Slings And Bayonets


While the Finns used a number of slings, the most common M91 sling is thin brown leather with a square buckle. There is also a black version used on the M39 that is commonly encountered on the M91 as they are thin enough to fit through the sling swivels on the stock. The slings may or may not be SA marked. To be honest the Finns used any and all slings they had on hand so if one gets picky, any Finnish Mosin Nagant sling is "correct" on any Finnish rifle. When talking of 1941-44 this is very true as so many new rifles were sent into service that sling production and issue fell behind. There are even Finnish slings made from rubberized tractor belts and various makeshift types were issued for these rifles.

 


 

The Finns used Russian M91 bayonets on both Finnish and Russian versions of the M91 rifle. Unlike the Russians, the Finns used a brown or green leather and metal scabbard with their M91 bayonets, although it is somewhat rare to find this accessory. The most common bayonet scabbard is the metal German WW1 type with the metal Austrian version being far less commonly encountered. The leather scabbards seem to be a mix of Finnish and German made with the Finnish version being far more common to locate. It has been reported the Finns also used the standard Soviet M91/30 bayonet on the M91 as many of these would have been captured in the Winter War. These later bayonets will indeed fit the M91 and it makes sense the Finns would make use of whatever they had on hand. The same could more than likely be stated for the Russians, as one can assume they also used M91/30 bayonets on M91s when there was a need.

 

Last Thoughts

 

Too often the M91 is overlooked and under appreciated by collectors when in fact there is no rifle that was more import to Finland. It served as the foundation as an issue rifle to their armed forces and its components served as the building block for all future Finnish produced Mosin Nagants. The older M91s are truly a symbol of the Finnish military and they are also rather uncommon rifles – which makes them a true gem to the collector. I have a 1926 dated Tikka with 4 sets of Civil Guard numbers on it as well as the SA marking. If only that rifle could speak I am sure it could tell some great history. I am proud to have it a part of my collection. The later M91’s are also quite a good rifle for the collection as they have history behind them as well and are excellent picks for the shooter. The Russian and US M91s that saw Finnish issue also have a lot of history behind them, and with the improvements done by the Finns are often tremendous shooters. If not for these Imperial Russian rifles the nation of Finland would have had massive issues in arming their armed forces. 

 

So, if you are a Finnish collector do not forget the old M91 as it deserves a special place in anyone’s collection.

 

Sources
Markku Palokangas: Sotilaskäsiaseet Suomessa 1918 - 1988 osat 1 – 3
Timo Hyytinen: Arma Fennica 2
Many years of personal notes, interviews, and observations by the author


 

 

 

  

 

The Mosin Nagant Model 1891 In Finland

By Brent Snodgrass