Finnish M39 vs Swedish M38

My vote would go to the Swede M38 or 96 as long as the rifle is in excellent condition.

The M39s are great rifles and very accurate, I like them a lot but if push comes to shove the Swede is the best all around offering.
 
Depends on which M38. A factory built M38 should (correct me if I am wrong) have a 100m sight setting, whereas the m96/38 has a 300m initial sight setting.

Personally I would go for the M38 myself, just a lot of pros over the M39 (lighter recoiling cartridge, better charger system, about 2" shorter, a bit over 1lb lighter, etc.).
 
M39 - it's a more solidly built rifle in an inexpensive calibre with 150m battle zero vs. many Swede Mauser 91/38's and their 300m battle zero. Yes, some M38's have a 100m zero, but those arare the rarer pricier variants.

Both are good rifles.
 
I've owned 2 M38's and a M39 for more than 20yrs. One of the 38's was my go to rifle for "turkey shoots" for years. For all round shooting enjoyment I would choose a Swede every time. Having said that I never had much success with cast bullets in my 6.6x55's. Most of my Moisant Nagants are good cast bullet shooters if the bores are in decent condition.
 
There is no Mosin Nagant that could be referred to as refined. While the Finnish version can be an accurate rifle, I find the handling characteristics downright crude. Just my opinion.

The Swedish M38 is a sophisticated and refined rifle, which is accurate, and of course zero can be adjusted if not as desired. Paul Mauser was a brilliant firearms designer, inventor.

And yes, I have a M38 Swedish rifle, a nice 1941 Husqvarna without the muzzle thread.
 
Tough choice. If I could only have one, I would pick the M39.

Refinement goes to the Mauser, hands down. Overall design, fit and finish, the Swede over the Finn all day long.

That said, I find M39 to be the more engaging rifle. It has character I think the Swede lacks and is more fun to shoot.

Good thing I don’t actually have to choose one over the other!
 
saskbooknut said:
There is no Mosin Nagant that could be referred to as refined.
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I don't know- pre-war 91/30's and M91's that have eluded refurbishment are pretty decent. But you don't see many in that state because Mosins (including the M39) have serious history of use in battle. 91/30's and many Finn types have been through post war refurb programs that weren't aimed at turning out "sophisticated and refined" rifles. Make mine an M39 (unless there's a P14 or Lee Enfield available).

milsurpo
 
I haven’t seen a Mosin yet that would touch a Swede in refinement. Two completely different animals. 6.5x55 is an awesome round. Hard hitting and mild recoil. Just a joy to shoot. I own Finn Mosins for the history. If I really wanted to hit something I’d reach for my Swedes.
 
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Given equal condition this is a very difficult choice that is probably best left to individual choice.

If forced I'd pick the M38, just because it is lighter, handier and Husqvarna matches my chainsaw.
 
saskbooknut said:
There is no Mosin Nagant that could be referred to as refined. While the Finnish version can be an accurate rifle, I find the handling characteristics downright crude. Just my opinion.

The Swedish M38 is a sophisticated and refined rifle, which is accurate, and of course zero can be adjusted if not as desired. Paul Mauser was a brilliant firearms designer, inventor.

And yes, I have a M38 Swedish rifle, a nice 1941 Husqvarna without the muzzle thread.
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I concur. I had 2 m39's and I thought they were like shouldering a fencepost. I've a 96 and my son has a 38... been there and done that
 
saskbooknut said:
There is no Mosin Nagant that could be referred to as refined. While the Finnish version can be an accurate rifle, I find the handling characteristics downright crude. Just my opinion.

The Swedish M38 is a sophisticated and refined rifle, which is accurate, and of course zero can be adjusted if not as desired. Paul Mauser was a brilliant firearms designer, inventor.

And yes, I have a M38 Swedish rifle, a nice 1941 Husqvarna without the muzzle thread.
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^^^^^^
This. I've owned several M38s and M96s and they never disappoint. Overall fit, finish and handling are superior. That said, I've got an extremely accurate M27 Finnish MN which allays amazes me. All things equal look to barrel condition, bedding and tightly fitting sights for best accuracy in any MILSURP.
 
+1 on saskbookbut. I've owned both (one M38 and two M39s) and they're both very accurate rifles, but while the M39 is the best general-issue version of the Mosin, it's still a Mosin. The M38 is lighter, shorter, softer shooting, smoother to operate and much prettier. Hands down a better shooter.

BUT, as a collector the M39 wins hands down, and my wartime M39 is the only one I still own. I'll take a rifle that went through some of the most fascinating history of WW2 over one never fired in anger any day.
 
Groverino said:
I haven’t seen a Mosin yet that would touch a Swede in refinement. Two completely different animals. 6.5x55 is an awesome round. Hard hitting and mild recoil. Just a joy to shoot. I own Finn Mosins for the history. If I really wanted to hit something I’d reach for my Swedes.
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You may not realize this if you don't own an M39, but they are known for being very accurate rifles - not just among mosins, but among all bolt actions. Each one is hand-shimmed and tuned to shoot well. Every one I've owned was 2MOA or better with decent ammo and iron sights over the bench - really good for a 75 year old battle rifle.
 
I've owned , and like both . They're well built , accurate and reliable rifles . I sold my M-39 to a buddy that had to have it . I still have my M-38 , it just feels better in my hands and is monotonously accurate . They're both great rifles , I just prefer the Swede .
 
Claven2 said:
You may not realize this if you don't own an M39, but they are known for being very accurate rifles - not just among mosins, but among all bolt actions. Each one is hand-shimmed and tuned to shoot well. Every one I've owned was 2MOA or better with decent ammo and iron sights over the bench - really good for a 75 year old battle rifle.
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I don’t own a M39. I do own a M27 that is extremely accurate and a very nice rifle. But the bolt and safety of a Mosin is crude in my opinion compared to a mauser. Still a great rifle, as I’m sure the M39 is as well. But if we are talking about refinement I think they just don’t compare. For pure cool factor I’ll take the Mosin all day long.
 
Groverino said:
I don’t own a M39. I do own a M27 that is extremely accurate and a very nice rifle. But the bolt and safety of a Mosin is crude in my opinion compared to a mauser. Still a great rifle, as I’m sure the M39 is as well. But if we are talking about refinement I think they just don’t compare. For pure cool factor I’ll take the Mosin all day long.
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What do you mean by crude?
 
BlackPowderBurner said:
What do you mean by crude?
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Simplistic. If we’re talking about which is more refined then I would say the Mauser bolt has that one. I own two finned 91/30, two M91, and an M27. I appreciate the simplistic design. But refined it is not. I realize the M39 has trigger upgrades, and no I don’t have one. Just going by design.
 
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If I had to drag one through the mud,it would be an M39...crude and simple..not really...I have both,and both are fine rifles,..beauty is in the eye of the beholder I suppose...One can’t help but admire what the Finns did with recycled Mosins...
 
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