suomi M31, the coolest rifle ive never noticed

[jason41987]

i never really took the time to look in depth of the suomi M31 design.. but i have recently and i have to say i actually really like it... its the simplest, yet most elegant design from WWII... the fact the receiver is a tube with a threaded cap on the end for the spring... its just so simplistic and utilitarian... but that wooden stock, especially if you were to stain a figured hardwood... wow, just wow... had to not admire something that can be that beautiful, yet that rugged

i wish i paid more attention these before... uuh, i want one, right now im thinking theyre one of the most awesome things and they just dont get the attention they should as we dont hear much about finland in this time period

also, i was thinking of buying a pistol cartridge carbine... so... why not?.. seems a perfect way to justify buying one, though they are so dirt cheap.. so i think ill pick up a parts kit, an 80% receiver, instructions on legally finishing this thing off as a semi automatic and maybe get out my woodworking tools i used when i made musical instruments and hand carve me a new stock out of some curly or flamed maple with a rich red stain and oil top coat

anything else i should give a second look to?

 

[gun addict]

if you're confident with your skills in finishing up the receiver and building the Suomi by parts go for it, just know that a regular Suomi parts kit's barrel is still too short by BATF's standard so you'd have to lengthen the overall rifle somewhat. These submachine guns cause the Russians alot of grieves and pains during the Winter War prompting the Russians themselves to adpot the PPD40 and eventually ppsh41 which served them quite well during WWII

 

[hq]

Be very careful if you modify the barrel. OEM barrels are near match grade, delivered in matched pairs with same POI. These SMG:s were accurate enough for grouse hunting at up to 80 yards when wartime food rations were barely adequate. A bit heavy, yes, but among the most controllable sub guns ever made; with a little practice it's almost ridiculously easy to keep all shots in a 3-4" circle @ 25yd on full auto through a whole drum mag.

I'd really love to have one in semiauto, too. I have a parts kit (which means intact FA receiver but no barrel or bolt according to local legislation) but building an open bolt semi is unfortunately a big no no.

 

[jason41987]

i think it stands to reason a newer barrel might be better on one of these anyway.... and the 16" barrel is only barely longer than the original, isnt it?...the one i seen barely extended beyond the heat shield

downside is ill probably have to buy a ppsh-41 to go with this.. love the 7.62x25mm round but the suomi offers easier to find ammo.. stands to reason i should probably get one of each

 

[mberoose]

FWIW, I owned one, a TNW built example. Was some of the most fun I've had with pants on. Didn't like weak ammo though, mostly because the huge bolt assembly was heavy and parkerized, and the added grit effectively turned it into a single shot with the weak stuff. Otherwise with regular or extra strength ammo it was reliable and surprisingly accurate. Mags are dirt cheap too. I think it's truly one of the most overlooked fun guns out there. It weighs a metric ton though. Trigger kinda sucks (very heavy), but I really didn't care.

The barrel shroud is what makes the barrel length legal.

 

[jason41987]

how long do you think suomi parts kits will hover around the $100 price tag?... is it something i should buy soon or wait on and get the PPSH-41 first?

 

[jason41987]

tough decision as to what i should get first, but PPSHs seem harder to find.. and do cost a bit more.. im curious though, how do the polish ones stack up against the russian?

such a tough decision though, i get the impression the suomi is much better made with better features and of higher quality and accuracy.. the PPSH-41 was put together cheaply and quickly to supply the war effort without much concern for quality control and accuracy... it was designed to be quick and easy... however, i really do like that tokarev round... i think its perfect for such a carbine... i bet i could hunt close range with that round out of a 16" barrel too