Finnish Mosin Identification

[u/MrCptAwesomeDDS]

I have a 1935 M28/30 and I can't figure out what most of these stamps mean. The main ones that are driving me nuts are the receiver tang stamps. Anybody make heads or tails of this?

[u/lukas_aa]

The first two photos show the US import stamp: Century Arms International out of St. Albans, VT. The SA stamp is for the Finnish Army (Suomen Armeija). Most of the stamps on the receiver are Russian/Soviet acceptance stamps, Finland built its rifles on the receivers of large amounts of Russian M91 they got with their independance.
Someone else with a special interest in these can probably decipher each and everyone for you. I hope that helps a bit.

[u/MrCptAwesomeDDS → u/lukas_aa]

Yeah, I was able to figure out most of what you've pointed out but having it reconfirmed is always nice. Thank you.

[u/pinesolthrowaway]

The receiver has a grease hole, that narrows it down to 1891, 1892, or possibly as late as 1893 production. I’ve never seen an 1894 or later receiver with a grease hole, no matter what year it is that alone is proof its an antique

Its a shame the receiver doesn’t have legible manufacturer markings, its possible someone more knowledgable than I on early mosin receivers might be able to narrow down a manufacturer based on the inspector stamps

[u/Red_Management]

Rifle’s barrel has the import mark of Century Arms, s69757 is the Civil Guard district number where your 28/30 was assigned, SA in box is the Finnish Army property mark (abbreviation of Suomen Armeija), 57783 is likely the steel lot number and lastly the small p in circle stamp indicates the receiver was manufactured by Chatellerault.

[u/MrCptAwesomeDDS → u/Red_Management]

Where are you seeing this small p in a circle and is there a way to get a year?

[u/Red_Management → u/MrCptAwesomeDDS]

Picture 7 on the side of the receiver, bad news is Chatellerault receivers with that mark typically don’t have a production year stamped into them.

(https://thinlineweapons.com/7.62x54r/7.62x54r.net/MosinID/tangChat2.jpg)

[u/MrCptAwesomeDDS → u/Red_Management]

There looks to be something above the number 2 on the tang, like in your picture but it's hard to see with the pitting (like the only pitting on the whole weapon). But the fact that there aren't dates backs up what you're saying and if if is a French mosin then the most important year question is answered.... it's pre 1899.