Is it safe to shoot 7.62 x 54R in a "D" marked M39 VKT ?

[sumway]

As Above...

I have a chance to get my paws on an 1944 VKT M39 (it is marked with the "D" on the top)....but I don't reload any of my own rounds....I just buy factory/surplus ammo.

Would it be OK to use Soviet surplus cartridges in this rifle ?

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

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[fernleaf]

Yep, it should happily accept any 7.62x53/54Rmm ammo be it surplus or commercial. M39s were made from the factory to handle the Finnish D166 projectile, and I guess technically they didn't really need to be 'D' marked.

[sumway]

Thanks for the feedback.

I went down to Kent and selected a B barrelled 1942 M39.

It has the post war-stock " square fingers" and plenty of red/plum colour bluing left on the barrel and receiver. Just need a firing pin gauge and and some ammo and I should be good to go

[sumway]

Some pics attached here

[Sentryduty]

My compliments on a fine looking rifle!

[winston94]

i had the same questions when i purchase my VKT with a D Barrel... so ended up slugging the barrel and it came out to 0.311... which is what the Russian surplus and com bloc ammo is i do believe.. so made some hand loads with 0.311 jacket an shoots great...