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The Finnish M39 has a reputation as one of the most accurate and ergonomic Mosin Nagant designs.  Because of this all the various types appeal to shooters, but collectors look beyond this utilitarian reputation at the service history of the different variations.  One of the more popular are the Sk.Y (Civil Guard) marked M39s built by SAKO.

For appraisals and detailed evaluations of this rifle by Mosin Nagant collectors see the 1943 Sk.Y M39 page in the Mosin Nagant Appraisals section.  For the purpose of the appraisals the bore is described as "like new" with no counterbore.

This example is from 1943 at the height of the Continuation War and was transferred to the Finnish Army at some point, possibly post war, as evident by the [SA] mark on top of the barrel.  The bolt is numbered to match on the knob and the floorplate is also matching with the last four digits of the serial number.

The receiver is an 1897 Izhevsk as shown on the tang.  The floorplate is not numbered.

The cocking knob is early Izhevsk production.  The bolt body has the original Russian/Soviet number scrubbed.  The stock has the wartime rounded finger joint splice.

The stock has the Civil Guard cartouche and date of production.  Although it is dated 1942 and the rifle 1943, the stock could very well be original.  The pistol grip is unique to the M39 and is one reason it is loved by shooters.

The sights were originally developed for the M28/30 rifle but the nosecap and barrel band were an improved design for the M39.

The dual sling attachment points on the bottom and the side made the M39 suitable for infantry and mounted/bicycle/ski troops.