[Glock_PhD]

So I have decided that I want a Mossin nagant. I have done a lot of reading here and I think it is pretty well agreed upon that the Finn M39 is probably the best. So today I went down to a local store where they have numerous older rifles. Well they had atleast a dozen Finnish M39. They ranged in price from 150 to a little over 200. Most were at 150 though. So my question is what should I look for. If I have a selction of a dozen should I keep my eyes open for a specific things that are either are good or that I should avoid. Or does it realy matter that much?

[Drue]

Unless one is a collector of Finn military rifles, the various markings won't mean too much. I would select an M39 based upon overall condition, and in particular, the condition of the bore. If you can find a $150 one with a mint bore, buy it. If the bores or throats or crowns are worn or pitted, one of the higher priced ones might be a better buy. The Mosin Nagants are simple, rugged and relaible. I agree that the Finns are the bext examples.

Drue

[DMK]

I agree with Drue. I'd pick the one in the best condition as far as bore, bluing and stock. They are all well made.

As far as markings and variants, those marked Sk.Y. near the date, just behind the rear sight are considered very collectable as they were Finnish Civil Guard weapons. A 1942 M/39 with a plum colored barrel and a "B" marking near the date is very likely Belgian barreled and also unique. However, neither of those varients are any better than the standard army issue that may be marked to indicate they were built at the SAKO or VKT factories.

One varient that may be interesting to own however is the so called "Sneak" which should be dated around 1967 to 1970. Supposedly these had some very careful attention during assembly and were built to be used for marksmanship training.

Personally, I wouldn't go spending a fortune for any specific variant, but if you came across one of these in excellent condition and for a decent price, it might be a deal for you.

Here's some more reading for you:

http://www.mosin-nagant.net/finnish_mosin_nagantm39.htm

[444]

I have three of them and they all shoot very well. I really don't think you are going to find a bad one. I have never seen a bad one. The Finns are kind of like the Swiss, they make good stuff and take care of it. I would be very surprised to see one with a bad bore. The one that I shoot 99% of the time is a VKT.
If I was going to buy another one, I would buy a sneak. These are Identified by the date, which is in the range DMK mentioned. It is possible to buy M39s that are in like new condition. I have one that is a Sako. My VKT has almost no finish on the metal at all. But , I once put a scout scope on it (no damage to the rifle, installed by driving out the rear sight pin) and the first three rounds went into less than 1/2" at 100 yards. Unfortunately the group started to climb as the rifle heated up, but these are extremly accurate rifles. This is not your mothers Moisan Nagant. This is a whole different animal that just happens to share the same action. Rumor had it that Finnish military officers still shoot them recreationally. In fact I saw a picture within the last couple years of a Finn solider on a range shooting an M39, and why not ? They are great rifles and they should certainly have some of the fun since they made them.

[GD]

$150 is a good price for a M39. They were not made in large numbers and more people are finding out about them. As the others have said, the condition of the bore is paramount. I have seen a M39 with only a fair bore but it still shot under 2" groups at 100 yards. The sneaks, SKy, B-barrel, and the Tikka are the rarest variants but they all pretty much shoot the same (which is outstanding). Be careful when you clean these rifles - the Finns floated the barrel with shims inside the stock. Some of the shims are nailed into place and some are not. I would love to find a store with 12 to choose from! Nice find!