The P-series of Finnish rifles was an attempt to salvage worn-out Russian M91 rifle barrels by using the Salerno method. This involved the reaming out of the original barrel, inserting a liner, and rechambering the rifle in the original caliber. The Russian barrel markings were also scrubbed at this time. Developed in Italy, this method was used on a variety of different weapons but was controversial when used on the mosin nagant. Due to concerns over the viability of the method and the quality of the completed barrels, many of these barrels may not have been installed until dire need for rifles during the Winter and Continuation wars (39-44).
The salvage process was carried out in 1926 and 1927 with the P stamp reflecting that year. The process may have begun as early as 1925 with a few undocumented examples reported.
This rifle"s serial number places it towards the later stages of production. pullnshoot25 has put a lot of work into documenting these rifles and his database is available here:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/a/beeli ... utput=html
This rifle has some interesting features that make it a desirable rifle to have in a collection. First, the low overall number of surviving P series rifles makes it a difficult variant to obtain. Secondly, this rifle was built on an 1897 Sestroryetsk receiver which leads to it official classification as an antique. The rifle lacks a few features commonly found on P series rifles as well. The letter S which is believed to signify the Salerno method of production, and a flat on the bottom of the barrel shank that is believed to have been added to aid in the removal of the barrel are both absent.
Overall, this rifle is in good condition with a nice bore. The finish, SA stamp and stock wear attest to it's usage in the Finn army after a controversial beginning. I hope you enjoy the photos.
The liner seam is barely visible, please excuse the decades of accumulated dust.
