Small arms of the USSR, Finland, Germany. What types of weapons appeared in the Soviet-Finnish war
The period of World War II was characterized for Finland by a time of continuous wars in the struggle for its own independence. This country could not carry out its own policy against the backdrop of the European giants, and its main goal was to preserve the state system and independence gained in 1918.
However, Finland turned out to be the only country from the former Baltic provinces of the Russian Empire that managed to maintain its statehood and become a full member of Europe after the events of the 40s of the last century. She had to pay for her own freedom with the lives of tens of thousands of her compatriots.
Finland during the Second World War experienced three local military conflicts - the Soviet-Finnish wars of 1939-1940 (Winter War) and 1941-1944, as well as the Lapland War against German troops in 1944-1945. The Soviet-Finnish conflicts are still assessed differently by historians of Western countries and Russia.
The Soviet-Finnish war of 1939-1940 was the result of the USSR's desire to create a buffer zone near Leningrad and the Finns' unwillingness to make concessions. Soviet and Russian scientists view this conflict as a separate bilateral company not related to the events of World War II. The Finns, on the contrary, consider it an episode general war, the natural result of which was the conflict of 41-44.
Trying to secure its northern capital, the Soviet Union began negotiations with Finland in 1938. Initially, no territorial claims were put forward; the demands concerned only the lease of several islands. Later, the Soviet side proposed an exchange of territories of the Karelian Isthmus in exchange for twice the territory of Eastern Karelia. In addition, the USSR intended to lease part of the Hanko Peninsula, four Finnish islands at the entrance to the Gulf of Finland, and put forward a number of additional demands. They turned out to be unacceptable for the Finns, although a number of Finnish leaders were ready to agree to a peaceful settlement of the issue.
After fruitless attempts to achieve concessions through diplomacy, the USSR escalated the situation, which led to the beginning Winter War. On November 30, 1939, the troops of the Soviet Union crossed state border. The Soviet government, thanks to its vastly superior forces, planned to defeat the enemy without any problems. However, a network of well-fortified Finnish positions (the so-called Mannerheim Line), poor reconnaissance and poor training of troops led to significant losses in the first phase of the offensive operation. The worst situation developed in the area of the Karelian Isthmus, where the troops failed to break through even the first line of fortifications. North of Lake Ladoga the situation was little better - in some places the Soviet forces managed to wedge 80 km into the defense, but the Finnish forces successfully counterattacked the Red Army units that were surrounded.
After initial failures Soviet army carried out large-scale preparations taking into account previous miscalculations, brought up reinforcements and in February 1940 resumed the offensive against Finland. Within a month, the troops managed to break through the Finnish defensive positions and they were forced to sit down at the negotiating table.
An interesting fact is that the Soviet-Finnish War almost led to the outbreak of military operations by England and France against the USSR. Plans for intervention were considered at the highest level in these states, but due to the end of the war they were not destined to come true. Soviet aggression against Finland led to its expulsion from the League of Nations.
The conflict became one of the reasons for Finland's close cooperation with Germany. The population experienced revanchist sentiments, which led to the Soviet-Finnish War of 1941-1944. During that war, Finland officially announced the goals of returning its former territories, but it soon became clear that the country’s government intended to seize land from the USSR up to the “border of the three isthmuses” (Karelian, Olonetsky and White Sea). Such actions caused a sharp negative reaction from England and the United States, which by that time had already supported the USSR in its battle with Germany.
After reaching their previous borders by the end of 1941, Finnish troops encountered fortified positions Soviet troops. Difficulties on the political front (Allied pressure), in the army and within the country led to the stabilization of the Finnish front until the summer of 1944. At this time the Allies were active work upon Finland's exit from the war. In the summer of 1944, the USSR launched a large-scale offensive against Finnish positions in order to protect itself before the main battles with the Germans. Having suffered serious losses, the Finns managed to repel the Soviet offensive on Karelian Isthmus. However, later the resistance was broken and the new Finnish government led by Mannerheim asked for peace.
One of the conditions of the peace treaty included demands for withdrawal or internment German troops on the territory of Finland. This led to the Lapland War, fighting against German forces concentrated in the north of the country. Although this episode of the war did not bring great human casualties, Germany used scorched earth tactics in Finland. Buildings and infrastructure in the north of the country were largely destroyed. The last German units left Finnish lands in April 1945.
The experience of the Second World War forced post-war years a balanced policy between the West and the USSR. Ultimately, the country managed to maintain sovereignty and the existing political system.
At the very end of February this year, information about a new contract for the supply of weapons became public. As it turned out, back in December 2012, Finland and Russia signed an agreement involving the sale of a certain number of Russian-made machine guns. Our country will receive about 3.1 million euros for weapons and spare parts for them. The production of machine guns will be carried out by the Kovrov Degtyarev Plant.
The Finnish military in 2010 expressed a desire to purchase 1000 machine guns chambered for 7.62x54 mm, as well as a number heavy machine guns. Later, the Russian PKM and Kord machine guns were chosen, which ultimately resulted in the signing of a supply contract. The news of this agreement immediately became the subject of discussion, and a considerable part of the opinions clearly smacked of bewilderment. The fact that Finland began to order Russian weapons looks quite strange and unexpected to an ignorant person.
However, Russia and Finland have been cooperating in the field of small arms for several years now. Moreover, the Soviet Kalashnikov assault rifle was at one time even produced in Finland under license, and also became the basis for a line of automatic weapons still used by the Finnish army. As for Kalashnikov machine guns, there is much less experience in using them.
The first samples of PKM reached Finland only in the early nineties of the last century, when Moscow and Helsinki agreed to partially repay Soviet debts through arms supplies. In the Finnish armed forces, the PKM machine gun was designated Konekivääri 7.62, which can be translated as “7.62 mm machine gun.” Along with the PKM, large-caliber machine guns NSV-12.7 “Utes” also came to Finland. In the Finnish army they received the new designation ITKK 96 and are still used in the mounted version and for arming various equipment.
Apparently, twenty years of experience in operating the PKM and NSV-12.7 machine guns left an extremely positive impression, and the Finnish Ministry of Defense decided to purchase new weapons of these types.
For a normal understanding of the existing contract, it is necessary to consider several issues related to ammunition, moral and material obsolescence of weapons, etc. As for ammunition, the Finnish military will not have problems with them. The fact is that 7.62x54R and 12.7x108 mm cartridges are available in warehouses in sufficient quantity, and production of the first continues to this day. There is no exact information about the production of large-caliber cartridges, but from the very fact of ordering “Cordov” the appropriate conclusions can be drawn.
Thus, new machine guns are guaranteed not to be left without cartridges, and their manufacture will not take much effort. It is noteworthy that the famous cartridge factory in the city of Lapua was at one time built specifically for the production Russian cartridges 7.62x54R.
An interesting feature of 7.62 mm rifle cartridges is also their characteristics. Several decades ago, gunsmiths from different countries, including Finland, created a large number light machine guns for intermediate cartridges. During recent military conflicts it became clear that infantry units You also need an automatic weapon chambered for a rifle cartridge. It has certain advantages over machine guns or machine guns that use intermediate ammunition, and therefore in a number of situations it can not only help a unit, but even decide the outcome of a firefight.
Therefore, in last years All leading small arms developers are working on their own versions of new light machine guns for “old” cartridges. If the command of the Finnish army agrees with the current increase in the priority of machine guns chambered for a rifle cartridge, then another argument appears in favor of the PKT.
The second issue to consider concerns current state machine guns in the Finnish army. Delivered in the nineties PKM machine guns was relatively armed a small amount of divisions. In them, Soviet/Russian weapons replaced Finnish-made KvKK 62 machine guns, designed for Soviet intermediate cartridge 7.62x39 mm. However, the main Finnish machine gun The KvKK 62 remained for infantry armament. Half a century has passed since the adoption of this weapon and it cannot be called modern. Thus, urgent rearmament is required with the replacement of old machine guns with new ones.
In the case of heavy machine guns, the situation looks a little different. Behind last decades the Finnish army managed to use Soviet DShK machine guns and NSV-12.7, as well as American M2HB. The first ones have long been withdrawn from service and disposed of, but the other two types still remain in service. The thrifty Finns produced cartridges for both types of heavy machine guns in their factories. Therefore, we can say that the purchase of Russian Cordas is dictated not so much by the need to replace old weapons, but by the quality of new ones.
Finally, with regard to PKM machine guns, it is worth noting the rather interesting composition of tender participants. In fact, only two arms factories were the favorites of the competition: the Russian Degtyarev Plant (Kovrov) and the Bulgarian Arsenal Ltd. Back during the Warsaw Pact, a Bulgarian company received a license to produce PKM machine guns for its armed forces. Licensed Kalashnikov Upgraded Machine Guns are called MG-1M. They differ from the original PCM only in the name and some minor design details. As you can see, the Finnish army was not interested in Bulgarian licensed machine guns.
In general, the current supply situation Russian machine guns to Finland, upon careful examination, ceases to be incomprehensible and strange. The decision of the Finnish command is completely justified and is based on several objective facts. The prerequisites for the recent tender were problems with current state machine gun “equipment”, and the final decision was influenced by issues of production quality and ammunition supply.
The deal itself ultimately turns out to be beneficial for both parties: Russia will receive money, and Finland will receive modern small arms. According to available data, the order for the supply of machine guns will be completed by the end of this year 2013.
Suomi M/26 submachine gun (1926) chambered for 7.65×22 Parabellum.
Diagrams from a patent issued to Aimo Lahti for the Suomi submachine gun.
Characteristics
Caliber: 9x19mm Luger/Para
Weight: 4.6 kg without cartridges, 7 kg with loaded 71-cartridge disk
Length: 870 mm
Barrel length: 314 mm
Rate of fire: 900 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity: 20, 36, 40, 50 or 71 rounds
Effective range: 200 meters
Finnish gunsmith Aimo Lahti began developing a submachine gun in 1921 on his own initiative. Soon his initiative was supported by the Finnish army, and by 1926 a very successful submachine gun called Suomi (the self-name of Finland) was born. Early prototypes were chambered for the 7.65x22 Parabellum cartridge, and their development took several years. In 1931, the Finnish army adopted a new submachine gun under the designation Suomi-KP Model 1931 (KP stands for Konepistooli - automatic pistol), chambered for 9x19 Luger/Parabellum. The Suomi submachine gun was also supplied to the Baltic states, Germany, Sweden, South American countries, and was produced under license in Denmark (at the Madsen plant), Sweden (Husqvarna plant) and Switzerland (Hispano Suiza). Suomi's main manufacturer in Finland was Tikkakoski Oy. Suomi production in Finland ceased in 1944, but they remained in service with the Finnish army until the early 1990s.
The Suomi submachine gun is built on the basis of automatic blowback action. The fire is fired from an open bolt, the firing pin is fixedly mounted in the bolt. The primer is punctured until the bolt reaches its extreme forward position, which achieves the so-called “differential locking”, when not only the compression force of the return spring is used to lock the barrel, but also the accumulated moment of inertia of the moving bolt. The bolt and receiver are made of high-quality milled steel and the bolt with its rear part is fitted to the receiver so that it moves in it like a piston in an engine, without air flow. Back cover receiver installed on a thread and also closes almost hermetically. On the back cover there are air bypass valves that allow air to pass well outwards from the space behind the shutter and poorly into reverse side. Thus, Suomi implements the Lahti-patented principle of vacuum braking of the bolt to slow down the rate of fire - when the bolt moves forward, a zone of reduced pressure is formed behind it, and the pressure difference slows down the movement of the bolt. In this way, a relatively small bolt mass was achieved, which had a positive effect on shooting accuracy, especially with single shots. The bolt is cocked using a handle located behind and below the receiver. When shooting, the handle remains motionless. The fuse, also known as the fire mode translator, is located in front of the trigger guard.
Another feature of the Suomi PP is a quick-change barrel; its latch is located on the right in front of the receiver, in front of the magazine receiver. This feature, completely unusual for submachine guns, allowed Finnish riflemen to conduct very intense automatic fire during the Soviet-Finnish War of 1940, expending hundreds of rounds of ammunition in a minimum amount of time. In addition, some Suomi submachine guns could be equipped with a muzzle brake-compensator and a lightweight, removable bipod.
Cartridges were fed from traditional double-stack 20-round magazines (with cartridges being rebuilt one at a time at the exit), as well as from 40- or 71-round drum magazines (40-round magazines are very rare). In addition, four-row box magazines with 50 rounds of ammunition, developed in Sweden, were used, which were actually two double-row magazines connected at the sides with a common cartridge outlet. After the war, in the mid-1950s, the Finns also adopted Swedish double-row magazines for 36 rounds from the M/45 Carl Gustaf PP for the Suomi PP.
Overall, Suomi PP was different high quality made and was extremely reliable, and also had high shooting accuracy. It was very expensive and labor-intensive to produce, however, it was the experience of the Finnish troops using a few Suomi PP during the Soviet-Finnish War that changed the views of many high-ranking military men of that time on the role of PP in modern warfare. Undoubtedly, Suomi had a significant influence on the development of Soviet software, this is especially noticeable in the example
7.65 mm, m/26, produced in small quantities since 1926.
It was in service in Finland (since 1931) and a number of other countries, and was used in the Soviet-Finnish War and the Great Patriotic War.
TACTICAL AND TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS | |
---|---|
Model: | KP/-31 (M1931) |
Manufacturer: | Tikkakoski Oy |
Cartridge: | 9x19mm Parabellum |
Caliber: | 9 mm |
Weight without cartridges: | 4.6 kg |
Weight with cartridges: | 6.5 kg |
Length: | 870 mm |
Barrel length: | 314 mm |
Number of rifling in the barrel: | 6 right-hand |
Trigger mechanism (trigger): | Impact type |
Operating principle: | blowback |
Rate of fire: | 750–900 rounds/min |
Fuse: | Flag |
Aim: | Front sight with front sight and rear sight, sector sight |
Effective range: | 200 m |
Sighting range: | 500 m |
Initial bullet speed: | 396 m/s |
Type of ammunition: | Detachable magazine |
Number of cartridges: | 20, 36, 40, 50, 70 |
Years of production: | 1931–1944 |
History of creation
Another design feature of the Suomi is that the barrel casing and the barrel itself can be easily removed and reinstalled. This allows, if there are spare barrels, to conduct active shooting without fear of overheating and failure of the barrel - an overheated barrel can always be replaced directly during the battle.
Combat characteristics
"Suomi" is a very effective and reliable weapon by the standards of its class, which has proven itself when used in difficult conditions, in particular in winter in Finland, in extreme low temperatures. The quick-change barrel also turned out to be a very useful innovation (before Suomi, replaceable barrels were made only for machine guns), although it did not receive widespread, but still later used on a number of successful samples of submachine guns, like Uzi.
![](https://i1.wp.com/smallarms.ru/arms/suomi/fwsmg.jpg)
The disadvantages include: large mass weapons: a machine gun with one fully loaded disc magazine weighs about 6.5 kg. Another disadvantage of Suomi was the high cost and complexity of manufacturing. In particular, due to the vacuum retarding mechanism of the bolt, the bolt itself, receiver and receiver cover required very precise machining during manufacture, resulting in additional costs.
During the Winter War there was limited use Red Army Fedorov assault rifles. According to the testimony of combat participants, machine guns demonstrated an undeniable advantage over submachine guns of the Finnish army. It is curious that the weapon, firing an incomparably more powerful cartridge, turned out to be lighter than the Finnish submachine gun.
The use of a large-capacity drum magazine, as practice has shown, for the most part unjustified. A drum magazine is much more complex and expensive to manufacture, but it is also less reliable than simple box magazines. It weighs more than several box magazines of the same total capacity and adds significant weight to the weapon. The time required to change a magazine is not so long, and it is more convenient for a soldier to carry an additional supply of ammunition in a pouch rather than directly on the weapon. It is significant that in the USSR, having produced drum magazines for late version PPD and PPSh, already in the second year of the Great Patriotic War back to the carob shops again.
Usage
Initially, "Suomi" was developed and put into service as a squad-level support weapon for combat on close range, a kind of ersatz light machine gun, which the Finnish army experienced a shortage of. Hence, a number of design features of the weapon, such as a relatively long and, moreover, quick-change barrel, large-capacity magazines, the presence of bipods on some models, and so on.
This decision later turned out to be erroneous - short firing range and relatively low lethality pistol bullets did not allow the use of a submachine gun as a full-fledged support weapon for an infantry squad. As a result, the Finns had to reconsider their military doctrine and supplement the infantry squad’s armament with a light machine gun for rifle-machine-gun ammunition, the role of which, as a rule, was played by captured Soviet DP, while simultaneously increasing the number of submachine guns from 1 to 2-3 per squad.
Nevertheless, in general, “Suomi” itself turned out to be a successful example, although not without certain, and quite significant, shortcomings.
Video
Shooting from a submachine gun, handling weapons, etc.:
Submachine gun SUOMI (Suomi-KP Model 1931) Shooting from a Suomi submachine gunDuring the process of separation from Russian Empire and subsequent civil war Finnish armed forces used mainly weapons inherited (or captured) by them from the Russian army. In the period from 1918 to approximately 1920, the Finnish army received some of the equipment from England and the USA under old Russian orders (rifles, machine guns and pistols). In addition, in the 20s, it launched its own production and work on modernizing weapons. But the cartridge was not changed (a rather tough debate in the 20s), which in the future had very funny consequences for the Finnish army. Initially, we relied on our own resources (VKT, Tikka, SAKO, AV-1, AV-3 etc.), and not on supplies from other countries. In addition, a lot of weapons were acquired during the 1940 war. In general, most Finnish historians believe that without the “help” of the USSR, the Finnish armed forces would not have been able to avoid a weapons shortage. So rifles with a triangular bayonet can be seen in photographs of Finnish soldiers until 1944. Although, of course, the help of Western powers during the Winter War was significant.
An important role in the modernization of infantry weapons belongs to the voluntary organizations "Schützkor" and "Lotta Svärd". On their initiative, the design of the Mosin-Nagant rifle was finalized. In addition, the contribution of the outstanding designer-nugget Aimo Johannes Lahti is very great. All this allowed us to further strengthen firepower Finnish division by 1941. As an example, we give data for the Finnish division of the 1939 model. By staff: rifles - 11,000, machine guns - 250 (submachine guns), light machine guns - 250, machine guns - 116, quad air defense machine guns - 0, 12.7mm machine guns - 0, mortars 81 -82mm - 18, 120mm mortars - 0, anti-tank guns 37-45mm - 18, etc. According to various estimates, the mobilization capabilities of the Finns are 530-550 thousand people or even 600-650 thousand.
Pistols and revolvers
In 1918, the Finns inherited a number of Smith-Wesson mod.3 Russian (virtually not used even in 1918) and Nagan M1895 Russian. By 1939, most revolvers were no longer used in the army. The focus was on pistols. True, in 1939-1944 there were a lot of captured revolvers, usually M1895/30 and possibly M1895/42. Although we came across several dozen “commander” ones (M27, it seems) with an integrated “Bramit”, several with a butt mount and a “hatchet” handle. Models with a long barrel are not remembered (even by fan collectors).
Of the earliest, many Brownings should be noted various designs(1900, 1903 and 1910/12), up to the exotic - 1903 and an extended magazine and butt, as well as several HP M1935. We purchased Bergman-Bayard, Mauser in small quantities... Because. in 1917-1918, part of the English and American order from Russia was “intercepted” by the Finns (plus part of the Entente supplies for the whites in the North), then we can talk about a certain number of Mausers K96 M1912 (made in England), Colt M1911 (made in the USA) etc. For example, Russia’s total order for Colt was estimated at 51,000 units (47,500 were delivered before 1917, of which 5,000 were precisely on the Caucasian front) plus 14,700 units paid for by the Entente for the Whites. The question is how much exactly “fell” to the Finnish military and militia. In 1941-1944, ChZ-24, ChZ-27 and ChZ-38 were supplied - approximately 3300. The number of Mausers model 1910/14 under 7.65K is estimated at 500 pieces
The most popular can be considered Parabellum in numerous variants. Firstly, several pieces (out of about 1000) of the “Russian” model and commercial samples (from the time of the Russian Empire, 7.65 Par.). Secondly, German P08 versions (usually 08-14 and 08-17), a number of commercial “old German M23”. And finally, own production“pistoolit M23” caliber 7.65 Par (produced until 1939 and again since 1940, possibly with interruptions). An alternative (and apparently for the purpose of unification under 9Par.) was the Lahti M35 model (“pistoolit L-35” among the Finns), adopted after much testing. In fact, the troops began to receive them only in 1939, by the beginning of the Second World War - about 100 pieces, and after the production of 500, production was suspended (according to other sources, by February 1940 - approximately 1000). Apparently expensive and low-tech. However, the need for the mobilized army was great and graduation was resumed in 1941. The model was somewhat simplified and until 1944 VKT produced 4,500 units for the army (those rejected by receivers were sold to citizens, but less than 1,000 in total). There is evidence that in 1941 - 2500 and another 3000 until December 1945. On the first models (exactly 500, I don’t know further) there was a groove for attaching a holster-butt, although no more than 200 of these holsters were produced in total. Swedish M-40s were apparently also used in the Finnish army during the war. Browning M1903 (Swedish M1907) were supplied in significant quantities in 1939-1940 and apparently later. During hostilities with the USSR, TTs were caught as trophies (even the 1930 model was rare). In the army they used it unofficially, because of the cartridge, although it was prestigious to have such a trophy. Mausers M1903, M1912 and M1920, found among the command staff of the Red Army, could have ended up in single copies.
Rifles (including automatic)
The basis of the Finnish infantry weapons were rifles of the Mosin-Nagant system. Usually there are 16 main modifications. In Finnish they are designated as Jalkavaenkivaari m/91 (kiv/91, Russian infantry 1891/10), Ratsuvaenkivaari m/91 (kiv/91 rv, dragoon 1891/10), Jalkavaenkivaari m/91-24 (kiv/91-24), Sotilaskivaari m/91-30 (kiv/91-30), Jalkavaenkivaari m/27 (kiv/27), Tarkka-ampujakivaari kiikiv/27 PH, Ratsuvaenkivaari m/27 (kiv/27 rv), Sotilaskivaari m/28 (kiv/ 28), Tarkka-ampujakivaari kiikiv/28, Sotilaskivaari m/28-30 (kiv/28-30), Tarkka-ampujakivaari kiikiv/33, Sotilaskivaari m/39 (kiv/39), Tarkka-ampujakivaari kiikiv/39 PH, Tarkka -ampujakivaari kiikiv/39 SOV, Tarkka-ampujakivaari kiikiv/39-43, Tarkka-ampujakivaari kiikiv/39-44
First of all, of course, the M1891 and M1891/10 infantry, dragoon and a little M07 inherited from the Russian Expeditionary Force (sometimes called the “M91 carbine”, used until 1944) and captured from the “Reds” during the civil war. It is believed that by 1918 there were approximately 200,000 infantry. In the 20s they changed the sight frame (to metric). They also produce more than 25,000 (the first 200 units in 1919). There are not many Dragoons - about 3000. A fair number of "Russian" Winchesters M95 (in Civil Guard and auxiliary parts). I don’t know exactly about Arisaka rifles type 30, 35 and 38, but I’m guessing about 30-40 thousand. Some were exchanged for three-line rifles (8,170 rifles and 4,800 bayonets were sent to Albania in 1928 in exchange for 13,000 Mosinok from Czechoslavakia and Romania - intermediary B. Spiro, 15,000 were exchanged for rifles and artillery in 1932-1934 - intermediary "Transbaltic"), 500 pieces were converted into 7 ,62x54. A small number of obsolete Berdan No. 2 and Mosin M1891 were used in 1939 by especially needy units, but during the war they were replaced by captured M1891/30. Some of the “American” Mosin-Nagant M1891/10 were “intercepted” from the last deliveries under the Russian contract and from the Entente supplies for the Whites, some were purchased later.
By the 1930s, many obsolete M1891s were either converted into M24s or transferred to reserve. The first 200 pieces were commercial (SAT, 1922-24) - the military was not interested. Later, the work was entrusted to AV-1, based on the Italian “Salerno-Method” technique, 13,000 were converted in 1925-1927, another 77,000 (there is evidence that 77,000 VKT and 12,000 Tikka) were converted in 1941-1944. Other companies were also doing this. Known modifications are VKT, B Barrel, 1942 Tikka, P-26 M91, etc.
In 1919, almost 100,000 captured Russian rifles were purchased from Germany through France (apparently some of them were converted into German bayonets). Approximately 7,000 rifles were traded from Poland in the 1920s in exchange for Mausers “98” (from Russian trophies). Deliveries from Spain are not excluded Soviet trophies(by the Francoists in 1939 through Italy), but there is no data. In addition, the Western powers supplied about 100,000 different rifles as part of military assistance in 1939-1940. There were German Mausers (in the army as m/20 7x57) and Belgian (all with diopter sights) m/25 and m/30. The Italians also sent 94,500 M38 rifles and carbines (cal. 7.35), which went to various rear units, artillery and navy. In general, there were more supplies. I will provide data on some. In 1922, the Poles returned 2151 M91 Dragunskaya, in the same year the Italians transferred 43,000 restored M91s (from those received through reparations, there is evidence that by 1940 Italy had transferred a total of 300,000 M91 rifles). In 1924, barrels were ordered in Germany and Switzerland, sold from German screw guns previously transferred by France - 5420 “98a” and “98” with 8000 bayonets. In 1928, in exchange for German cartridges, another 2,200 M91s were received through France, and in 1929, another 4,247 units. - in both cases the intermediary is Transbalt. With his help, 2039 Mannlichers 1888/90 and 1895 and several machine guns were exchanged in Poland, Hungary and Czechoslovakia for 18400 M91 and 8500 bayonets. At the end of the 20s, Hungary transferred the rest of its M91s to the Finns. There is no data for Japan (whether there was an exchange). In 1936, several thousand M91s were exchanged from Estonia for several hundred Madsens. In 1939-40, small supplies of three-rulers from Montenegro. Czechoslavakia transferred the remainder of the M91 to the Finns. A few were sold to the USA from the remnants of those produced before 1919 under the “Anglo Order” (maybe 10,000). Sweden supplied 77,000 during the Winter War in 1939 and 7,000 in 1940 (a total of 80,000 according to other sources) plus 8,000 volunteers with their weapons, mainly Mauser M96 (there are only about 250 M94 carbines in the mountainous parts). In 1941-42, Swedish rifles were replaced with three-line rifles.
It should be noted right away that although the standard caliber of the Finnish rifle is called 7.62X53R (or 7.62X54 - in some of our sources), there were actually 4 different diameters. They were usually designated by the mark A (.3106\'\' - .3100), B (.3091\'\'), C (.3087\'\' - .3082\'\') and D (M1891/ thirty).
In 1922, they tried to change the belt fastening on some dragoon rifles. But in fact, the first Finnish modification dates back to 1924. On the initiative of Schützkor and, to a large extent, Lotta Svärd (with money raised by the latter), new, thicker trunks for three-line guns were ordered in Germany (18,000 trunks) and Switzerland (8,000 trunks), and in Finland from expensive wood species they made a stock and butt (some of it was converted from old three-rulers). The rifles were transferred for symbolic money to local Lotta branches and, possibly, to the Shutskor detachments. Brand "S.A." typical for army rifles, and "S.K.Y." - for shutskor. M24s were produced in 1923-1927; according to various sources, the total output was from 25,000 to 38,000. 5,000 barrels in 1925-1926 were made in Suhl. 650 M24 converted into carbines. Of the first 3,000 barrels made by SIG, 2,500 were in m/91-24 (with a new stock), and 500 were for the Arisaka conversion (mentioned above).
The experience was considered positive, but they decided to shorten the barrel to 1190 mm. In the army version it is M1927 (or m/27, from February 1927 to 1940-41), and for the military equipment it is m/28. For cavalry (as well as paratroopers and motorcyclists) in 1933-34, the M27 carbine with a 1120 barrel and a bolt handle bent to the bottom was adopted. There was also a mountain carbine (since 1932, approximately 3000). In total, it was planned to produce 120,000 M27s, but in reality by the beginning of 1941 - approximately 60,000 (Nos. 20000-81000) (according to other sources, 55,000 in 1928-1939 and another 1000 until the end of the Winter War). M28 in 1928-1930 produced approximately 33,000 (nos. 1-33016) (according to other sources, approximately 40,000 in 1927-1935), M27 carbine - only 2,000 pieces (by 1944 only half survived - 1,000 pieces). In 1933-1941 the M28-30 was produced ( minor changes, for example, a sight frame) - approximately 40,000 (No. 33017-70000). Moreover, until 1937 the M1891 type stock was made from valuable species wood, and then - composite birch (two parts with a tenon joint in the middle). The gunfighter emblem was burned on the butt. In addition, 2000 M28-30 pieces were released for open sale (Nos. 100001-102000), and 500 (440 according to others) pieces were specially designed for the World Shooting Championship with the competition emblem on the butt (after the competition, 80 of them were awarded best shooters of the Shutskor). Models M27, M28 and M28-30 were called “PYSTYKORVA” (if I’m not mistaken - “dog ears”) or “Spitz” - for the shape of the wings that protect the front sight. There are a number of clarifications to the history of m/28. So 12,916 barrels were manufactured by Tikka (Tikkaskoski) and 20,100 in Switzerland (SIG) in 1927-1928, the first 3 years they produced approximately 10,000 rifles per year. The first 6000 were collected at SAKO. The latter were completed by April 1933 (last serial no. 33016). Starting from M/28-30 it is introduced new design sight (and no longer changes). The m/28-30 model itself was developed at the end of the 1930s, but the first 2,700 units were produced in 1933 (SAKO). That. No. 35710 was released in April 1934, from 1934 to 1941 - 2000 pieces. A number of M91 and M28 were converted into M28-30.
At the beginning of the Winter War, the Finns were in great need of rifles, but by December there were enough trophies for everyone. After the war, the retirement of rifles, for various reasons, was not fully covered by trophies (some Soviet rifles needed repairs, etc.). The need for MODERN rifles in case of mobilization was significant, so it was developed in 1939, and since 1941, instead of the M27, the M39 was produced, known among the troops as “UKK0-PEKKA” (i.e. “old man Pekka”, in honor of President Pekka Svinhufvud). The rifle had pistol grip(except for the first 7000 pieces). In total, approximately 101,000 units were produced in 1941-1945 (the most conservative estimate is 60,000 by mid-1944, there is a figure of 96,800 before 1945), numbers started at 200,000. Shyutskor received 10,500 M39 rifles (nos. 500001-510500). In principle, according to Finnish sources, 5000-6000 m39 uses Belgian type B barrels that are non-standard for this model (at least 5000 m39 manufactured by Tikka). The prototype of the M39 was the M/91-35, and its actual adoption took place on February 14, 1939. By the beginning of the Winter War, 10 rifles were produced. Mass production from the end of 1940 until 1942 at Valmet (approximately 30,300 barrels only), until 1943 at Tikka and until 1945 at SAKO (66,500 rifles were produced, with 6,500 in 1945). As a rule, trunks are marked A or C, but the Belgian ones were type B (a little more than 20,000).
During the two wars, a fair number of M1891/30 and a few M38 were captured (M44 - a few). So in the Winter War alone, the Finns got at least 28,000 M1891/30. There were great trophies in 1941-1942. They were actively used by Finnish units (but I don’t know how many). Soviet captured rifles in 1941-1942 (maybe later) were transferred by the Germans as part of assistance to the Allies. The Finns called the ring protecting the front sight a “ring sight.” The Finns produced about 10,000 more (according to another 24,000 in 1943-1944) M1891/30, and many rifles were redesigned.
It is difficult to estimate the movement of weapons during the three wars (from 1939 to 1945), it is known that in 1940 and 1944 the decline in rifles was particularly high. For example, by June 9, 1941, the Finns (according to Soviet estimates) had 556,000 conventional rifles and 14,500 rapid-fire rifles (I quote the term), and this seems to be without taking into account the junk in warehouses. According to Finnish sources, there were 254,581 rifles directly in the troops in 1939, 507,601 in 1941, and 366,079 in 1944.
Automatic and self-loading. During the “Winter War”, ABC-36 (a few) and SVT-38 were received by the troops. In total, about 4000. Most of them went home. In the army they were considered not very reliable (especially SVT-38). In contrast, the SVT-40 (both shortened and regular) has been adopted by the army. According to various estimates (not always reliable), their approximate number ranges from 2000 to 10,000. I admit a maximum of another two to three dozen captured Fedorov machine guns. Very funny information about Western aid in 1939-1940. This is how they are mentioned automatic rifles, supplied from England (124), France (5000) and Sweden (500). Perhaps due to inaccuracy of translation we are talking about Browning M1918 and Shosha M1915. Otherwise there is no guesswork.
Sniper rifles and scopes for them. Back in the First World War, the Russian army used a periscope sight along with a covert shooting device (from a trench, etc.). Some of them were produced by the Finnish JSC Solberg. These devices were used practically unchanged in the Finnish army. During the “Winter War”, many captured M91/30 sniper rifles (to a lesser extent SVT-38 and ABC-36) came across. Most M91/30 snipers are from 1935-1937, but with different sights. This is how the Finns got the PE, PEM, VP and PU sights (there are hybrids - a PEM bracket with a PU sight). Among the trophies there were faulty rifles and sights without rifles, so they started producing Finnish mounts and brackets. Many (perhaps even more than half) of sights were sent home by soldiers, on the other hand, volunteers fought with hunting or machine gun sights. There were only 213 sniper M1891/30 with PE/PEM at the end of the Winter War. Later it became difficult to “get” them. So in 1941-1942 32 M1891/30 sniper rifles were captured, in 1942-1943 - 24 and in 1944 another 11 (67 in total from 1941 to 1944). It is difficult to estimate the share of rifles with PU. M39 with a Soviet sight (m/39 SOV) in 1943-1944 (dating 1941-1942 is found) approximately 150 (according to other sources, more than 200, with PE/PEM).
Although Finnish experiments in the 30s with their own sniper rifles were generally considered unsuccessful by many, they managed to create sights of their own design. So, 250 prismatic sights with 3x magnification for M39 rifles were ordered from the Helsinki JSC Physics (initially installed on top, then slightly on the side). In principle, it was envisaged to install them on machine guns, but in fact this was not encountered. In 1942, 2000-2500 “Ajack” sights (length 290mm) with 4x magnification were ordered in Germany. In 1943, 500 were delivered (and deliveries stopped). In the army they were designated m/43. At the same time, JSC Väisälä received an order to develop the same sight. In 1944, trial batches went to the troops. But I didn’t go into the M/44 series, because... The war was ending for the Finns. Sniper ABC-36 with PE/PEM were not popular, and SVT-40 with PU were not often found among trophies. Based on indirect data, I would venture to estimate total 600-900 sights.
The situation with rifles with sights is essentially similar. The first, excluding sports and hunting ones, was the m/27 PH with a sight from JSC Physics. Total output - 150 pcs. Its development was the m/39 PH with the same aim. 100 of them were produced, but most of the M27s released earlier were converted to M39. Thus, they are often spoken of as a single model.
It is difficult to say how many M28s were produced with a 4x Zeiss sight. Only 25 experimental M33s with a 4.5x Busch Visar sight were produced. Based on the German 4x Ajax, about 300 rifles (m/39-43) were produced in 1943-44 and later another 200. With its Finnish version, until the summer of 1945, only 50 m/39-44.
Submachine guns (machine guns)
Interest in this weapon arose in 1920-1921. On his own initiative, A. Lahti created his own KR m/22 at 7.65 Par. The Finns studied the design of the MP-18/1 (up to 50 pieces), Thompson M1921 and 1928 (especially the magazine), etc. As part of military assistance, very few MP-28/2 and MP-35/1 could reach Finland. There is no data, but I don’t rule out one-time batches of MP-38/40. In 1941, the Finns became familiar with the Thompson M1A1.
However, returning to the topic, the KR m/22 was produced very little (it was seen in the “Winter War” among the Shutskor). It was replaced by the more advanced KP m/26, which was adopted without armament (several options, for example KP m/26.sta - with a bipod). Subsequently it is changed by KR m/31. There are still many mysteries here for me. So, they use 4 of their own (box-shaped for 20-25 and 40-45 rounds and disk for 40 and 70) and 2 Swedish magazines (for 36 and 50 rounds). By the way, 70 cartridge magazines were approximately 49,000 by 1937, 50 cartridge magazines - 250 by the end of 1939, and 120,000 were produced in 1941-1943. According to some sources, production of the Swedish 36-round magazine began at the end of 1945 - beginning of 1946.
I counted at least 7 modifications of the m/31 Suomi missile launcher. The most important can be considered: m/33 (“Persian”), m/34 (I don’t know), m/39 “Bunker Suomi” (only 500 pieces in 1941-1944), m/31.SJR or m/31-42 ( m/42) aka “Kursu-Suomi” (with a compensator, from 1942 to 1944, many in the military), m/31 “Tank-Suomi” (the first 30 pieces in July 1940, could also be produced with a regular barrel), m /31 Barrel Unit SS-II (not aware), I also don’t know the designation of the version with a bipod. In total, approximately 60,000 M/26 and M/31 (in variations) were transferred to the armed forces by 1944. At the beginning of 1939, 1 submachine gun was cocked, by the end of 1939 - two, in 1941-1944 the norm increased to 4.
In fact, “Suomi” was produced in Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, used in Norway (in 1942, local Nazis handed over 120 units to German units in Finland), Poland, Spain, Bolivia, Paraguay, Iran, etc. Egypt. In Sweden they produced a regular version as M37-39F and a shortened version as M37-39, maybe. still a tank one. In 1940, Sweden supplied about 6,000 machine guns and about 30,000 in 1941-1944.
During the battles, PPD-34 and PPD-34/38 were captured and are practically not used. They are trying to re-barrel the PPD-40 and especially the PPSh-41, but unsuccessfully. There was evidence of their use, in particular in intelligence. Limited use. PPS-42 and -43. They are popular with scouts, but due to the cartridge they are rare.
At the beginning of 1944, on the basis of the PPS-43, the m/44 “Pelti-Heikki” (in English “Tim Henry”, etc.) was created. In total, approximately 10,000 of them will be produced, of which 2,000 will be produced before the end of the war. In addition, the Swedes donated 250 m/44 of their own production for testing, which were used near Vyborg.
On Finnish photography In 1941, I happened to see a soldier either with the Swiss Neuhausen M33 (M34) or with the M39 Kiraly (Hungary), but there is no mention of deliveries, or even reliable versions.
Machine guns
According to Soviet sources, as of June 1941, the Finnish Army had 13,500 machine guns. The figure gives me some doubts.
Light machine guns. Of the old stocks, mention should be made of a small number of Lewis (7.62 and .303), Shosh and Madsen M1903 inherited from the Russian army, as well as captured in 1918 from the Finnish Red Guard and units of the Red Army. After 1918, a number of Lewis were purchased from the Russian order at 7.62X54. In 1920, the Purchasing Department of the Finnish Army acquired (in 1920-1928) approximately 700 Madsens under 7.62x54 (I don’t know only M1903 or M1918). They did not satisfy the army (reliability in winter), and besides, they were expensive (and could not be produced). Quite a lot of MY08/15 and MY08/18 were purchased in 1919 through France in Germany.
In the early 20s, Aimo Johannes Lahti developed a submachine gun (m/22) and ventured into the machine gun business on his own initiative. Since October 1924 official order. Because of distrust, Lieutenant A.E. was assigned to the self-taught man. Soloranta (with a higher technical education), who did a lot for the commercial promotion of the model. At the suggestion of the inventor, the machine gun is known as Lahti/Soloranta. The first prototype was ready by the summer of 1925. Then there were tests with Madsen, MG 25 (Switzerland), Colt BAR M1918, Vickers-Bertier, Hotchkiss, Breda. L/S 26 - recognized as the best and on August 13, 1926 adopted for service as “Picakivaari m/26”. Produced at the VKT plant in Jyväskylä. The troops began to receive them in 1930, with an annual production of approximately 500 pieces. The last batch was in 1942. In total, the army received approximately 4,200 pieces (7.62x54). It is worth mentioning the originally aviation modification m26/31 with a disk magazine for 75 rounds and m26/32 with the ability to use both magazines (using an adapter). Samples began to reach the troops during the Winter War in the amount of several dozen. In particular, in 1939-40, ground units received approximately 30 m26/32 units (most with a welded receiver for a 20-round magazine, since the disk ones were transferred to aviation). All kits included from 5 to 10 magazines, two barrels with the same number (the barrel needed individual adjustment). For shooting from loose snow, a “sieve” (a metal circle with fabric ribbons crosswise) was attached to the bipod; several models were adapted for a machine-gun sight for the M32/33. A total of 4,700 (according to other sources, more than 5,000) machine guns of all modifications under 7.62x53R (aka 7.62x54, depending on the source) were produced. Modifications were produced for 6.5x51 Arisaka, 7x57 (Argentine Mauser), .303 British and 8x56 Solothurn (Hungary). There is no data on deliveries. In 1937, an order was received for a 7.92mm model for China. Of the 40,000 ordered (according to the other 30,000), approximately 1,200 were shipped (mostly m26/32). Under pressure from Japan, production was stopped. Several pieces from this order could be used in the Winter War.
In the early 30s, almost all machine guns chambered for foreign cartridges were sold abroad (primarily MG-08/15 and MG-08/18). “Madsens” were also withdrawn from the troops and partially (or completely?) sold. During the Winter War, small supplies of light machine guns took place from Germany (maybe MG-34 and MG-30, however, at 7.92), perhaps very little from Italy, Hungary, France and Sweden. There are no exact data. There is no doubt about the supply of ZB-26/30 and Knor-Brems MG-35/36 via Germany. Sweden sent approximately 2400-2500 light machine guns during the Winter War, apparently mostly Knor-Brems LH33 (aka MG35/36 but in a different caliber) and Kulspruta m/21 (BAR M1918) both 6.5mm. Subsequently, they were replaced with captured Soviet ones (perhaps not completely).
More than 10,000 DP-27s were captured by Finnish units from 1939 to 1944 (more than 3,000 in 1939-1940, according to other sources 1,500 units). In the army they received the nickname “Emma” (a hit in 1929-1945). The production of Finnish stores and spare parts has been established. Quoted above the Lahti design. Perhaps a certain amount was transferred by the Germans in 1941-1942. The saturation of the army with this model served as the motivation for stopping the production of the Lahti/Solranta machine gun. By the summer of 1944 there were 3,400 Lahti and 9,000 DP in the army. There are other data, so in total in the army in 1939 there were 2900 light machine guns, by the summer of 1941 - 14601 and at the end of 1944 - 6355.
Single machine guns practically never met. A few MG34s (precisely on vehicles and boats) and maybe. "Madsen" M37 (although unlikely). During the battles of 1941-1944, the troops received several units of single m/41 under the 7.62x54 Lahti design (in mass production, it seems, were not launched).
Heavy machine guns. A large number of Maxims on the Sokolov machine model 1910 from the Russian and Red Army (by 1918 approximately 600). And even several Russian Maximovs from 1905. Of the foreign models, there are many MG-08. A few Schwarzlose could have ended up together with the Hungarian volunteers. A few Vickers were acquired in 1917-1918; some were purchased after 1918, produced by US Colt under a Russian contract at 7.62x54. In addition, in 1940 England supplied 100 Mk1 .303 caliber and 100 class F, C and K models under the same .303 British. M.b. several ZB-37 and M1917 but no data. A number of Russian Maxims were purchased or traded in the 20s and 30s. So from Poland in 1928 - 405 machine guns, from Italy - 600. At least 122 MG08, 10 Schwarzlose and 600 Madsens were sold or exchanged.
In 1939 the situation changed - there were a lot of trophies (3000-4000 in 1939-1944, 1768 in 1939-1940). The number of Maxims supplied by the Germans since 1941 from Soviet trophies is unknown. Due to the saturation of the army in 1942, the production of machine guns was curtailed. The total number in the troops in 1939 was 2405 (under 7.62x54), by the summer of 1941 - 5252 (with trophies) and by the end of 1944 - 2483.
In fact, the Finnish army has 4 models of heavy machine guns: m/09-09, m/09-21, m/32-21 and m/32-33.
Under the M09-09 is hidden the Russian M1910 on the Sokolov machine. Later, some will be adapted for bunkers. Some will be converted to a tripod. So there will be hybrids on the machine from Vickers and from MG-08 (manufactured by DWM m1909).
In 1921, the m/09-21 modification on a tripod was introduced. The machine is manufactured at Tikka, ArmsDeport No.1 (AV-1), Crichton-Vulcan, etc. 150 are mounted on a special “winter” machine. However, the M21 machine is inconvenient for shooting at aircraft. It was modernized in the 30s, many machine guns were converted to a metal belt in the 40s.
In 1931 A.Y. Lahti took up the task of modernizing the machine gun. The result was two models: m/32-21 and m/32-33. The first was produced until a maximum of 1935 (from 1933) on the m/21 machine. The machine gun had two rates of fire - 600 and 850 rounds per minute. Also, metal tape is introduced for the first time. In 1933, a second modification was developed on universal machine m/33 and with a wide neck of the cooling casing (the so-called “snow”). Since 1939, early models will be remade to fit this neck. A total of 1,200 m/32s were produced or converted. Big losses during two wars.
In general, there were many different machines. For example, m/30 in the Civil Guard, m/40 “Bunker” (maximum 1250 pcs.), m/VKT, two “front-line” models from Ordnance Dept., light assault machine m/43 “Salakari”, “rucksack” m/ Wigren, etc.
Heavy machine guns. Information on them is extremely scarce. Most likely, there were practically only a few of them in service before 1939. Perhaps several 13mm Hotchkiss for air defense. However, the Finns did receive several DShKs as trophies. The tireless Aimo Lahti created the L-34 machine gun chambered for the 13mm French cartridge, but I know nothing about its production. The so-called automatic guns from 20mm to 37mm.
Grenades, flamethrowers and anti-tank weapons
Grenades. Among the foreign ones, apparently Swedish, German and soviet grenades, m.b. Italian, English and French. There is no reliable data. Our own: manual fragmentation with a wooden handle, type M24 (I don’t know the Finnish designation, there are also non-Finnish ones), M32A fragmentation, M32B fragmentation, M41-MG mortar and as manual, M44SN incendiary, “Molotov cocktail” in the Finnish version 0.75 l with thickened with gasoline and an anti-tank grenade (I don’t know whose). Although there were several thousand of them in the army by the end of the Winter War and by September 1944. Several mortars designed by Dyakonov for the VDG 1930 grenade were captured during 1939-1940, but data on combat use No.
In 1944, the Finnish army received a new anti-tank weapon - the Panzerfaust. As a rule, models 30 and 30m were supplied. They were used in Karelia and were called “Panssarinyrkki” or “Nyrkki”. In total, more than 25,000. In addition, the Panzerstrek was also supplied. There are about 1800 pieces in total.
Flamethrowers. As a rule, the photographs show Finnish soldiers with German flamethrowers model 1934 (much less often 1941). Apparently there was also a version. The number of ROXs is insignificant. There was a funny development based on “Suomi” (!?), a flamethrower fired portions at a distance of 15m. Apparently she remained experienced.
AT guns. Own design of A. Lahti LS/39 chambered for 20mm cartridge. It is believed that it was used poorly in the Northern War. Part of it was given to fortified areas in 1940. The total production is about 1800 pieces. England supplied several Boyce Mk1 14mm caliber in 1939-1940. There could have been isolated deliveries of Polish guns from Germany, but there is no data about German ones. Just as there are none for captured Soviet anti-tank rifles.
Light anti-tank and anti-aircraft guns. Aimo Lahti designed a 20mm automatic anti-aircraft gun (single and twin). Many German APs after 1941. Possibly several Oerlikons. basis anti-tank defense During the Winter War, 37mm PstK/36 guns (possibly German) became available, and there were 164 of them by the end of the war. 37mm Bofors were supplied, there is no data on the number, but in total Sweden supplied 85 anti-aircraft guns and 104 anti-aircraft guns in 1939-1940. 200 (according to others only 75) anti-tank guns were supplied by Great Britain (but I don’t know which ones). By the end of the war, the army had 22 French 25mm Hotchkiss, marked PstK/34. Since 1941, the Germans have supplied a number of small caliber anti-tank guns. Among Finnish trophies in 1939-1940 there were approximately 55 Soviet 45mm PT guns. Total, anti-aircraft guns 20mm in the army at the end of 1939 - 34, and in 1944 (though together 40mm and 20mm AP) -649. At the end of the Winter War, anti-tank guns of caliber from 25mm to 45mm -241.
Mortars. Brand's main system. Apparently our m/32 “Tampella” 81mm. Under the same brand, after 1940 they produced 120mm. In the army in 1939 - 360 (81mm), in 1941 - 887 (81-82mm, including trophies) and 153 (120mm), in 1944 - 533 (81-82mm, with trophies) and 361 (120mm with trophies). By trophies I mean captured Soviet 82mm and 120mm mortars. By 1944, the army retained 1,380 17-60mm mortars, including obsolete designs, its own mortars, German supplies (possibly with Polish and French models) and captured Soviet ones.
The Finns were even armed with rocket launchers. This German lungs models 150 Rkh 41 (6-barrel) and the Finnish version with 4 barrels - 280 Rkh 43.
Cold steel and stuff
Bayonets and knives. Knives in the army were mainly used traditional ones. More graceful "pukko" and larger Lapland ones. They could be used in pairs, the larger one as a combat weapon and the smaller one as a utility weapon. In essence, a “pukko” knife is not a combat knife, but it turned out to be quite useful in this capacity.
Bayonets in the Finnish army were of the following models: m/91 (old Russian), m/91 rv (shortened Finnish - 3000 in 1927-1935), M91/30 (with Soviet rifles), m/38 (Italian), m/27 (57600 pcs., 42 cm and 0.4 kg), m/28, m/28-30 (Shutskorovsky handle made of Karelian birch), m/35 (option m/27 ), m/39 (29cm and 0.3kg) and an experienced m/42 (150 pieces in total). For m/91, a metal sheath with a leather strap was created in the variants. The order for 10,000 m/39 was not fully completed in 1942. The m/27, m/28, m/28-30 and m/35 bayonets are very similar and have a highly developed crosshair.
Other (a little about helmets). The Finns' problems with form in the Winter War are well known. This is most clearly seen in the example steel helmets(helmets). Until November 1939 - more than 75,000, including old German and Austrian ones (m/16, m/17 and m/18). In addition, in the period 1939-1940 they delivered 75,000 Hungarian m/38 (actually German m/35), 30,000 Italian m/33, 50,000 Czechoslovakian m/34, 10,000 others (8,000 Swiss m/21 and more than 1,000 Polish m/35) . Since 1940, the Swedish m/37 was produced under the brand name m/40. By June 25, 1941, 25,000 German m/35-40 and 20,000 Swedish m/37 were also added. And in the summer of 1943, more than 24,000 German m/35-42. Soviet helmets of various models were also used quite widely, but there are no exact figures.
I'm finishing this review. That's all for today. Special thanks for the help and support to Messrs. Denisov Mikhail, Trifanov Dmitry and Korobeinikov Andrey