Sako Finnish Civil Guard M/28-30 Mosin-Nagant 7.62x54R Bolt Rifle, 1940 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1375
LSB#: 210419MB56
Make: Sako, Finland
Model: M28/30
Serial Number: 71761
Year of Manufacture: 1940
Caliber: 7.62x54R (7.62x54mm Rimmed)
Action Type: Bolt Action, Fixed Magazine
Markings: The import mark on the right of the barrel reads “M28 FINLAND 7.62X54R / CAI. ST. ALB. VT.”. The barrel shank is marked with a Sako “S” in a gear wheel, “SK.Y. / 71761 / 1940”. The left of the barrel shank is marked “SA in a box” and with “B6”, Sako symbol, and “00” the right is marked “S” and “-S-”. The bolt is marked “1716” on the knob and has a struck out “36019” on the base. The right of the buttstock has a Sako symbol in shield over “40”. The left forend finger groove is hand-carved “A.AVELLAN”, the right groove is carved “42. R.P.P.”. The top of the receiver has a dimple where a previous Russian eagle was marked.
Barrel Length: Approximately 27 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post set between two protective ears, adjustable for windage. The rear sight is a “U” notched blade attached to an escalator assembly, when down. The escalator is marked “2 3 4 5 6 8 10” on the top. The left side of the rear sight base is marked “2 4 6 8”. It is a “U” notched sliding sight ladder assembly when flipped up. The sight ladder is marked “12 14 16 18 20”.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two-piece hardwood stock has a straight grip, finger grooves, barrel band, nose cap with bayonet lug, through bolt, hole for the included cleaning rod, two sling pass-throughs with metal escutcheons, and a metal buttplate. The joint where the two pieces are spliced together have rounded fingers. There are some scuffs, draglines, and compressions. There are a few little splintered pieces of wood on the edges of the cleaning rod channel. There is some thinning finish at the toe. There is scattered white residue on the right side. The LOP measures 13 3/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has wear around the edges and at the heel with black paint in the face. There is some oxidation and finish loss on the heel. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original to Refurbishment
Bore Condition: The lands are bright and the grooves are gray. The rifling is sharp. There is scattered light erosion in the bore, mostly in the grooves.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its metal finish as refinished. The finish is thinning at all edges. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is some scattered light finish wear and infrequent erosion, most notable on the magazine floorplate. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads show use, but are serviceable. The markings are mainly clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with a canvas sling mounted to the stock with two leather loops. The sling shows scattered wear and discoloration, in about Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: Having previously been a part of the Russian Empire, it should come as no surprise that the 1891 Mosin-Nagant was the standard issue rifle of Finland after defeating their local communist revolution and creating their own independent nation. The Finns didn’t simply adopt the 1891, they also put effort into improving the design with a few different variations throughout their various conflicts with the Russians. This example is an M28/30, considered by some to be the pinnacle of Mosin-Nagant design. The rifle has a heavy barrel made from Finnish steel, an aluminum sleeve between the barrel and the front of the stock, helping to float the barrel for better precision. The model was made for the Civil Guard and bears their “SK.Y” marking. Made in 1940, this rifle could have seen use in the Winter or Continuation Wars and still bears strong, clear Finnish markings. It will make a nice addition to a military rifle collection, especially one focused on Mosin-Nagant rifles or Finnish arms. Please see our photos and good luck!