M39 Finish Nagant by Sako………. (F 1025) SOLD

Excellent M39 by Sako

The final incarnation of the famous Finish Nagant built by Sako on a hexagonal receiver.  Chambered in 7.62 x 53R.  Of standard military specification with finger jointed for-end, semi pistol-grip stock with handguard over barrel.  This rifle had all the refinements that the Finns had developed over the years through the experience they had gained fighting the Russians in both Winter wars. The rifle is obviously based upon the Imperial Mosin-Nagant sourced from Russia but refined to produce one of the best rifles of the period.  Everything about this model has been directly developed from the conflicts that Finland had fought so successfully.  If I had to march off to repel the Russians again (Ironic !) this would definitely be the weapon of choice for the conditions they came from.  It is hard hitting, accurate and highly robust and resistant to extreme conditions.  Ammunition is plentiful and relatively cheap.  Lets hope that never happens.  (A footnote:  One of the main reasons I, as an individual, keep this history alive; is as a reminder.  A reminder from history that these conflicts should never happen again.  I am deeply saddened that these rifles, in particular, were raised to defend a country from the aggression of the Russian’s and are still around in a time when that sort of aggressive behaviour, by one state to another, should be a thing of the past !  Yet it happens again….  It is almost as if man has learnt nothing…….)

Moralising apart; The rifle is 46.1/2″ in over all length.  The round blued barrel is 27″ long and the trigger Pull to centre is 13.1/2″.  Built on the Mosin- Nagant hexagonal receiver with a heavy replacement barrel with perfect 4-groove RH twist bore.  The bore is immaculate to the naked eye.  Good rifling, deep, sharp and clean all over.  This rifle has seen little use.  These rifles are fairly heavy, weighing in at just over 10 lbs empty (4.55kg), but this does make for a steady shooting platform.

One of the cleverest modifications the Fins made to these rifles was the finger jointed interlocking Birch stock.  This was to counteract the effects of the extremes the rifles were used in.  Complete freezing, thawing and being soaking wet then dry again, have a very stressful effect on timber.  These modifications stopped the forend twisting and bearing on the barrel – thus effecting accuracy.  The sights were changed to a later pattern tangent-leaf sight graduated to 2000 meters.  The front sights will adjust for windage on zeroing and are guarded by steel ears. There were also modifications to the trigger mechanism and cartridge feed.  Rifles were issued to the Army marked “SA” and the Suojeluskuntain Ylieskunnen (Sk.Y) the civil guard and are marked accordingly, many marked for both.

The rifle still has a five-shot, single stack steel magazine which can be clip fed.  Shortened bolt arm with matching last four digits on bolt knob.  Clean corrosion free bolt face. Under barrel is a full length cleaning rod.  Front band includes bayonet mount under.  Twin side and conventional sling mounts.  The barrel shank is marked with details as follows;- “S (within Sako Cog) / 205206 / 1941” Beautifully clean and clear markings with strong blued finish.  The RHS of the same is blank.  On the left; “36S00”  proof mark. The top flat of the reused hexagonal Imperial receiver is a dished machine mark where the Imperial ownership mark has been removed.  Finger grooves in fore-end.  “5206” on base of magazine.  Steel curved butt-plate.  The RHS of the butt-plate has a superbly clear “S” within a superbly detailed Sako Cog cartouche, and a Sako refurb stock mark next to it.  Includes correct grey leather sling.  This rifle is equipped with the more rare straight grip stock.

These rifle have been imported directly from Finland and judging by the Cosmoline which had to be extracted for cleaning and CIP proofing, look like they have had little service since being put into storage.  Blueing and finish are strong all over.  Stock is fine condition with rich patina and minor signs of service life. The butt-stock comprising of two pieces of perfectly flush jointed timber.  There are a couple of in factory knot removal repairs which take on the appearance of perfect flush circles of inlet timber made from cross grain plugs. Nothing about these detract form the overall feel of the weapon and show to what extent the craftsmen of the day were able to use almost any materials to produce a perfect finished result.  A real collectible and difficult to find piece of history, in the UK today.

Stock No’ F 1025

£ 1555.   SOLD

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