Finn M39 - 1944 Sako with big white "T" on stock - SEE POST 3 FOR PICS

S

stickhunter

CGN frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
575   0   0
Location
Victoria, B.C.
Hi all,

I bought an M39 sight unseen, which arrived a couple of days ago. The rifle had been described as being in "unfired" condition (yes, I know this is a misused term --- I took this more to mean very good condition) with a pristine barrel. I excitedly unwrapped the package and my heart sank when my hand reached under the bubble wrap and felt some deep gouges on the right side of the buttstock. I finished unwrapping and flipped the rifle over to discover the following mark (picture from http://www.mosinnagant.net/finland/finnish_mosin_nagantm39.asp):

m39controlriflestockmarking.jpg


The T is very prominent (~2" tall) and the cut is not left raw, but filled with a cream-coloured hard wax-like coating.

My first thought was that bubba had engraved his initial on the stock, but I decided to do some research and discovered that the T is actually an arsenal mark. Here's the description for the above photo:

The lower photo of the white "T" used as control marking. These stocks were marked when the rifles went into long term storage. The "T" marked rifles were inspected regularly to check for proper storage conditions. The large "T" on this rifle identifies it as belonging to the ordinance department in charge of issuing equipment and most probably in charge of the storage facilities handling the stockpiles of equipment. The "T" stands for "Taisteluvälinehallinto" and was also found commonly as an ink stamp or impress on leather goods like slings.
Click to expand...

The rest of the rifle fits the typical profile for "T"-marked rifles: it is a late war rifle in excellent condition with a rounded finger splice on the stock.

In the end, I'm very pleased with the rifle and will be posting some pictures shortly when the weather clears. I'd asked a while back about the relative thickness of the wrists/tangs on M39s compared to K31, as I'd found my K31 to be a little bulkier in that area than I preferred. I was glad to find that the M39 is trimmer in the wrist and fits my hand very comfortably. I'm looking forward to getting it out to test its accuracy.


I'm curious to know who else has a T-marked Finn M39?
 
Last edited:
Here are some pictures of the actual rifle. The barrel, bolt, and magazine are (force) matched. I haven't taken it apart to see if there's a date stamp under the tang. There is a stamp behind the front sight, but it's illegible or has been crossed out.



















 
That IS the nicest M39 I have ever seen. Did you import it from the U.S.or overseas? Or were you lucky enough to find it in Canada?

Congrats!
 
Thanks, all. I'm very pleased with the look and feel of the rifle, and I'm hoping to get it out to the range once I procure some 7.62x54r. To that end, any experience with how the Norinco or surplus PRC ammo shoots in these rifles? It looks like Chinese-made 7.62x54r is all the surplus that's currently available.
 
The rifle is really beautiful. What looks strange to me is war type stock in such perfect condition while I see most post war stocks in not as good condition. Even on rifles in post war conservation grease that should have immaculate stocks. I think current theory about 3 types of stocks might be wrong but I have no strong evidences to challenge it, just my observations that don't go along with it.
 
Horilka said:
The rifle is really beautiful. What looks strange to me is war type stock in such perfect condition while I see most post war stocks in not as good condition. Even on rifles in post war conservation grease that should have immaculate stocks. I think current theory about 3 types of stocks might be wrong but I have no strong evidences to challenge it, just my observations that don't go along with it.
Click to expand...

I don't have enough background on these rifles to say with any conviction, but here's a theory: from what I understand, the T-stamped rifles a typically late war (1944 and 1945). The Continuation War ended in Sept. 1944, so could these rifles have been immediately, or very shortly after production, been put into storage? If the T markings were added shortly after production, then these rifles would probably remain unissued until being surplussed; I can only see them needing to be issued if rifle stocks had been completely drained.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom