Mosin-Nagant M/28
SAKO Oy · Rifle · Discontinued · 1928
Also known as: M28, Pystykorva, Spitz, Civil Guard M28
Overview
The Mosin-Nagant M/28 is a bolt-action rifle developed by the Finnish Civil Guard (Suojeluskunta) and assembled at the SAKO factory as a marksman's battle rifle chambered in 7.62x54mmR. Built on the Russian Mosin-Nagant M1891 receiver, it pairs a new heavy free-floated barrel, a two-piece birch stock, and an improved windage-adjustable front sight to deliver far greater accuracy than the original Russian pattern. Roughly 33,000 were produced between 1928 and 1932, and the type is famously associated with Finnish sniper Simo Hayha.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4100 g (144.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1187 mm (46.73") |
| Barrel Length | 686 mm (27.01") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Fixed Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 800 m/s (2625 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3072 J (2266 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 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 | Birch |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.62x54mmR · primary — also known as 7.62x54R, 7.62x53R Finnish, 7.62mm Mosin
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Stripper Clip, Internal Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Cock On Close Bolt Safety
- Features: Heavy Target Barrel, Two Piece Stock, Windage Adjustable Front Sight, Stripper Clip Loading
Variants
- Mosin-Nagant M28/30 - Improved Civil Guard
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Finnish Civil Guard (Suojeluskunta) · adopted 1928 · as M/28
- Finnish Defence Forces · as M/28
Conflicts
- Winter War (1939-1940)
- Continuation War (1941-1944)
- Lapland War (1944-1945)
Production
Estimated total produced: 33,000 · Production years: 1928-1932
Just over 33,000 M/28 rifles assembled at the SAKO factory; survivors are scarce due to wartime attrition and later conversion to the M28/30.
Origin
Country of origin: Finland
Designer: Finnish Civil Guard (Suojeluskunta)
Discontinued: 1932
Notes
Finnish 7.62x53R service ammunition is dimensionally interchangeable with 7.62x54mmR. The M/28 used SIG, Tikkakoski, and a small number of SAKO barrels, all assembled at the SAKO works.
Background
The M/28 is reputed to be the rifle wielded by Simo Hayha, the Finnish marksman nicknamed the 'White Death,' who is credited with hundreds of kills using iron sights during the Winter War.