Standard Catalog of Military Firearms

The Republic of Finland, the third northernmost state of the European continent, has an area of 130,559 sq. mi. (338,127 sq. km.) and a population of 5.1 million. Capital: Helsinki. Lumbering, shipbuilding, metal and woodworking are the leading industries. Paper, timber, wood pulp, plywood and metal products are exported.

The Finns, who probably originated in the Volga region of Russia, took Finland from the Lapps late in the 7th century. They were conquered in the 12th century by Eric IX of Sweden, and brought into contact with Western Christendom. In 1809, Sweden was conquered by Alexander I of Russia, and the peace terms gave Finland to Russia which became a grand duchy, with autonomy, within the Russian Empire until Dec. 6, 1917, when, shortly after the Bolshevik revolution it declared its independence. After a brief but bitter civil war between the Russian communists and Finnish nationalists in which the Whites (nationalists) were victorious, a new constitution was adopted, and on Dec. 6, 1917 Finland was established as a republic. In 1939 Soviet troops attacked Finland over disputed territorial concessions which were later granted in the peace treaty of 1940. When the Germans invaded Russia, Finland became involved and in the Armistice of 1944 lost the Petsamo area to the Soviets.

HANDGUNS

During the 1920s and 1930s the Finnish army relied primarily on the Model 1895 Russian Nagant revolver and the Spanish 7.65mm self-loading pistols, the Ruby (Model 19). During World War I the Finns were supplied with the Mauser M1896 Broomhandle in a late wartime commercial configuration. In the early 1920s the Finns adopted a commercial model of the DWM Luger, called by the Finns the Model 23. By the late 1920s the Finnish military decided to adopt and domestically produce a 9mm self-loading pistol of their own. It was called the Lahti.

The Finns, more recently, have used the FN M1935 in 9mm and the French MAB PA-15 pistol in 9mm.

This 9×19mm semi-automatic pistol was adopted in 1935 and built at VKT. This pistol is a locked-breech semi-automatic that features a bolt accelerator that does much to make this a reliable firearm. This pistol is the same as the Swedish Model 40 Lahti, with a 4.7-inch barrel and 8-round magazine, except that it has a loaded chamber indicator on top of the pistol, a different assembled recoil spring, and the Finnish pistol’s grips are marked “VKT.” Finnish army markings on top of slide. This pistol was designed to function in extreme cold and has a reputation for reliability. About 5,700 wartime Lahti pistols were produced.

Finnish M35 Lahti • Courtesy J.B. Wood

SUBMACHINE GUNS

The first Finnish submachine gun was developed by Aimo Lahti in 1922. This gun later became the Model 1926 with only about 200 built in 7.65mm caliber. A perfected design was later built called the Model 1931 Suomi. Since the end of World War II the Finns have used the Sten Mark II and Mark III guns.

Model 1931 • Paul Goodwin photo

First produced in Finland in 1931, this submachine gun is chambered for the 9mm cartridge. It was widely used by Scandinavian armies as well as several countries in South America. It features a 12.25-inch barrel with wooden stock and 71-round drum magazine. Box magazine capacity is 20 or 50 rounds. Rate of fire is 900 rounds per minute. Weight is about 10 lbs. Marked on the end cap and left side of the receiver. Production stopped in 1944. A total of about 80,000 were produced by Tikka.

This gun was also made in Sweden where it was designated the Model 37-39. In Switzerland it was called the Model 43/44. In Denmark it was made by Madsen.

This Finnish gun is based on the Russian Model PPS-43, but the Model 1944 fires the 9mm cartridge. It is fitted with a 9.66-inch barrel and accepts a 36-round box magazine or 71-round drum magazine. Rate of fire is 650 rounds per minute. Weight is about 6.35 lbs. Production stopped in 1945. Marked on left side of receiver. TIKKA built about 10,000 of these guns.

RIFLES

Prior to 1917, Finland was part of Russia. All Finnish military bolt action rifles are built on Mosin Nagant actions. There are a number of sub-variations of Finnish Mosin Nagants that are beyond the scope of this book and may be of interest to the collector. A website that gives excellent information for all Mosin Nagant rifles is www.mosinnagant.net. The beginner can get a lot of basic information from Terence Lapin's The Mosin-Nagant Rifle, and Doug Bowers’ Rifles of the White Death.

My thanks to Fred Schrope for providing more detailed information on the Finnish Mosin Nagant series.

NOTE: Unusual markings or serial numbers on any Finnish rifle may greatly increase the price.

Many were simply reconditioned Russian Model 1891s, but had the sights calibrated to meters, the trigger may be modified to two stage pull, and are frequently fitted with two piece Finnish made stocks with sling swivels. Many were fitted with Tikkakoski and VKT barrels which were made in Finland. All the barrels are about 31.6 inches in length. Built through 1944.

Basically a Russian Model 1891 Dragoon rifle modified as above with a side mounted Mauser Kar 98-type sling. Barrel length is 28.8 inches. About 19,000 of these rifles were produced.

This model was assembled in the Civil Guard work shop and was basically, an M1891 that was fitted with a new barrel made by SIG or Böhler-Stahl. With the exception of the first 3000 SIGs, all the barrels were of a larger diameter with a step at the muzzle to allow the use of the Russian bayonet. The main identifying mark is the Civil Guard Crest stamped on the top of the barrel chamber. For the SIG barrels, the SIG logo is imprinted on the right side of the barrel chamber just above the wood line.

Model 1891 Finnish Army rifle with close-up of barrel markings. From the top: “B” indicates Belgian made; “VKT” indicates state factory at Jyvaskyla; “D” indicates re-chambered for “D46&D166” ammunition • Courtesy Stoddard Martial collection, Paul Goodwin photo

Model 91 Dragoon and close-up of rear sight • Private collection, Paul Goodwin photo

Model 91/24 with SIG heavy stepped barrel for bayonet attachment. Close-up of barrel markings indicate armor’s notation that the barrel has been shortened and re-chambered • Courtesy Stoddard Martial collection, Paul Goodwin photo

As above but with 24-inch barrel. It is estimated that 650 of these carbines were produced. Very Rare.

This rifle used a 27-inch barrel made mainly by Tikkakoski with a very few by VKT. They had a nearly full stock with a bayonet lug on the front band. The rear sight was the same as used on the M1891. The front sight was of a new design that had protective ears. Most of the stocks were made from shortened M1891 Russian stocks. Many had new forends affixed by the Finnish Finger-joint system. All M1927s have the date and barrel maker stamped on top of the barrel chamber, 1927-1940. Serial numbers range from 20000 to 87500. All years after 1935 are quite rare. About 1936, the army improved the front band by attaching extensions rearward. This was to prevent stock breakage from bayonet usage. Most of the earlier models were fitted with this type of band upon being arsenal rebuilt.

Model 1927 rifle with 1st style barrel band. This band was modified in 1937 • Courtesy Simeon Stoddard collection, Paul Goodwin photo

Model 1927 Short Rifle with close-up of receiver, notice reinforcing in forearm near muzzle, notice that this is the second style front barrel band • Private collection, Paul Goodwin photo

During the Winter War with Russia, any rifle that could shoot was needed by the Finnish army. Many Model 1927 rifles were restocked with Model 91-30 stocks to make them useable.

Similar to the Model 1927 rifle but fitted with a 24-inch barrel and turned-down bolt. Side mounted sling. Weight is approximately 8.75 lbs. About 2,500 were produced with serial numbers between 72,800 and 74,900. Very rare, as most were lost during WWII. The remainder were imported into the U.S. in the 1960s - about 300.

M27 Rifle on top and M27 Carbine at bottom • Courtesy Chuck Karwan

M27 Carbine action • Courtesy Chuck Karwan

Similar to the Model 1927 except with minor differences such as a non-hinged front barrel band that was stronger and a fore stock enlarged in diameter to help prevent splitting. The letters "SY" are stamped on the top of the barrel chamber. The first 20000 had SIG barrels, and the final 13000 had Tikkakoski barrels. The SIG barrels are marked on the right side of the barrel chamber under the wood line. The Tikkakoski's have the triangle T on top of the chamber. There is no visible date stamped on the barrel chamber. Serial numbers range from 0 to 33016.

Model 1928 Civil Guard rifle close-up of “SY” stamping indicating High Command of the Civil Guard • Courtesy Simeon Stoddard, Paul Goodwin photo

Model 28/30 showing rear sight and receiver markings • Private collection, Paul Goodwin photo

This is the same as the Model 1928 Short Rifle but with an improved magazine and different rear sight graduated to 2,000 meters. The barrels were made by SAKO and have the SAKO gear and the date stamped on top of the barrel chamber - 1934-1940. 1933 models do not have the date stamp and have the same front sight as the M1928s. Serial numbers range from 33017 to 72900.

Wood grips. Muzzle ring. Straight quillon bent slightly forward. 11.8-inch single edge blade. Maker marked on ricasso “Fiskars” or “Hackman & Co.” Steel scabbard. These are very scarce in the U.S. and sometimes will sell for as much as the rifles they fit. Price range 300 – 125.

This was a Finnish-manufactured rifle produced by Tikka in 1943 and 1944. About 24,000 were built. Most of these rifles were not used in WWII but kept in storage until 1986 when sold as surplus. Barrel length is 28.7 inches, caliber is 7.62×53R and sights are calibrated from 100 to 2,000 meters. Weight is about 8.75 lbs.

This is a Russian-made 91/30 bayonet with the added “SA” property mark. See Russia chapter for bayonet information. Price range 100 – 50.

Model 91/30 rifle with close-up of barrel markings indicating Tikka manufacture • Courtesy Stoddard Martial collection, Paul Goodwin photo

Bayonets for Finnish M-27, 28, 28/30 Mosin Nagants

Model 1939 with close-up of rear sight • Private collection, Paul Goodwin photo

Similar to the Model 1928-30 with identical sights except that a 150 meter marking was added. The stock was a completely new design with all buta few having a pistol grip. Barrel length is 27 inches, but is of a smaller diameter than the Model 1928-30. Wartime models were produced by Sako and VKT. Tikkakoski and. "B" barrels were produced postwar. SAKO serial numbers range from 200000 to 260000. VKTs range from 20000 to 77000, but there are examples outside this range. The Civil Guard (SkY) serial numbers range from 500000 to 511000.

NOTE: Add a 25 percent premium for SAKO-built rifles. Rifles marked “Sk.Y” (Civil Guard) will command a 100 percent premium.

Wood handle. Muzzle ring. Crosspiece bent slightly forward. Marked “SKY” on one side of ricasso and “Veljekset Kulmala” on the other. 7.5-inch single edge blade. These have been reproduced recently and the example shown here is a reproduction. The reproductions run $70 – 40 retail. Original specimans do not have a blued blade. Price range 275 – 150.

This is a M-28 that was modified for target shooting. Made in the mid-1970s from m-28/30 rifles. Features a turned down bolt handle, target type peep sight and globe front sight. The original barrel was left intact. A new target type stock is installed. Several hundred were imported in the mid 2000’s.

Used by the Finns without modifications, these rifles have “SA” Finnish army property markings on the receiver. Some of these rifles were lent to the Finnish government, some were sold to them.

Marked with the “SA” property marking on the rear left side of the barrel. These are more common than the Italian issue M-38s without the SA marking.

FINNISH SNIPER RIFLES

In 1937 the Finns began to develop a sniper rifle built around the Mosin-Nagant rifle. Approximately 400 M39 sniper rifles were built with a 3X Physica telescope. These scopes were a prismatic box design for use, not only on rifles, but on machine guns and mortars as well. During World War II the Finns used the Model 39 rifle with German Ajacks scope. About 500 of these rifles were built, and were known as the Model 39/43. Finland also used Soviet scopes on its rifles with Ajacks mounts. These Soviet scopes were designated the PE and PEM. The only difference was that the PEM scope has no focusing ring on the eyepiece.

Finnish army ownership marking on a Sweedish Model 1896 • Courtesy Stoddard Martial collection, Paul Goodwin photo

Bayonet for Model 1939

The receiver is similar to the TRG-S, but the polyurethane stock features a unique design. The trigger is adjustable for length and two-stage pull and also for horizontal or vertical pitch. This model also has several options that would affect the price: muzzle brake, one-piece scope mount, bipod, quick detachable sling swivels, and military nylon sling. The rifle is offered in 7.62 NATO only. It is fitted with a 25.75-inch barrel and weighs 10.5 lbs.

This model is similar to the TRG-21 but meets Finnish military requirements. Introduced in 2000.

Exactly the same as the TRG-21 except chambered for the .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge.

This model is similar to the TRG-41 but meets Finnish military requirements. Introduced in 2000.

Based on the third model AK-47 but with internal differences built by Valmet. SAKO also built many of these rifles. Machined receiver. Perforated plastic forend and handguard. Tube butt. Barrel length is 16.5 inches. Magazine is 30 rounds. Rate of fire is about 650 rounds per minute. Weight is about 9 lbs. Production in Finland began in 1965. Rifles produced from 1965 to 1969 were designated “M 62 PT.” PT stands for day sight. In 1969 Model 62s were produced with folding night sights. Beginning in 1972 these night sights were fitted with tritium inserts.

NOTE: There are a number of different versions of this rifle: the M62-76–a Finnish AKM; the M62-76M plastic stock; M62-76P wood stock; M62-76T tubular steel folding stock.

A semi-automatic version of the M62 imported for sale in the U.S. by Interarms. Offered in both 7.62×39mm and 5.56×45mm.

A different version of the M62 with solid plastic butt and rear sight in front of chamber. Sheet metal receiver. Chambered for the 7.62×39mm and the 5.56×45mm cartridges. Weight reduced to 8 lbs.

Right and left side of M62 • Courtesy Blake Stevens, Kalashnikov, The Arms and the Man, Collector Grade Publications

Model 71S • Courtesy Blake Stevens, Kalashnikov: Arms and the Man, Ezell

This model has a number of fixed or folding stock options. It is fitted with a 16.3-inch barrel and has a magazine capacity of 15, 20, or 30 rounds. Its rate of fire is 700 rounds per minute. It is chambered for the 7.62×39mm Soviet cartridge or the 5.56×45mm cartridge. Weight is approximately 8 lbs. Marked “VALMET JYVAKYLA M78” on the right side of the receiver. Produced from 1978 to 1986.

NOTE: For rifles in 7.62×39mm caliber add a 20 percent premium. For rifles chambered for .308 caliber deduct $2,500.

As above, in 7.62×51mm, 7.62×39mm, or .223 with a 24.5" heavy barrel, wood stock, and integral bipod. Semi-automatic-only version.

Valmet Model 78 • Courtesy Chuck Karwan

MACHINE GUNS

During the early years the Finns used the Maxim Model 09, Maxim Model 21 and the Maxim Model 09-32, all chambered for the 7.62mm cartridge.

Model 76 (stamped receiver) • Courtesy Blake Stevens, Kalashnikov: Arms and the Man, Ezell

Designed and built as a light machine gun this model was chambered for the 7.62mm rimmed cartridge. Fitted with a 20-round box magazine or a 75-round drum magazine. The rate of fire was about 500 rounds per minute. Weight is approximately 23 lbs. This gun was also chambered for the 7.92mm cartridge for sale to the Chinese prior to WWII.

First introduced in 1962, this assault rifle is chambered for the 7.62×39mm cartridge. Fitted with a 16.5-inch barrel. Plastic forend with single strut butt. Thirty-round magazine. Rate of fire is about 650 rounds per minute. Weight is about 9 lbs.

Model 62 • Courtesy Blake Stevens, Kalashnikov: Arms and the Man, Ezell

This model is a heavy-barrel version of the Valmet M76. Barrel length is 18.75 inches. It is offered in 7.62×39mm and 5.56×45mm calibers as well as few in 7.62 NATO. Marked “VALMET Jyvaskyla M78” on the right side of the receiver. Rate of fire is about 650 rounds per minute and magazine capacity is 15 or 30 rounds. Weight is about 10.3 lbs. Produced from 1978 to 1986.

Courtesy private NFA collection

*Exc.*	*V.G.*	*Good*	*Fair*
1250	1000	800	550

*Exc.*	*V.G.*	*Fair*
16000	14500	13000

*Exc.*	*V.G.*	*Fair*
16000	14500	13000

*Exc.*	*V.G.*	*Good*	*Fair*
450	300	250	150

*Exc.*	*V.G.*	*Good*	*Fair*
550	400	300	150

*NIB*	*Exc.*	*V.G.*	*Good*	*Fair*
3500	2750	1850	—	—

*Exc.*	*V.G.*	*Fair*
N/A	N/A	N/A

*Exc.*	*V.G.*	*Fair*
10000	8500	N/A

*Exc.*	*V.G.*	*Fair*
N/A	N/A	N/A

*Exc.*	*V.G.*	*Fair*
10000	8500	N/A

FINLAND

HANDGUNS

SUBMACHINE GUNS

RIFLES

FINNISH SNIPER RIFLES

MACHINE GUNS