In addition to being dated 1943 and having a round receiver, the rifle also came with an uncommon sling variation. It is a late Continuation War sling made from rubberized canvas. As the war progressed, leather became scarce for the Finns and other material was substituted in it's place. Often thick cloth was used, especially in sling production, but rubberized canvas is better in many situations as it holds up very well to the elements. Rubberized canvas was used by the Finns as a substitute for leather in other goods as well, including ammo pouches.
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The stock is the variation of M91/30 stock that is 100% made in Finland as opposed to being a Russian or Soviet M91 or M91/30 stock with a new fore end spliced on or a recycled M91/30 or Dragoon stock. This stock is known as the "pot belly" stock by collectors because of the profile of the area around the fore end splice.
The front sight is known as a stacked front sight due to the spacer used to bring the M91 style front sight post to the proper elevation for use with the M91/30 rear sight.
The forward portion of the sling is connected to the sling hanger by a loop created with two rivets.
The sling is adjusted by means of a button that creates a running loop in the rear of the sling which can be lengthened or shortened by placing the button through different holes.
The sling is not in very good shape as the rubber is now very stiff with age. The sling is starting to come apart in the middle, further revealing it's construction. The material it is cut from it two layers of canvased that are stuck together with the rubber-like material that covers and permeates them. Because of the sling's poor condition, I have not tried to remove from the rifle or adjust it for fear of furthering the damage to this uncommon item.
Discussion Section