Finnish M39

Finnish M39
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In 1939 the Finnish Army and Civil Guard adopted a standard rifle known as the M39. It is similar to previous models, but with improved barrel bands and a double sling swivel configuration making it suitable for all types of troops. It is easily recognized by its pistol grip stock although early stocks are "straight" like the M27, M28, and M28/30. M39s were produced by SAKO (Suojeluskuntain Ase ja Konepaja Oy) and VKT (Valtion Kirvaaritehdas) and Tikkakoski M91 barrels were also cut down to build M39s. Some SAKO rifles have the Civil Guard Sk.Y (Suojeluskuntain Yliesikunta) logo and there are also "B" barrels from Belgium although the rifles were assembled in Finland. M39s are well known for their accuracy and were produced for match shooting and training in the late '60s and early '70s.

Specifications For all models see the Mosin Nagant Rifle Specifications page.
Weight	Over All Length	Barrel Length	Stock Length	Groove Diameter	Sight Radius	Cleaning Rod Length (approx.)
9 1/2 lbs. 4.3 kg.	46 3/4" 118.7 cm.	27" 68.6 cm.	43 1/4" 109.9 cm.	.310"	22 3/4" 57.8 cm.	24 3/8" 61.9 cm.

Years of Production by Arsenal For all models see the Mosin Nagant Rifle Years of Production page.
VKT	Sako	Sk.Y	Tikka	B	No maker, late date	No maker, no date	No maker, "48"
1940 to 1944	1940 to 1945	1942 to 1944	1925 to 1927 1940 to 1943	1942	1967 to 1970 and 1973	late '60s to early '70s	late '60s to early '70s
Tikka and B barrel M39s were assembled post war and in some cases cut down from M91s, hence the Tikka M39s with early dates.

Barrel Markings
VKT (Valtion Kirvaaritehdas)	SAKO (Suojeluskuntain Ase ja Konepaja Oy)	SAKO (Suojeluskuntain Ase ja Konepaja Oy)/ Sk.Y (Suojeluskuntain Yliesikunta)
B	Tikkakoski, early	Tikkakoski, late
No Maker/Late Date	No Maker/No Date	No Maker/48
Intentionally left blank	PSV (unknown meaning)/Late Date	Intentionally left blank

Receiver Tang Markings

Finnish tang markings can be any Russian or Soviet marks, but are usually 1919 or earlier.

Stock Variations
early straight stock (uncommon)
war-time pistol grip stock
post-war pistol grip stock

Reused Russian Hex Receiver

Very rare M39s built on round receivers are known.

Sights
The M39 rear sight is very similar to the M28/30 with the a few minor changes. The base is a sleeve around the barrel and soldered in place with ears at the rear to protect the leaf from damage and also has a bushing at the front to retain the upper handguard. It is numbered 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 on the left side representing hundreds of meters. The leaf is numbered on top with 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10; on the back with 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20; and has a slot down the middle to untilize the back sight notch. The spacing of the numbers varies slightly from the M28/30 leaf. The rear notch is a deeper U shape with a recess around it and is a separate piece screwed to the bottom of the leaf.


The front sight is essentially identical to the M28/30 but is mounted approximately one inch from the muzzle as opposed to the M28/30's one half inch. The base has integral ears to protect the blade and is soldered to the barrel. The blade has a tail that fits inside the base and is held there by two screws which are also used for adjusting windage. A set screw behind the blade holds the base on the barrel during the soldering process and a notch in front of the blade accepts the hook of the muzzle cover.