[wasrjoe]

I am going to order an M39 from http://www.gunsnammo.com/ once my dealer's FFL arrives in their mailbox. However, I am uncertain as to what would be the best deal. The rifle is going to be a shooter, but I will take tender care of her. :) I am unwilling (and unable) to spend more than the $229 for the unissued "B Barrels". For shootability, beauty, and history which is the best deal from their selection?

[BamBam-31]

Shootability should all be about the same if in the same condition. I've yet to hear of an M39 that lacked accuracy.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but the "B" barrels do have that appealing reddish hue that the others do not have. I really like the look of my buddy's "B" barrel. I think stocks also play a big part in the looks of a rifle, but that's luck of the draw unless you buy one of their specially listed and specifically described M39's (which I did).

For history, go to www.mosin-nagant.net and read up. They all have history, if you ask me, but maybe the post-war rifles have a little less. Just make sure you get a wartime rifle, then.

Good luck. I'm certain you'll enjoy whichever rifle you choose. :)

[Win75]

I like the SK.y marked M39's with the correct CG stamped dated stocks.

David.

[DMK]

I'd get either a B-barrel or this "No maker" "Sneak" in their Individual Selection section at the bottom of the page:

None 304610 1970 99% blue, new bore, about new post war stock.
Reduced $189.99

If you can't get that one, get the best condition rifle you can afford, which looks like either the B-Barrel or the Unissued VKT. It will likely shoot better than a poorer condition one and in the real world marketplace, rifles in excellent condition usually hold their value better than poorer condition rifles unless it's an extremely rare varient, which none of those on that page are except for the occasional $$$ Tikka.

[Beetle Bailey]

If I had no M39's at all, the first thing I would do is get one of the unissued "B"barrel's WGA has on sale right now. C'mon, free sling and shipping are just gravy in my book. The Sako, SKy, and Tikka cost more because they are sought by collectors, but as shooters all the M39's are great. :)

[geojap]

I too would buy one of the B-barrel 100% rifles if price were no concern. But since you mentioned it was, I would buy one of the $99 SKy's. You will get a rifle with a nice bore that will be a great shooter. The SKy rifles were issued to civil guard militia troops who were a primary part of the Finns sucessful defense against the Soviets. You will need to refinish the stock and reblue it if you want to get it back to excellent condition, but this is very easy to do if you know how to prep it and use some Tung oil and Oxpho blue.

[GD]

I have 5 M39's and they are all good shooters. However, my B-barrel is the most accurate of the bunch and is also the most attractive (nice shiny bore and no dents on the stock). The $99 Sky M39s will probably have rough and perhaps cracked stocks with little blue on the metal. They should shoot just fine though.

[geojap]

GD, the stocks on those $99 SkY's shouldn't be cracked from what they have said at WG&A. But you may want to check with the folks at GunsNAmmo about that, wasrjoe, if you decide to go that route.

If you have a few more dollars ($150), then the $149 VKT (Valmet) may be what you want. It will be in a solid 90% condition with a very strong, shiny bore. It is probably the best buy there. The stock should be almost new on those.

[wasrjoe]

Thanks guys! Price is a concern, but only if it's over $229 as that's what i have limited myself to. Since you all seem to recommend the B Barrel rifles, that is what I am going to order. I would have ordered today but a family member needed some cash until Thursday, so I will have to wait until then. Hopefully I will be able to borrow a digital camera and get some photos for you guys.

Once again, thanks!

[cslinger]

Would you mind posting a picture of the gun you get when you get it. I am curious to see just exactly how they look, stock wood etc.

Thanks
Chris

[wasrjoe]

I'll try to nab a digital camera from a friend. I don't own any cameras, unfortunately - digital or otherwise.

[Beetle Bailey]

My buddy Bambam-31 got a hold of a digital camera and a new PC that can actually download pics and I've been dying to show mine off, so in the next few days. . .:D

[cslinger]

If either of you guys think about it shoot me a PM or email and let me know when you post pics. I will most likely just come across the thread but if you think about it a little heads up would help.

I am interested in purchasing one of the unissued B barrels but I am kind of picky about the appearance of the M39 and have something specific in mine.

Thanks again,
Chris

[Beetle Bailey]

cslinger No problem. I will also do a side-by-side with my VKT so as to demonstrate the richness of the "plum" coloring on the B Barrel. FYI, I heard from Bill Hook that not all B Barrels have the "plum" coloring, but mine does :D .

[Beetle Bailey]

Oh, I've never been know to take good pictures, but at least with the digi-cam, I can keep trying and pick the best ones ;) .