Mosin-Nagant M/28-30
Suojeluskuntain Ase- ja Konepaja Oy (SAKO) · Rifle · Discontinued · 1934
Also known as: M28/30, Pystykorva (Spitz), Civil Guard M/28-30
Overview
The Mosin-Nagant M/28-30 is a Finnish bolt-action service rifle, an improved Civil Guard development of the M/28 chambered in 7.62x54mmR (Finnish 7.62x53R). Built by the Suojeluskunta's SAKO workshop from 1934, it pairs the Russian Mosin-Nagant action with a heavier, high-quality Finnish target barrel, an Arctic-birch stock resistant to cold-weather warping, a redesigned anti-jam magazine and a refined adjustable sight set with distinctive 'spitz dog ear' front-sight protectors. Prized for accuracy, it served as a front-line and marksman's rifle in the Winter War and Continuation War, most famously in the hands of sniper Simo Hayha.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4180 g (147.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1187 mm (46.73") |
| Barrel Length | 685 mm (26.97") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 853 m/s (2799 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3540 J (2611 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 241 mm (9.49") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.62x54mmR · primary — also known as 7.62x54R, 7.62x53mmR, Three Line Rifle Cartridge
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Internal Magazine, Stripper Clip
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Bolt Safety
- Features: Stripper Clip Compatible, Heavy Target Barrel, Arctic Birch Stock, Spitz Dog Ear Front Sight Protectors, Windage Adjustable Front Sight, Improved Rear Sight, Anti-Jam Magazine, Two Piece Stock, Cock On Close Bolt
Base model
Production
Estimated total produced: 40,000 · Production years: 1934-1941
Estimates range from roughly 24,000 to 40,000 rifles produced by SAKO; many M/28 rifles were also upgraded to M/28-30 specification.
Origin
Country of origin: Finland
Designer: Suojeluskunta (Finnish Civil Guard) / SAKO
Discontinued: 1941
Notes
The M/28-30 refined the earlier M/28 with a new windage-adjustable front sight, improved rear sight, heavier barrel and a magazine reshaped to feed rimmed cartridges reliably. Many were upgraded from existing M/28 rifles. Simo Hayha used a 1934-built M/28-30 (serial 35281) with iron sights for many of his confirmed kills.
Background
The M/28-30 is inseparable from the legend of Simo Hayha, the Finnish farmer-soldier known as the 'White Death', who used his iron-sighted M/28-30 to amass one of the highest sniper kill counts in history during the 1939-40 Winter War.