Finnish Model 91/30 Mosin-Nagant Rifle……….. (F 991)

Model 91/30 Finnish Nagant by Tikka

This is a sturdy example of the Finnish capture Model 91/30 rifle breathed upon by Tikka.  Overall a very pleasing rifle to look at with an attractive dark figured stock.  This is one of the spliced finger-jointed stocks, developed to counteract the extremes these rifles had to function under.  The effects of extreme low temperature, ice and rapid drying upon such a fragile timber stock was a recipe for disaster.  It consisted of a change of grain direction through a finger-jointed for-end, thus nullifying the stresses bearing upon the barrel.  This, along with other modifications, immediately turned a fairly mediocre, mass produced battle rifle into a far more accurate weapon.  Along with the Finn’s tough outlook on life and their local knowledge of terrain and conditions, they caused serious casualties for the invading Soviet Army, with just such rifles as these.

This receiver being one of the early hexagonal Imperial models as been re-barrelled by the Finnish Arms Factory Tikka, interestingly still carries the Imperial Russian Eagle and the initials “P.K.” indicating Proof Commission.  It is unusual to find this intact it is normally ground out.  On the LHS vertical flat of the same the serial number “51744” is stamped above the woodwork line.  This matches the serial number stamped onto the rib of the straight arm bolt.  To pull the whole rifle together, the replacement barrel shank has the “Tikka logo / 51744 / 1943”  On the LHS of the round barrel shank is also the boxed “S.A.” marking which means “Suomen Armeija”  (Finnish Army property mark)  The cocking piece rib on the upper surface of the bolt carries the original manufacturers mark of the Izhevsk Arsenal. The LHS of the bolt body has the original bolts serial number struck across of “65319”.  This was not necessarily even the original bolt to the rifle but during the improvement program so many rifles were worked upon it would be impossible to keep the original parts together.

Standard military single stock 5-shot magazine under showing another early struck across number of “6051.”  Finger grooved forend.  Addition of wire sling swivels in both points.  Full length cleaning rod stored under barrel.  Early unguarded fore-sight.  Chambered in the Russian 7.62 x 54 R.  The rifle measures 48.1/4″ in overall length.  The round barrel is 28.1/2″ long.  The trigger pull is 13.5/8″ to centre.  The RHS of the butt is centrally marked with the Finnish stock makers mark which is a “Z” in a circle with two crossed arrows behind it.  Steel curved butt-plate with some colour remaining.  The original Arschins marked rear sight has been replaced by the 100 to 2000 meters graduated sight.

Standard military finish over the metal parts, showing wear normal for its age and a life of military conflict. However the stock is very good with a pleasing patina overall.  Action fine, CIPO proofed on import to UK this year.  The bore has that standard dark soft appearance usually associated with the older Nagants, though rifling is complete, the groves are dark and edges fairly soft.  There is no obvious heavy pitting or interruption to the rifling.  Will probably improve with use- it does happen!

A fine and interestingly collectible early Mosin-Nagant which has seen a lot of upheaval in its history yet survives to keep its secrets.

Stock No  F 991

£ 1225.

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