From the recent sales of M39's, I picked up a standard VKT from the first shipment and then a hand-select Sako from the second round. Sako pictured on top, VKT bottom:
Besides manufacturer, there are a few differences between the two rifles. The primary difference is that the VKT came in war-time stock (rounded joints) vs. the Sako in the arsenal rebuild stock (squared joints):
Though the VKT has seen some gentle use, the wood grain seems a little more consistent than on the rebuild Sako stock. The Sako stock is certainly attractive to me and has some typical repair plugs at an area that appears to have had a knot. I would assume that perfect, knot-free Arctic Birch may have been in shorter supply during the rebuild time (1st pic Sako on bottom, 2nd pic Sako on top):
If I sell the VKT, think I could list the gouges as 'easily steamed out dings' ? Besides a couple cartouches on the VKT, at the fore grip some soldier had inscribed the letters, 'MM'. Perhaps his initials? A fan of Marilyn Monroe? Marilyn Manson? OK, maybe not... Here's another pic of the two butt stocks, showing some 'character' on the VKT and a longer length of pull for the Sako:
Nothing unusual about the receiver, barrel, trigger, and sights. Bluing is pretty good on both, no rust or pitting that I can see. Barrel rifling is clean, sharp, and bright on both. The shallow depression on top of the Sako's hex is known as a 'Ground Eagle', indicating that the Russian royal eagle symbol was ground off. I don't know if the Finns did that, or if the Ruskies did before selling the receivers to the Finns. Other receiver markings are typical for the M39, AFAIK. Of course the original importer had to ruin the Sako receiver with the etching of their stupid redundant serial number. VKT's importer thoughtfully hid their mark under the end of the barrel.
So how did they shoot?
Both have a trigger that is a quantum leap better than the triggers on my Russian hex 91/30 and M44 carbine. I was getting some light primer strikes on the Sako and had to crank out the firing pin protrusion a little. Seems like the Sako now has a little heavier pull and the primer strikes are pretty deep, so I think I will back off a tad. I've shot a few surplus silver tips, Herter's, PPU, and Hornady through both rifles with no issues other than the firing pin adjustment for the Sako. Hornady steel cases are a little tight for both rifles. I have heard this before regarding Hornady factory 54R. Bolt closed & opened relatively easily for all other ammo.
Out of the box accuracy (grouping) at 100 yards is pretty good. The VKT shot way high & right with all ammo, so I used a little Kentucky windage. The Sako shot a little high and left with everything but the Hornady, which was close to spot-on. It was a little breezy when I shot the VKT, but the light conditions were pretty good that day. No wind, but a little dark when I finally shot the Sako today. I shoot better when I can see better. Also these groups were shot from the bench- for some reason I shoot better from prone FWIW.
Sako groups shot today on SR-1, 100 yards, from bench, Hornady factory ammo:
Best VKT group previously shot w/ Hornady, 100 yards, from bench. My Kentucky windage consisted of the lower half of a SR-1 placed low and left of this splatter target. A guy's gotta have something to aim at :
So both are pretty good shooters. I think in better light & with a little lighter trigger pull the Sako would rival the VKT. Iron sights, old eyes, limited skill... For reference, here's a couple control groups (pun intended)- me shooting iron sights at 100 yards from prone w/ sling, my hand loaded SMK's, good light. 1st pic CMP Special M1 Garand & second pic target from mutt AR with Compass Lake / Krieger barrel. I don't completely suck shooting irons:
Thanks for reading my rambling & Merry Christmas!
Besides manufacturer, there are a few differences between the two rifles. The primary difference is that the VKT came in war-time stock (rounded joints) vs. the Sako in the arsenal rebuild stock (squared joints):
Though the VKT has seen some gentle use, the wood grain seems a little more consistent than on the rebuild Sako stock. The Sako stock is certainly attractive to me and has some typical repair plugs at an area that appears to have had a knot. I would assume that perfect, knot-free Arctic Birch may have been in shorter supply during the rebuild time (1st pic Sako on bottom, 2nd pic Sako on top):
If I sell the VKT, think I could list the gouges as 'easily steamed out dings' ? Besides a couple cartouches on the VKT, at the fore grip some soldier had inscribed the letters, 'MM'. Perhaps his initials? A fan of Marilyn Monroe? Marilyn Manson? OK, maybe not... Here's another pic of the two butt stocks, showing some 'character' on the VKT and a longer length of pull for the Sako:
Nothing unusual about the receiver, barrel, trigger, and sights. Bluing is pretty good on both, no rust or pitting that I can see. Barrel rifling is clean, sharp, and bright on both. The shallow depression on top of the Sako's hex is known as a 'Ground Eagle', indicating that the Russian royal eagle symbol was ground off. I don't know if the Finns did that, or if the Ruskies did before selling the receivers to the Finns. Other receiver markings are typical for the M39, AFAIK. Of course the original importer had to ruin the Sako receiver with the etching of their stupid redundant serial number. VKT's importer thoughtfully hid their mark under the end of the barrel.
So how did they shoot?
Both have a trigger that is a quantum leap better than the triggers on my Russian hex 91/30 and M44 carbine. I was getting some light primer strikes on the Sako and had to crank out the firing pin protrusion a little. Seems like the Sako now has a little heavier pull and the primer strikes are pretty deep, so I think I will back off a tad. I've shot a few surplus silver tips, Herter's, PPU, and Hornady through both rifles with no issues other than the firing pin adjustment for the Sako. Hornady steel cases are a little tight for both rifles. I have heard this before regarding Hornady factory 54R. Bolt closed & opened relatively easily for all other ammo.
Out of the box accuracy (grouping) at 100 yards is pretty good. The VKT shot way high & right with all ammo, so I used a little Kentucky windage. The Sako shot a little high and left with everything but the Hornady, which was close to spot-on. It was a little breezy when I shot the VKT, but the light conditions were pretty good that day. No wind, but a little dark when I finally shot the Sako today. I shoot better when I can see better. Also these groups were shot from the bench- for some reason I shoot better from prone FWIW.
Sako groups shot today on SR-1, 100 yards, from bench, Hornady factory ammo:
Best VKT group previously shot w/ Hornady, 100 yards, from bench. My Kentucky windage consisted of the lower half of a SR-1 placed low and left of this splatter target. A guy's gotta have something to aim at :
So both are pretty good shooters. I think in better light & with a little lighter trigger pull the Sako would rival the VKT. Iron sights, old eyes, limited skill... For reference, here's a couple control groups (pun intended)- me shooting iron sights at 100 yards from prone w/ sling, my hand loaded SMK's, good light. 1st pic CMP Special M1 Garand & second pic target from mutt AR with Compass Lake / Krieger barrel. I don't completely suck shooting irons:
Thanks for reading my rambling & Merry Christmas!