Make: Sako

Model: M/39

Serial Number: 218699

Year of Manufacture: 1942

Caliber: 7.62x54R

Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round magazine

Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked "218699". The top of the barrel shank is marked "218699". The side of the barrel shank is marked with the square "SA" stamp, the Sako logo, "218699", and "1942". The bolt handle is marked "4196". The right side of the barrel has a C.A.I. import mark. The baseplate of the internal mag is marked, "8699".

Barrel Length: 27"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is an adjustable bladed post set between two protective wings. The rear sight is a u-notch blade attached to a sliding escalator assembly. It is a u-notch sliding sight ladder assembly when flipped up. The rear sight sits between protective wings when down.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The wood stock has a semi-pistol grip, finger grooves, barrel band, hinged nose cap, hole for the included cleaning rod, sling loops, through bolt, sling bar, sling well and a steel buttplate. The distinctive Finnish finger mortises on the underside of the stock are present. The buttplate is pitted with wear along the edges and finish loss. There are compression marks, scuffs, and scratches throughout the wood. There is a dime-sized flat spot worn through the finish on the left side of the semi pistol grip. The entire toe area of the stock has been cracked and repaired. The LOP measures 13.5" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in a Very Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original to arsenal refurbish.

Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is sharp. There is light pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, this bore rates at a 8/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 40% of its metal finish. There are scuffs and scratches throughout the metal surfaces. There is pitting beneath the new finish in places. The buttplate shows moderate pitting. The finish is thinning on the barrel, magazine, and receiver. The action and bolt show operational wear. The screw heads show light to moderate tooling. The markings are crisp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Green Canvas sling.

Our Assessment: The Finnish M/39 was one of the final iterations on the Mosin-Nagant to see widespread use as a front-line rifle. They were produced by SAKO, Tikkakoski, and VKT from just before the Winter War and saw extensive service during the Continuation War. The M/39 was based on the beloved M/28-30, with improvements such as a heavier barrel, a semi-pistol grip carved into the stock, a more precise rear sight, and a bolt modified for smoother operation. The M/39 would gain a reputation for being a highly accurate and reliable rifle. This example was made by Sako in 1942. The stock has some areas of wear, as well as repairs to the buttstock. It features the distinctive semi-pistol grip and underside finger splices. The metal retains some of its finish and there are areas of pitting that were present prior to the rifle being arsenal refurbished. The markings are clear, with a nice Sako logo on the barrel shank and right side of the stock. The bore is in decent shape too, with little pitting, but it should still make for a good shooter at the range. This is a nice example from the lesser known of the two factories and would fit well into any Finnish, Mosin, or Second World War collection. Please see our photos.