Finnish M24

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One of the earliest Finnish rebuilding programs was undertaken by the Civil Guard. The rifles were designated M24 and are the same basic pattern as the Russian M91. The funding for these rifles was raised by the Civil Guard Auxiliary known as the Lotta Svard and they are often known as Lotta Rifles. New barrels were purchased from the Swiss firm SIG and from three German firms. The SIG barrels are marked "Schweiz-Industrie Gesellschaft Neuhausen" on the right of the chamber above the woodline. The German barrels are marked "Bohler-Stahl" on the bottom of the barrel with no distinction between makers. All M24 barrels are undated and have the Civil Guard crest of an S topped with three fir sprigs in a shield on the chamber. All German barrels and the majority of Swiss barrels are heavier than the standard M91 barrel and have a "step" near the muzzle to accommodate a standard bayonet. The SIG unstepped, or "straight", barrels as pictured above are rare.

Specifications

For all models see the Mosin Nagant Rifle Specifications page. Weight Over All

Length Barrel

Length Stock

Length Groove

Diameter Sight

Radius Cleaning Rod Length (approx.) 9 1/2 lbs.

4.3kg. 51 1/2"

130.8 cm. 31 1/2"

80.0 cm. 47 1/2"

120.7 cm. .3095" 27"

68.6 cm. 29"

73.7 cm.

Years of Production by Arsenal

For all models see the Mosin Nagant Rifle Years of Production page. SIG "straight barrel" SIG stepped barrel Bohler-Stahl 1924 to 1926 1926 to 1928 1924 to 1928 None of the M24 barrels are dated.

Barrel Markings

SIG

Bohler-Stahl

SIG barrel mark

right side of chamber

Bohler-Stahl barrel mark

bottom, hidden by stock

"Christmas Tree" on M24 barrel shank

Meaning uncertain, possibly indicates barrel was shortened from rear and rechambered because of throat erosion

KLP

Kymen-Laakson Piiri

Found on M24s from the Kymen-Laakson

Civil Guard District

NSD

Nylands Södra Distrikt

Found on M24s from the Nylands Södra

Civil Guard District

(courtesy of "Guitarzan") KLP and NSD marks are uncommon.

Receiver Tang Markings Finnish tang markings can be any Russian or Soviet marks, but are usually 1919 or earlier.

Variations M24rv The Civil Guard cut down a small number of M24s to carbine length at the depot level to create the M24rv, which was patterned after the Army's M27rv. This picture is a digitally altered representation of this rare model. The overall length is 43 3/4" and it has an M28 type front sight.

Reused Russian Hex Receiver

Sights M24s have the same type sights as the Russian Konovalov design of 1908. The primary difference is the Finns remarked the rear sight bases in meters utilizing the existing notches. Occasionally an extra notch is cut at the rear of the base and is marked 2 (200 meters). Typically the numbers are placed on the right side of the base which was left blank by the Russians, but there are lots of variations in the manner of the numbering and how the existing Russian numbers were treated.

M24 front sight bases are integral to the barrel and identical to the Russian version. However, the variation in blades is tremendous. Many of them are pictured below with brief descriptions. Russian barleycorn Curved base, flat top Curved base, flat top, notched rear Curved base, curved top Curved base, curved top, notched rear No base, flat top No base, flat top, notched rear No base, curved top, notched rear No base, untapered blade

Uncommon Semi-curved base with wider dovetail, flat top

Uncommon

Heavy "Stepped" Barrel

Trigger The M24 uses a standard trigger with a mousetrap spring added.

Cleaning rod nut, tapered hole in front only,

hole in top threaded to receive nose cap screw to aid in removing nut

Nose cap

Sling Slots Front Rear Russian with screwed in place escutcheons Russian w/ Finnish hangers Escutcheon plate with round hole and hangers

Early Russian M91 barrel band Late Russian M91 barrel band Barrel band retaining pin (early, rare) Barrel band retaining screw (late)

Handguard Handguard end rivets Copper Small aluminum Large aluminum