What is a "Tang date"? And when dealing with Finnish M-39's what is the best Tang date you can get? Also what kind of accuracy can be expected with an M-39?
Take the stock off, and look at the date (usually) stamped under the tang at the rear of the receiver. That's the tang date. It shows when the receiver was built.
There are probably model 39s with tang dates from 1892 to the '40s (yes, round receiver 39s from rebuilt 91/30s). There is no "best" tang date. The tang date may show your 39 to be an antique that is not subject to much of the federal firearms law bs. I'll let you figure that out elsewhere. I've got one built in France in 1894 - nice 39!
The oft-repeated claim is that Finn 39s had to keep 3-shots in a 1.5" circle at 100 meters. I recall reading somewhere (Bowser's book?) that the actual test involved a larger group at a longer distance that would have worked out to 1.5 MOA. The accuracy of 39s varies with their condition. One with a nice bbl should be able to break 2" 5-shot groups at 100 yds easily, if you do your part and use ammo it likes.
