Finn 1909 Izhevsk ex-dragoon M30(91/30) showcase submission
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Finn 1909 Izhevsk ex-dragoon M30(91/30) showcase submission
Examples of Finn-used dragoons updated to their M30 or the Soviet 91/30 specs turn up from time to time. These are different than the common refurb exdragoons in that they have none if the usual Soviet refurb marks, the rear sight bases are not pinned and other than the upgrade look like typical Finn capture rifles.
There has been some debate as to whether the Finns upgraded at least some of these or that they were upgraded by the Soviets before capture. In this particular case, I believe it is proven that the Finns upgraded dragoons also.
The rifle is a 1909 Izhevsk that bears Austrian WW1 era AZF stampings on the barrel and receiver. It would have been most likely sold to the Finns after WW1. It has been upgraded to the Finn m30 specs by replacing the rear sight with the newer design and the front blade with a taller blade and spacer. The stock is a two piece Finn-spluced stock, and the bolt is the only matching part as is common with Finn rifles. It is SA and D marked.
IMO the only way the Soviets could have converted this dragoon to 91/30 and not the Finns was for it to have been captured and marked by the Austrians, recaptured by the Russians and later upgraded, then captured by the Finns. Highly unlikely. I have. Never seen an example of a Soviet refurb exdragoon bearing Austrian markings although its possible they exist.
I've seen about a dozen of this type of exdragoon, but this is only the second Imperial dated one and first Austrian marked one I've seen. Definitely an uncommon rifle.
There has been some debate as to whether the Finns upgraded at least some of these or that they were upgraded by the Soviets before capture. In this particular case, I believe it is proven that the Finns upgraded dragoons also.
The rifle is a 1909 Izhevsk that bears Austrian WW1 era AZF stampings on the barrel and receiver. It would have been most likely sold to the Finns after WW1. It has been upgraded to the Finn m30 specs by replacing the rear sight with the newer design and the front blade with a taller blade and spacer. The stock is a two piece Finn-spluced stock, and the bolt is the only matching part as is common with Finn rifles. It is SA and D marked.
IMO the only way the Soviets could have converted this dragoon to 91/30 and not the Finns was for it to have been captured and marked by the Austrians, recaptured by the Russians and later upgraded, then captured by the Finns. Highly unlikely. I have. Never seen an example of a Soviet refurb exdragoon bearing Austrian markings although its possible they exist.
I've seen about a dozen of this type of exdragoon, but this is only the second Imperial dated one and first Austrian marked one I've seen. Definitely an uncommon rifle.
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Re: Finn 1909 Izhevsk ex-dragoon M30(91/30) showcase submission
I like this one a lot. Great example of an unusual ex-dragoon that I would like to see in the showcase.
Re: Finn 1909 Izhevsk ex-dragoon M30(91/30) showcase submission
I concur with the reasoning here. Of the updated dragons I've seen, including a 1917 I own, most seem to also have the stacked front sights. Really unique example here. Real beauty.
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Re: Finn 1909 Izhevsk ex-dragoon M30(91/30) showcase submission
Sweet. Believe I say this on FB yesterday One thing for sure..., it's done some traveling around
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Re: Finn 1909 Izhevsk ex-dragoon M30(91/30) showcase submission
got my vote
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Re: Finn 1909 Izhevsk ex-dragoon M30(91/30) showcase submission
Very nice find. Has my vote as well!
"Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it". Mark Twain
"Dang that entropy"
"Dang that entropy"
Re: Finn 1909 Izhevsk ex-dragoon M30(91/30) showcase submission
Yours is the one that counts.Rongo wrote:Very nice find. Has my vote as well!
“Freedom is the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.” George Orwell, English novelist, essayist, and critic, 1903-1950
Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience.
C. S. Lewis
Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience.
C. S. Lewis
Re: Finn 1909 Izhevsk ex-dragoon M30(91/30) showcase submission
That's a good one, it will represent well in the Showcase.
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Re: Finn 1909 Izhevsk ex-dragoon M30(91/30) showcase submission
Leave it as it is. The ages have been at work on it and man can only mar it.
Don't hit at all if it is honorably possible to avoid hitting; but never hit soft.
Theodore Roosevelt
Don't hit at all if it is honorably possible to avoid hitting; but never hit soft.
Theodore Roosevelt
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Re: Finn 1909 Izhevsk ex-dragoon M30(91/30) showcase submission
Very nice, Has my vote.....To the show case with this gem !
And will you succeed? Yes indeed, yes indeed! Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent guaranteed!”
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Re: Finn 1909 Izhevsk ex-dragoon M30(91/30) showcase submission
"Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it". Mark Twain
"Dang that entropy"
"Dang that entropy"
Re: Finn 1909 Izhevsk ex-dragoon M30(91/30) showcase submission
“Freedom is the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.” George Orwell, English novelist, essayist, and critic, 1903-1950
Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience.
C. S. Lewis
Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience.
C. S. Lewis