FORGED IN SNOW: Finnish Small Arms, 1917 – 2025

by Ian McCollum

Forged in Snow: Finnish Small Arms, 1917 - 2025 is a reference guide to military firearms manufactured and modified in Finland. Intended for collectors and historians alike, it covers the full scope of Finland's small arms from pistols to anti-tank rifles and from independence in 1917 to the present day. This book is the first English-language work to comprehensively cover the subject, and includes all major models:

  • Pistols: Ahlberg, Luger, Lahti, and more,

  • Mosin-Nagants: Standard, Cavalry, Trainers, Snipers, and more,

  • Anti-tank Rifles,

  • Kalashnikov Variants: from rk/58 trials through the rk/95 and Modernized rk/62,

  • Submachine Guns: Lindelof, Suomi, M44, and Jatimatic,

  • Light Machine Guns: LS26 and KvKK/62, and

  • Bayonets.

Chapters include a history of each weapon’s development and intended use, along with information concerning known variants, production numbers, markings, mechanical operation, and a history of deployment and combat use.

Finland's path of military development after its independence, followed by two wars with its eastern neighbor and then a delicate balancing act between East and West through the Cold War, created a fascinating and unique history of small arms development. Many of Finland's early small arms are now in the United States, and this book is a must-have for anyone wishing to collect Mosin-Nagants, Lugers, and Lahti pistols from Finland, as well as those who are interested in the military history of this fiercely independent Nordic nation.

Ian McCollum is the founder, editor, and presenter of Forgotten Weapons, where he has documented firearms history for nearly 15 years. He is a member of the American Society of Arms Collectors and the author of five previous books, including Chassepot to FAMAS and Pistols of the Warlords, and a contributors to several Vickers Guide books.

*** THROUGH DECEMBER 5, 2025, ONLY AVAILABLE THROUGH KICKSTARTER! ***

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