Found a 1939 Finn
 

I got a call today from a gun shop that has a mint, matching 1939 Finn and offered it to me really cheap. I will see it on Saturday. I hate it when this happens, but do not have a 1939 Finn. All the best...
Gil

Gil,

Today, X number of years ago, we were discharged from military service. We did our bit, eh, wot?

I have a M39 Finn and hunt with it in the PA deer woods every year. I read in the past that the front sight has pin punch dings radially around the adjustment screw on the front sight guard that represents one ring on the 300-meter Finnish military bullseye target.

I also recall reading that the bores on the M39 are .3085+/- .0005 (hope I have enough 0s there to make it .309") to accomodate the Finn's higher pressure 7.62x54R machine gun ammo made for the Finn's MGs made in the late 1930s.

Finally, I read that the barrel on the M39 is the heaviest barrel ever put on an issue military rifle.

Now, aren't you glad I replied to your M39 post? WAS it really 39 years ago today????

Adam

Yes, it was 39 years ago...
 

I will see the Finn tomorrow. All the best...
Gil

I picked up the Finn 1939
 

She is mint and matching. All the best...
Gil

Hello Gil,

You probably already know my view on this. I wouldn't worry too much about the outside appearance of the rifle. I'm more concerned about the inner workings especially the barrel. A lot of these rifles had the hell shot out of them in some pretty awful conditions. I have a German M98 mauser that I restored a few years ago. It's one of the best looking military rifles you'll find. However it shoots gawd-awful. The barrel is in horrendous condition and needs to be swapped out. They're really a grab bag I guess. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

Good points, Cal
 

I have a few '98 Mausers that must have pulled duty on the Eastern Front because the bores look like the inside of a coal mine. The good folks over at Marstar had '98 Mauser take-off barrels at bargain prices. I bought some. They only hitch was that U.S. Customs held up my oder for three weeks. I feel safer because of that delay. All the best...
Gil

Gil,

Last week on the History Channel they discussed the Eastern Front. They said "the Germans suffered 87% of their WWII casualties on the Eastern Front." I will not interpolate and say 87% of the Kraut WWII surplus arms on the market served on the Eastern Front because the Ruskies picked up quite a few from the Krauts they killed or captured.

Adam