[Adam Helmer]

The weekly "Penny Saver" paper arrived yesterday and an ad said, "Old Army rifle $275.00." I called the listed phone number and chatted with the seller. I did not acquire a lot of information about the arm because the seller was clueless. I told him to hang onto the rifle and I was there in 10 minutes.

Apparently the seller's dad acquired this rifle long ago and never fired it. It is a Tokarev M40 with "SA" (Finnish Army property marks) and appeared to be in Very Good+ condition in and out. I paid the cash and came home and thoroughly cleaned the rifle. Hot soapy water, dry patches and oil work wonders on suspect arms.

Today I function tested this M40 with 150 grain factory ammo. It is a typical robust Russian arm that shoots to the sights at 100 yards. I had to "tone down" the adjustable gas valve to "1.3". I detail stripped the rifle and put several coats of linseed oil inside and outside the stock. I wonder what a story this venerable rifle could tell. I like to think it served the Finns well in the Continuation War against the Russians like my M28/30, M91 and M39 Finnish rifles on establishment.

Adam