Finnish Military Contract

Contract: Finland - Finnish Military

Serial Numbers: 11,000 - 15,000 range

Size of Contract: 2400 pistols

Contract Accessories: Shoulder-stock with attached holster and cleaning rod

Special Markings: SA (Suomen Armeija - Finnish Army)

Contract Year: 1940

Through the 1900's, Finland had great admiration for FN firearms. With the onset of WW2, in particular the Soviet Winter War, the Finnish military ordered 2400 Hi Powers from FN. Arriving in 1940, the pistols were delivered in two shipments.

To say it lightly, these pistols were badly needed on behalf of the Finnish Army. Finland was not spared from the aggressive advances of a territory hungry Soviet Union. The Soviets demanded a land exchange but Finland was not going bend over to Stalin like many others had. In response, the savage Soviets invaded. With the Hi Power in hand, the Finish army bravely held off a stunned Red Army. Unfortunately, after months of battle, the Finns could not completely repel the Soviet advances and were forced to ceded some territory. The Winter War ceased in March 1940 with the signing of the Moscow Peace Treaty.

These rare pistols out of a relatively small contract do not carry any special contract markings from the factory. About 40% of the pistols, shoulder stocks, and holsters were marked SA (Suomen Armeija - Finnish Army) on acceptance. Included in the 2400 count FN contract were holsters with a shoulder stock. During the effort to repel the Soviets, the Finnish military concluded that the shoulder stock was more of a burden than asset and abandoned them to storage.