A Tempting 1891

[Aragorn243]

Found it today, not mine, no photos. A 1915 Westinghouse rifle in the old style stock with SA stamp on the receiver and what looks like a Finn cartouche on the butt stock. Has what could be an original SA sling, has the metal hangers that fit through the stock sling holes. Bolt has a matching number but has been reground at some point, has an import stamp which seems a bit odd. Buttplate has a mis-matched crossed out serial. Asking $295. The receiver markings are very nice. Metal condition is very nice. Wood condition is about standard for an old rifle. The bore looked good with a simple eyeball check, no bore scope.

Rifle matches closely photos of WWII Jalkaviienkivaari M/91.

Not seriously considering it but found it a curiosity that if the price is a bargain, may reconsider.

[Jake Holman]

Another Finned 91! Did the Russians surrender them all?
It sound like another shooter grade 91. The price is a little high for me.
I would think if you could score it for maybe half then it would be a deal.
Most I've seen have import marks, that's not uncommon. How many
different serial numbers does it have on the receiver? If there's an old number
beginning with a capital S, then those are Finnish Civil Guard numbers.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

I paid a bit less for mine but it was sort of a bargin basement deal. As my first milsurp it is the foundation of my intrest in collecting. Very interesting rifles with a more interesting history. I have added a SA marked 91/30 and keeping an eye out for a M39. 1940 Tikka barrel and bolt numbers do not match but it headspaces well it is also import marked. I have not shot it yet as I have yet to slug the barrel to determine the correct bullet diameter. I understand the bores on Finns can be a bit tight for standard 7.62x54 ammunition. All this to say buy it if you can bargin down to a comfortable price.. IMO

[Aragorn243]

I have decided I don't need this one right now. It's not the model Finn rifle I'm after and the US made aspect is the only part that made it interesting for me. I need to sit back and regroup a bit and get caught up with accessories for a bit. The gun funds are dried up except for about $300 in points at Cabelas but they don't often get good milsurps anymore. My next priority is a French Lebel.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

It's not the model Finn rifle I'm after

Model 39 perhaps?

[Aragorn243]

Perhaps yes. I've seen some nice ones. But I need to find one priced right. Be great if Cabela's would get one.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

I believe SOG has some.

[Jake Holman]

I have not shot it yet as I have yet to slug the barrel to determine the correct bullet diameter. I understand the bores on Finns can be a bit tight for standard 7.62x54 ammunition.

Your 91 looks like a late war rebuild. Remember all Finnish Mosin Nagants were rebuilt. The Finns made no receivers. If it were me I would get some 7.62x54r and go shoot it. Some early Finns did have a tighter bore but I've never seen one, and I have more that a few Finns.

At some point as the Finns were drawn into war with Russia the bores and chambers were made all the same. As for the "D" chamber stamping that means the rifle is proofed to shoot Russian ammo. I believe the chamber is slightly longer by a few thousands.

As where to get a Finnish M39, this guy has them. And if you state allows it, you can have an antique reciever M39 shipped right to your door. I have several. There are some rare models here also and I have never had a problem with any I've got here.
http://www.gunsnammo.com/