Sa mark on model 41 infantry rifle

[GBEAR1]

I know many italian 7.5 carbines were sent to Finland and are marked SA but I have an all matching 41 Rifle in 6.5 cal that has a small SA in box stamped sideways on the left side of the stock below the bolt area. Were 41 rifles sent to Finland? Thanks in advance.

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[Aragorn243]

I have never heard of a M41 being sold or shipped to Finland. The ammo would be wrong for one thing. M38's sold to Finland were all 7.35mm. Part of the reason for the sale was due to the change in caliber from the standard 6.5mm. All M41's were produced in 6.5mm and were needed by Italian forces. Germany captured thousands of them when Italy capitulated so I suppose it would be possible that some could have been transferred to Finland although it would seem unlikely. The Finns did not like the 7.35 rifles partially because of the ammunition problems so I can't see them accepting a 6.5mm Italian rifle which would add even another caliber.

[Poot]

I'm out of town and away from my reference books, but it sounds like the Italian version of the marking, which has nothing to do with Finland. Aragorn243 is correct, there were no M41's sent to Finland, just Model 1938 Short Rifles (Fucili Corto) in 6.5mm.
Best,
Pat

[AZPhil]

I also have a M41 with the same SA marking on the stock and was wondering the same thing. I look forward to hearing what this mark means.

Semper Fi
Phil

[Eaglelord17]

Took a look in my book on the Carcano. Only mentioned on the rifles that went to Finland (the M38s in 7.35). Only marking that was listed which was close was a CSA (C is on the top row, and SA is on the bottom) in a circle, which was used on the Ballita carbines (I think I spelled it right, basically child sized carbines for kids which wouldn't have anything to do with a M41 rifle).

[Aragorn243]

SA in a box on the stock is an Italian inspection mark. Often will have a small number below it and centered between the S and A. From "Italy's Battle Rifle"

The SA marks Finland used are only on the metal. They didn't stamp the stocks.