels are dated as early as 1941 the majority of these were assembled post war. These unusual variations are sought after by collectors interested in post war weapons due to their relative scarcity and they usually command a premium.

1. 1944 Tikka M91/30 on 1937 Izhevsk receiver An example of the Finnish model most commonly found with a round receiver. Even so, most Tikka M91/30s are on hex receivers.

2. 1944 Tikka M91/30 on 1937 Izhevsk receiver Another example almost identical to the previous one. The most noticeable difference is a Soviet stock and globe style front sight.

3. 1941 Tikka M91 on 1936 Izhevsk receiver Finnish M91s on round receivers are extremely rare.

4. 1942 B barrel M91 on 1939 Izhevsk receiver This B barrel was probably assembled post war.

5. 1942 B barrel M39 on 1937 Izhevsk receiver As with the B M91, this M39 is also likely a post war assembly. Although some collectors don't have any interest in post war rifles, it is still a rare variation.

6. 1943 Sk.Y M39 on 1936 Tula hex receiver This M39 is built on a hex receiver as most are, but it is a very late hex receiver. 1936 was the year of transition from the hex to the round pattern and this one is most likely a Winter War or Continuation War capture. While these are not often recognized because there is no outward difference in hex receivers throughout production, it would have to be considered uncommon at the least.

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