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Old June 5, 2010, 09:58 PM   #26
HvyMtl
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I am new to the Finn Mosins - but I do not think they (M39) had cut outs for bayonets from the Finn Arsenals. They have a heavy slot sitting under the barrel, part of the forward band, for the bayonet.

Specifications for the most known versions:
http://7.62x54r.net/MosinID/MosinSpec.htm

You will notice the M39 is longer and heavier than the M44. M44's shorter barrel does impact accuracy and range. But it is sure neat to see the visible fireball when you shoot one...

As for the M28/30 - yes it is supposed to be a little bit more precise than the M39 - I think it is due to the bore differences, and the prudent viewpoint change of the Finns to ensure their rifles would shoot captured ammo...

http://surplusrifle.com/ is a good resource as well for Mosin and other Mil Surplus rifles... The disassembly article was very informative...

WHERE TO FIND REPRODUCTION FINN M39 BAYONETS:
http://myoldrifles.com/

Click on Bayonets then the Finland Flag - they are year stamped 1999 to ensure they are not easily mistaken for real ones... $150 is the price listed... NOTE: I have no experience with this seller, and they do periodically post auctions on gunbroker of bayonets...
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Old June 13, 2010, 05:34 PM   #27
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I ordered a Nice MN 39 From GunsNAmmo.
Pat Burns,
Hopefully it will be here within the week.
The Bluing is worn, but is supposed to have a very good bore, and the Stock is in very nice shape.
I cant wait till it gets here.
Now all I have to do is get a period correct sling.
I plan to fire the Rifle, and have also thought about using a 1903 Springfield Sling, It would not be the correct sling but I thought it would work well, and probably look good.
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Old June 16, 2010, 05:46 PM   #28
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Welcome to M39 ownership!

It will shoot any mil surp ammo. I personally, think the Yugoslav M30 182grain is worth the extra $$$, if you want more precise shooting.

Enjoy!
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Old June 16, 2010, 06:11 PM   #29
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Thanks HvyMtl

I have been tracking the rifle, and it should be here by tomarrow afternoon, just in time for the Weekend.
I cant wait to try it out.
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Old June 16, 2010, 06:23 PM   #30
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I got my M39 from Pat Burns as well. Everything was as advertised, but the bore is more worn than was stated. Even so, it will hold under an inch and a half with surplus Czech ammo, better with new Barnaul 203 soft points. It really likes that stuff. Great rifle. Loads of fun.
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Old June 16, 2010, 06:47 PM   #31
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MR Henry

I thought about that a minute ago, I was looking at their website, and noticed that all of the Rifles listed, said they had good barrels.
Kind of wishing I had spent the extra hundred bucks and got an un issued one.
And My Rifle hasnt even arrived yet. LOL
Im Sure its in fine shape.
An inch and a half group though is definately something to smile about though.
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Old June 16, 2010, 06:54 PM   #32
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Frankly I am glad I got a well used one. The unissued ones will likely hold a better group, but the used ones have character. I am a bit of a history nut, like most of the folks here, and these old guns just ooze history. I like old guns with patina and wear marks. When they shoot tight groups with cheap ammo that is a big plus.
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Old June 18, 2010, 07:01 AM   #33
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I got it yesterday evening.

Im very happy, it has a good bore, with strong rifiling, and is in overall good condition.
I will post a picture when I can.
I have a feeling that this will become my favorite rifle.
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Old June 18, 2010, 07:32 AM   #34
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as Promised, Pictures.

I do kind of like the worn look of this Rifle.
I bet it will still last the rest of my life, its a long way from worn out.

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Old June 18, 2010, 09:50 AM   #35
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That Arctic Birch really is very nice wood, TX Hunter!

Am I the only one that likes the aesthetics of highly figured wood? I like knurling and tiger stripping on rifle stocks as much as I like it on my banjos.

Ron
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Old June 18, 2010, 10:09 AM   #36
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Thanks Ron,

The Stock is what brought me to this Rifle,http://gunsnammo.com Com has actual pictures of each Rifle. I looked at them all, wanted them all, but chose this one. "This is my Rifle, there were many like it but this one is mine"
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Old June 18, 2010, 05:58 PM   #37
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The wood looks to be superior. Much better than average. Let us know how it shoots when you get a chance. I expect you will be shocked at how easy it is to hit with these old guns.
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Old June 18, 2010, 11:16 PM   #38
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I will JHenry,
It may be Sunday Afternoon before I get a Chance.
I cleaned the barrel out today, its in pretty good shape.
Not prestine, but good rifiling all the way down.
I wont be able to buy any more Surplus Rifles for a while, as my budjet is shot for now.
I bought this one, and my wife bought a very nice 9130 for her dad.
He already opened it, and is tickled pink.
His rifle was not bought with the C&R we paid more but she bought it from Gander Mountain, it has to be the cleanest mossin I have ever seen, It practicly looks like a brand new rifle, the Barrel is perfect, and it had the full accessery kit, and it all looked new. The only thing that looked old was the sling, and even it was in good shape.
I started firearms collecting, liking the Mauser Rifes, but after shooting a Mossin, I fell in love with them.
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Old June 19, 2010, 10:29 AM   #39
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Shooting that beautiful M39 will be a fine Father's Day activity.

Like you, I have depleted my firearms collection budget. It will take several months of saving, but I have to be patient (and that is NOT a characteristic I am good at).

Happy Father's Day, everyone!!

Ron
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Old June 20, 2010, 12:41 PM   #40
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Ron C

Well its Sunday afternoon, My Son and I just got in from our Mosin Shootout.
The Bad Guys were Soda Cans, at about fifty yards.
The new Rifle shoots great, and is a definate threat, to the Invading Soda Can Troops.
I noticed my Son Shooting over with his 91 30 And also noticed his rear sight set on about 400 yards. It was nice to have a competitive edge, so I took my time telling him about his sight setting.

Long story short, my new M 39 Rifle shoots great, but after my 14 year old Son re set his sights, he still out shoots me

We were using Silver Bear Soft point ammo, it worked great, and didnt have a single misfire.
I am so glad that my Son and I have something in common, we both love surplus rifles, and enjoy shooting together.

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Old June 20, 2010, 05:40 PM   #41
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Now that sounds like a very good time - father and son out shooting.

However, I just checked and found that the Soda can is a threatened species. The shooting of a Soda can without a special license is punishable by 1 week cleaning duties at the Brady Campaign main offices.

My son came home a few weeks ago after a first date with a young woman. His first words were : "Dad, she is so cool. She enjoys shooting!"

Ron
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Old June 22, 2010, 04:21 PM   #42
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Ron C

The Finnish M39 is my new favorite Rifle.
I own quite a few firearms, some newer production, some Surplus.
I have never handeled a Rifle that felt so natural.
I love the Balance, and feel, With the Sights all the way down, up close, it shoots to point of aim. I really like the way its put together, especially the hinged barrel band on the front, I like the way it shoots, The Recoil seems mild for such a powerfull cartridge, and Its so rugged.
In a "Nut Shell" I love this Rifle.
Thank you for bringing this great Rifle to my attention.
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Old June 22, 2010, 04:31 PM   #43
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It is so rewarding to occasionally take a risk by making a purchase and have it turn out so well.

Enjoy your new rifle!

Ron
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Old June 22, 2010, 07:00 PM   #44
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My M39 is my favorite of my 10 Mosin Nagants.
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Old June 22, 2010, 07:07 PM   #45
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Gandog 56

Thats a prestine looking m-39.
Out of curiosity what is the red band on the rear sight?
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Old June 22, 2010, 09:11 PM   #46
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just to defend my poor M91/30:
Just a touch over 2" with no bench rests on a windy day. It was one of my worse days of shooting it, but the only day I had a camera. If you get a good 91/30, you get a good 91/30....

But, yeah, if you get a Finn, you get a good rifle.

Also: I always forget about that messed up flier. I had 6 targets of that same TINY size up at 100 yards. The shot on the top right is a flier from the target to the right of this one.
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Old June 22, 2010, 09:18 PM   #47
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Nice Group Thome,

I love the 91 30 as well.
I wish I had discovered these rifles years ago.
Kind of wanting a M44 or M38 also.
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Old June 25, 2010, 11:54 PM   #48
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I just took a good look at RonC's post... he fired 5 with the Finn and 8 with the Russian... so, there's a pretty big difference. Those three drifters may be the big difference. Especially since five of the "Russian" rounds seem to be in the same 2 1/2" with mine without a bench. Took a while to realize... sorry.

edit: you really have to go five shots with both a Finn AND a Russian to decide the difference, Not 5 Finn and 8 Russian. Just my two cents.
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Old June 26, 2010, 09:42 AM   #49
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You make a very good point, Thomme.

I did mention "Obviously, this is not a highly controlled test." If I were to do it correctly, I would shoot several 3 or 5 round sets, each set at a separate target.

In this case, I didn't set out to test the difference. I shot the Finn M39 at several targets, then brought out the M-N Russian for some "fun." I was startled at the difference after shooting each for a while. Consistently, the Finn came out much better than the Russian rifle. It also was easier to shoot with the better trigger and I just developed confidence that the groups would be good target to target with the Finn even before I looked in my spotting scope.

Admittedly, I show one of the better targets for each rifle, but they were pretty typical representatives of the rest.

Thanks for the comments.

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Old June 27, 2010, 10:07 PM   #50
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That is a purdy rifle. I too wish I had found these a few years back.

I think the M39 is one of the most handsome versions of the Mosin Nagant.

I got an antique receiver (Tula 1897) Sk.Y built 1942 with match dated war stock. (Pre-1899 receiver = Antique and not a "firearm" under Federal Law. Which means you bypass the cost of having an FFL receive the firearm, and no background check necessary - please DO check all appropriate laws in your area, as the State you live in may have additional requirements.)

Mine was $269 delivered from gunsnammo.com. I think you spent a touch more and got a much better looker than what I have. I kind of wished I had spent $40 more, as that little amount seems to make a big difference.

This rifle shoots better than I do.

Getting a M39 surplus leather sling is not too hard to do, but expect to pay in the $40+ range for a good one. basically, any sling with the dog collars or "loops" which go through the rings will do fine. Having 2 ways to attach the sling is quite nice.

FAIR WARNING: These things are addictive. I now have a 1891/30 Izzy 1942 arsenal refurbished with all # matching.

Price ranges for Russians

1891/30 should be around $80+ shipping and FFL fees off the internet. Depending on quality level they should be under $150 at a store. Big 5 Sporting Goods and Cabela's stock them, and periodically put them on sale for $99... If you are lucky to have them in your area...

M44 are harder to find, and are presently not being sold on the internet stores. You could find on auction sites, but they have a premium. best bet to find one is Pawn shops or gun shows. I suggest no more than $200 for a beyond excellent one. $150ish is right for a VG-Excellent.

M38 are harder to find still, but could be found in M44 stocks after arsenal refurbish. No more than $250ish for an excellent version.

The average excellent M39 should be no more than $350 - unless it has uniqueness (such as specific markings, tiger striped wood stock, dates, antique receiver, unissued, etc.)

The M28/30 should be no more than $400ish - unless uniqueness.

These are rough experience for the Mid-Tennessee area and net pricing.

http://www.allans-armory.com/aa.php has M91/59 periodically (post WWII arsenal cut down of the 1891/30 model to a carbine size in 1959) around $250

empirearms.com will have Finnish M27, M28, M39 as well. Expect to pay a premium on the M27 and M28 ($400-500) the M39 start at $300 and go up. They do sometimes have antique receiver as well. Excellent reputation online. Kroh (owner) is known as a military surplus specialist.

gunboards.com is a great place to find additional info on mil surp rifles and has a busy buy/sell/trade section...

To clean the wood stock - Murphy's Oil - lightly on a 100% cotton cloth. Nothing else needed.

Note: First Picture attached is the Tang (Tula Production mark 97r = year 1897) Second is a side view.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 97g2.jpg (58.7 KB, 32 views)
File Type: jpg 100_0283c1.jpg (68.0 KB, 27 views)
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