Cosmoline
Member
Just snatched up a nice late model M-91 Tikkakoski. It was part of the last production run of the original Mosin-Nagants. This one was put together in 1940 with an old Czarist receiver a new Tikka heavy barrel and a stock that appears to have been through at least one world war. The stock has some fascinating marks on it, including several Austrian capture stamps and a carved "XA" towards the muzzle end. As with other WWI vintage M-91 stocks, it's of some dense European hardwood. Later Finnish made stocks were two-piece birch. The dark patina may be dirt, but is more likely the inevitable pine tar the Finns slathered on man, beast and rifle alike. Most of the ones I've seen have been missing the handguard, so it was nice to see intact.
The blue is mostly gone in exposed areas, so it certainly got around outside a lot. It may well have seen action, and might also have been used in training and reserve duty after the last of the wars. The M-91's were the mainstay rifles of the Finns from Independence until the M-39 finally came into mass production, though they don't get as much collector's attention as the should.
The trigger is very good and the bore is in fine shape. Should be a great shooter.
The blue is mostly gone in exposed areas, so it certainly got around outside a lot. It may well have seen action, and might also have been used in training and reserve duty after the last of the wars. The M-91's were the mainstay rifles of the Finns from Independence until the M-39 finally came into mass production, though they don't get as much collector's attention as the should.
The trigger is very good and the bore is in fine shape. Should be a great shooter.
