Which M39 to buy?

[Farmer from Hell]

Went to the show this past weekend and my buddy got a nice Polish M44. It got me thinkin about getting a M39 as I like the stock configuration better and think they may be of better quality then other Mosins. WG&A seems to be the place to get them as I dont really want to deal with IO but they have like six different kinds and I have no clue as to which one to get. How about a little background info on what is what and which one to get. :D

TIA
FfH

[bnz42]

It's really hard to go wrong with any of the M39s, as long the condition is nice. I like the 1942 "B" barreled rifles. They are extremely accurate and can be had with a new bore. I also like the late date rifles, 1967-1970. The 1970 dated rifles are reasonably priced and very accurate. If you are only going to get one, make it a 1942 "B" barrel or a late date(1967-70). Good luck

[Terick]

I have a few MN's of various types, the M39 is definately the top of the line model. In my opinion an M39 is an M39. Markings are nice, but all the Fin guns were well made. They took parts from any source they could and made really good guns out of them. Real difference is in how they were taken care of once they left the factory. I'd look for the best condition I could afford, all matching if possible, all else is personal preference. I... would personally look hard at the 1970 "SNEAKS" if I had the $200. Then again the older guns have "been around" and you might get better wood on the old guns? I don't belive you can go far wrong no matter what you choose.

[gunhead]

Hi Guys;
I bought mine from WG&A a few months ago.
I got a Sako marked 1943, real nice condition, exc. bore for $109.95.
It's cheaper if you live where it needs shipping, If you drop by it cost about $20-$30 more :confused:
All matching numbers, The bolt is a "Strike out" but the M39 Mosin Page says thats quite acceptable as long as the number matches, hey for $109.95, thats fine!
GL, they have all the versions up at WG&A

[gates]

FfH,

hey bud!

what ya goin to do with it? how much you want to spend?

if you want to collect get a Sky (Finn home guard) like new its pricey-$300 or a B-bbl
$180ish for like new.

if you want a like new shooter get a like new VKT - again $180ish - the excellent i got from wg@a had a lightly pitted bore and they gave me a MAJOR hassle about returning it.

imo Sakos are over priced and not at all rare
you are paying for the name.

if you just want a general shooter get the cheapest very good- they have.

these are the cream of the 7.62x54r bolt guns
and you will be stunned at the accuracy.

aj

[nun-ya]

hey there. Just got a 39 from WG&A last month. I bought the 89.00 very good VKT(and it is). The bluing is easily 90%+ with little or no cosmo. The only down side is the stock was cracked through the recoil lug. I should have returned it, but it was 100% matching with a correct wartime stock. So I kept it. The bore is pristine. The only thin spot of blue is on the wings around the sight and on the buttplate. My friend has two from WG&A. He bought a very good first and went for the Excellent next. We could not find where they spent the other 30 bucks. Both mint though and through. And if you want a B barel because of the "plum" color, ask for a 41VKT. Mine is a mint purple color and its NOT a pricey B barrel. Honestly, I would go for the 89.00 VKT (rings in at 83 when you call). Total plus shipping was 91 bucks. I wouldn't sell it for 191. Good luck. They are asses on the phone.... :)

[Farmer from Hell]

Thanks for the info AJ and the rest. Im still stewing it over on what to get. Im not much on collectables but it its all about the same in price give or take $20-$30 then I may go that way. Which ones would have seen the least amount of service? I was kind of thinking the SKY ones. Looking for something nice if possible.

FfH

[LarryR]

I don't think there's going to be a general trend on least-used rifles. The Civil Guard was disbanded and their rifles went into Army stockpiles, and the M39 was used for many years after the war, so your best bet is probably to just pay for condition up front.

[gates]

i agree with Larry- the best of all worlds imo-like new "B" bbl. collectable and great condition + reasonable price-if you are only gonna get 1 and want something special thats what id buy! mine is a great rifle-the SKy is prettier but its also $120 more.

aj

[MG-70]

FfH,
Great rifle, assuming it's in G+ condition I don't think you can go wrong with any...

I'll do as someone here did when I asked a question similar to yours a few months back...check out the Finnish rifles section at mosin-nagant.net (DUH -- correction)

I ordered an Excellent wartime stock VKT for $119 plus a $10 sling and got a gorgeous rifle with pristine bore, 98%+ bluing (thin spot just forward of sight ears), and to top it off tiger stripes on the wood grain (I haven't gotten around to typing up all the dates and stamps, markings, etc. on it). Rear sight leaf was chipped but WG&A promptly sent me a new one upon receipt of the old piece.

Not the classiest of rifles but built like a tank and fast becoming my favorite milsurp boltgun.

Happy hunting,
MG-70

[ March 27, 2002: Message edited by: MG-70 ]