Prototype SAKO Boy’s Rifle Version of the m/39

My Finnish guns book “Forged in Snow” is available for preorder here:
https://www.headstamppublishing.com/forged-in-snow

In 1944, SAKO made two prototype boy’s rifles. They were intended to be used by essentially Boy Scout type organizations for both military drill instruction and marksmanship. They are single-shot rifles chambered for .22 rimfire, and the major design elements (stock, sling attachments, sights) mimic those of the m/39 Mosin that was the standard Finnish service rifle at the time. The gun shown here today was given to the Civil Guard for consideration, and the second was given to the Army – that one is long since lost. Ultimately nothing came of the project because Finland signed an armistice in late 1944 ending the Continuation War. SAKO ceased firearms production and was transferred to the ownership of the Finnish Red Cross to protect it from Soviet takeover, the Civil Guard was disbanded, and the Army, of course, put under strict limits.