Looking at Finnish M39 Variants

[Chipperman]

So I'm looking at ordering a Finnish M39.
The options are:
1. Sako
2. Valmet
3. "B" barrel

I guess Sako is more desirable, but is there any quality difference between Sako and VKT?
Is the "B" barrel model worth $50 more?

Thanks

 

[offthepaper]

Are you looking for a Collector or a shooter? If a shooter, just get the best price on the best condition rifle you can from the choices you listed. You may want to check out the "sneakers" that were produced in the late '60's-early "70's too. I'm not sure if the "sneakers" are supposed to be any more accurate, or have a smoother trigger (all the M39's I've seen have pretty good triggers already). But they are a newer production that should'nt have excessive wear on them, but I think they sell for a bit more. Any way you go, you can't really appreciate a MN without shooting a Finn. It's been said on this board, "the Russins made the Mosin, the Finns made it right".

 

[M39SKY]

From what I have, there are no quality differences. Early VKT and the B barrels are a little thinner than Sakos. Late productions are just the same. Accuracy are the same. I have unissued 67, 70, Tikka and B barrel. Also have almost new 68, VKT and wartime Sako and Tikka. The two war-timers have a tad shorter stocks than the post wars. I'm more of a shooter than collector and if I'm going to buy right now I'll go with the one that has the best barrel condition, preferably new. I don't really care for B barrel, so it's not worth $50 bucks to me. If you look at gunsnammo.com sometimes they have good deal, like Remington receiver with new B barrel etc..

 

[Vaarok]

VKT saw Army use, Sako saw Civil Guard/reservist use, B-barrels are like-new.

They all shoot better than you or I probably can, and they're all comparatively rare and very historical rifles, though the B-barrel isn't as militarily significant as the other two.

 

[Chipperman]

OK, sounds like I'll skip the "B" barrel.

I want one that's a good shooter, but also historically more significant. History outweighs a slight increase in accuracy in this case.

Thanks.