Lahti-Saloranta M/26
Valtion Kivaaritehdas (VKT) · Machine Gun · Out Of Production · 1930
Also known as: Pikakivaari m/26, L/S-26, LS/26, M/26
Overview
The Lahti-Saloranta M/26 was a Finnish light machine gun designed by Aimo Lahti and Arvo Saloranta and built by the state rifle factory VKT. A short-recoil, selective-fire, air-cooled weapon firing from an open bolt, it fed from a 20-round box magazine (with a less-common 75-round drum) and mounted a folding bipod on its perforated barrel jacket. Adopted in 1926 and produced from 1930, it served Finnish forces through the Winter and Continuation Wars, though front-line troops often preferred captured Soviet DP-27 light machine guns.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 9300 g (328.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1110 mm (43.70") |
| Barrel Length | 500 mm (19.69") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 800 m/s (2625 fps) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 500 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.62x53mmR Finnish · primary — also known as 7.62x53R, 7.62x54R Finnish
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine, Drum Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Open Bolt, Folding Bipod, Quick Change Barrel, Perforated Barrel Jacket, Wooden Buttstock, Pistol Grip, Selective Fire
Service history
Operators
- Finnish Army · adopted 1930 · as Pikakivaari m/26
- National Revolutionary Army (Republic of China) · as L/S-26 (7.92mm export)
Conflicts
- Winter War (1939-1940)
- Continuation War (1941-1944)
- Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945)
Production
Estimated total produced: 6,200 · Production years: 1930-1942
China ordered 30,000 in 7.92mm Mauser; only ~1,200 delivered. Production stopped during the Continuation War as plentiful captured Soviet DP-27 LMGs became available
Origin
Country of origin: Finland
Designer: Aimo Lahti and Arvo Saloranta
Discontinued: 1942
Notes
Sources differ on overall length (1110 mm commonly cited vs an outlier 1180 mm). An export version in 7.92x57mm Mauser was ordered by China; only a fraction of the 30,000-unit order was delivered.
Background
Co-designer Aimo Lahti was a self-taught small-arms genius who also created the Suomi KP/-31 submachine gun and the gigantic Lahti L-39 'Norsupyssy' (Elephant Gun) 20mm anti-tank rifle.