There are a number of subvariations of Finnish Mosin Nagants that are beyond the scope of this book and may be of interest to the collector. A website that gives excellent information for all Mosin Nagant rifles in www.mosinnagant.net. For technical data and photos, see Terence Lapin’s, The Mosin-Nagant Rifle, and Doug Bowser’s Rifles of the White Death.
Model 1891 (Finnish Army Variation)
Basically a Russian Model 1891 but with a Finnish two-piece stock, sights calibrated to meters, trigger modified to two stage pull, and frequently with the addition of sling swivels. Large numbers of captured Russian Model 1891s were reconfigured this way as late as 1944. Many, but not all, have Finnish-made barrels with a length of 31.6".
Finnish irregulars with their Model 1891 rifles • Courtesy Paul S. Scarlata
Model 1891 Finnish Army rifle with close-up of barrel markings. From the top: “B” indicates Belgian made; “VKT” indicates state factory at Jyvaskyla; “D” indicates re-chambered for “D46&D166” ammunition • Courtesy Stoddard Martial collection, Paul Goodwin photo
Model 91 Dragoon and close-up of rear sight of Model 91 Dragoon • Private collection, Paul Goodwin photo
Model 1891 Dragoon (Finnish Army Variation)
Basically a Russian Model 1891 Dragoon rifle modified as above with a side mounted Mauser Kar 98-type sling. Barrel length is 28.8". About 19,000 of these rifles were produced. Rare.
Model 91/24 with SIG heavy stepped barrel for bayonet attachment.Close-up of barrel markings indicate armor’s notation that barrel has been shortened and re-chambered • Courtesy Stoddard Martial collection, Paul Goodwin photo
Model 91/24 Civil Guard Infantry Rifle
This model built by SAKO and consisted of new heavy Swiss or German barrels fitted to reworked Model 1891 Russian actions. Due to the larger diameter barrel, some barrels were turned down at the muzzle end so it would be the same diameter as the Russian barrel and accept the Russian bayonet. In other cases the larger barrel diameter was left and the bayonets modified instead. Chambered for 7.62x54R cartridge and fitted with 32" barrel. Box magazine capacity was 5 rounds. Weight is about 9.4 lbs.
Model 91/24 Civil Guard Carbine
As above but with 24" barrel. It is estimated that 650 of these carbines were produced. Very Rare.
Model 1927 Army Short Rifle
This rifle was made by Valmet, is a shorter version of the Model 1924, and fitted with a 27" barrel instead of 31". It has a full stock with bayonet lug with a ramp and leaf rear sight, graduated to 800 meters, and front sight guards for the blade front sight. Early stocks were modified from the Model 1891 stocks, and this made for a very weak forend, which was prone to breakage with the bayonet installed. The fore cap was a hinged, two-piece affair. Weight is about 9 lbs.
Model 1927 rifle with 1st style barrel band. This band was modified in 1937 • Courtesy Simeon Stoddard, Paul Goodwin photo
Model 1927 Short Rifle with close-up of receiver, notice reinforcing in forearm near muzzle, notice that this is the 2nd style front barrel band • Private collection, Paul Goodwin photo
Model 1927 Rifle with Modified Front Barrel Band (2nd style)
The front band on these rifles was reinforced with two extensions along the forend to help with the split stock problem on the first type Model 1927 rifles. Many were also fitted with new stocks that were larger in diameter at the front of the fore stock to add strength as well. These rifles have a higher survival rate because many early rifles were modified with this type of front barrel band.
Model 1927/91-30 Modified Rifle
During the Winter War with Russia, any rifle that could shoot was needed by the Finnish army. Many Model 1927 rifles were restocked with Model 91-30 stocks to make them useable.
Model 1927 Cavalry Carbine
Similar to the Model 1927 rifle but fitted with a 24" barrel and turned down bolt. Side mounted sling. Weight is approximately 8.75 lbs. About 2,500 were produced with serial numbers between 72,800 and 74,900. Very rare as most were converted to rifles. Some of these were imported into the U.S. in the 1960s and modified into inexpensive hunting rifles.
M27 Rifle on top and M27 Carbine at bottom • Courtesy Chuck Karwan
Model 1928 Civil Guard rifle close-up of “SY” stamping indicating High Command of the Civil Guard • Courtesy Simeon Stoddard, Paul Goodwin photo
