Unusual M38 stock?

[Eaglelord17]

The stock was likely a M91 Infantry rifle stock, but also likely Finnish made. Could have even been a M27, M28, or M28/30 stock as well due to the sling escutcheon. Unless there is any specific markings on the stock to date it, it could be any of those variants made which would place the stock somewhere 1908 or later as that was when the sling slots were first cut into the stock for the infantry rifles. If I had to guess this rifle was likely a battlefield pick up by a Finnish soldier with damaged wood. The soldier likely then changed out the wood himself as carbines would have been fairly desired (the M38 is a awesome size for a rifle) and bringing it forward might have resulted in it being sent elsewhere.

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[1903Collector]

The stock was likely a M91 Infantry rifle stock, but also likely Finnish made. Could have even been a M27, M28, or M28/30 stock as well due to the sling escutcheon. Unless there is any specific markings on the stock to date it, it could be any of those variants made which would place the stock somewhere 1908 or later as that was when the sling slots were first cut into the stock for the infantry rifles. If I had to guess this rifle was likely a battlefield pick up by a Finnish soldier with damaged wood. The soldier likely then changed out the wood himself as carbines would have been fairly desired (the M38 is a awesome size for a rifle) and bringing it forward might have resulted in it being sent elsewhere.

Yes, I agree, based upon the quality of the wood it could be an early Finnish stock, the but without the SA markings on the receiver done to most, it not all captured non-finnish rifles I think anything more is but speculation with no degree of probability possible. It is over all a well done job, but due to the rifle most likely residence time in private hands was in the states I think it is equally possible the modification was done by bubba at some point, a relatively competent bubba to be sure, but bubba none the less. Nonetheless, since a fine M91 stock was already sacrificed, I will complete the modifications to put it right (with the exception of the early sharper comb angle and the wood quality far exceeding anything Ive seen in a Soviet rifle of any kind) to be 99% correct for an M1938 stock. I do worry, however, about being able to dye the replacement M38/M44 Soviet handguard to match the stock. Still, Ive had far more difficult projects before. Ill post pics of the net result...probably closer to the end of the year as I am moving at the end of the month and expect it to take a while before I can get my shop set back up and operating. Gad, I HATE moving!