The Russian Mosin Nagant Forum

I have decided to acquire my first M39. People have told me to look for a SKY, WWII years are good but 1960 or 1970's receiver even more collectible. Any other M39 advice on what to look for? If I cannot find a SKY would SAKO be the next most desirable? Any other M39 tips to look out for? I love the wood on some of these M39s, truly beautiful compared to the red flaking shellac on most of my Russians.

Go with whatever one speaks to you. IMO, especially if this will be a shooter, it doesn't matter the arsenal markings.

If you are going to "collect" Finnish rifles, I would suggest getting a copy of Doug Browsers "Rifles of the White Death". Also read all the information over on the former "MosinNagant & 7.62x54" web sites.
I have bought several (ok, many ) M39's in the past year or two. MY, advice is the same as above

If its going to be a rifle you intend to shoot, then go for a real good shooter. ASK the seller if he or she shoots. If they are serious shooters they can tell you a lot. I just sold a rifle (M39) that is a VERY tight shooter. The buyer and I discussed the rifle prior to his bidding.

My single best shooting rifle is a 1942 SAKO that looks like it got run over by a tank , its a bit beat up but brother it will hold UNDER 2 1/2MOA @ 200. It can flat ass shoot.

The later 1967-1970 M39's will be desirable for a long time to come. The "B" barreled M39's are very desirable as are the SK.Y's. ALL M39's are going UP & UP & UP........$400.00 today is the norm and higher is the direction they are all going.

All M39's are the same except for the markings and sometimes the stock style, they are all good.

I like them all. I have a VKT that is just perfect, I have a sako that is perfect and a B barrel that is better then perfect. Get what ever you can. I think the order would be closer to this
tikka
B barrel
late date or no name no date
sky
sako
vkt
Or it could be the other way around. The most expensive I have seen is a tikka.