Finnish M39 Mosin-Nagant
SAKO / VKT / Tikkakoski · Sniper Rifle · Out Of Production · 1939
Also known as: M/39, Ukko-Pekka, Finnish Mosin M39, Kivääri M/39
Overview
The Finnish M39 is widely regarded as the finest Mosin-Nagant variant ever produced, representing the pinnacle of Finnish gunsmithing applied to the Russian bolt-action platform. Built on captured or purchased Russian Mosin-Nagant receivers by SAKO, VKT, and Tikkakoski, the M39 featured a superior Finnish-made barrel, an improved two-stage trigger, a distinctive pistol-grip stock made from Arctic birch, and an enlarged trigger guard to accommodate mittened fingers in sub-arctic conditions. The result was a rifle significantly more accurate than standard Soviet Mosin-Nagants, renowned for its sub-MOA capability with quality ammunition.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4310 g (152.0 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4540 g (160.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1188 mm (46.77") |
| Barrel Length | 686 mm (27.01") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 800 m/s (2625 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3780 J (2788 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 2000 m (2187 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 240 mm (9.45") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Arctic Birch |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.62x54mmR · primary — also known as 7.62x54R, 7.62 Russian, 7.62 Mosin-Nagant
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Internal Box Magazine, Stripper Clip
- Safety mechanisms: Bolt Safety
- Features: Pistol Grip Stock, Finnish Precision Barrel, Improved Sights, Trigger Guard Enlarged For Mittens, Sling Swivels, Stripper Clip Compatible
Variants
- Finnish M28/30 Mosin-Nagant — Earlier Finnish Variant
- Finnish M28 Mosin-Nagant — Earlier Finnish Variant
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Finnish Defence Forces · adopted 1939 · as M/39
- Finnish Civil Guard · adopted 1939 · as M/39
Conflicts
- Winter War (1939-1940)
- Continuation War (1941-1944)
- Lapland War (1944-1945)
Production
Estimated total produced: 102,000 · Production years: 1939-1970
Approximately 102,000 M39 rifles produced by three manufacturers: SAKO, VKT (Valtion Kivääritehdas), and Tikkakoski. Production occurred in several batches over three decades.
Origin
Country of origin: Finland
Designer: Finnish Defence Forces / SAKO
Discontinued: 1970
Notes
The M39 was the last and best of the Finnish Mosin-Nagant variants, incorporating lessons learned from the earlier M27, M28, and M28/30 models. Finnish barrels were made to tighter tolerances than Soviet production, and each rifle was individually test-fired for accuracy. The pistol-grip stock appeared on most production examples, though some early stocks were straight. Simo Hayha actually used the earlier M28/30 variant rather than the M39, as the M39 was still entering production during the Winter War. The M39 remained in Finnish reserve service into the 1980s and is one of the most sought-after military surplus rifles among collectors.
Background
While Simo Hayha, the legendary 'White Death' with over 500 confirmed kills during the Winter War, actually used the earlier M28/30 variant, the M39 represents the culmination of the Finnish precision rifle tradition that produced him. Finnish snipers using M39 and earlier Finnish Mosin variants were so effective during the Winter War that the Soviets nicknamed them 'cuckoos,' believing the deadly accurate fire came from snipers hidden in the trees. The M39's reputation for accuracy made it the gold standard by which all Mosin-Nagant variants are judged by collectors and shooters worldwide.