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AKM

Maadi semi-automatic, pre-1994

A close copy of the Soviet AKM series. Chambered in 7.62x39mm. Two semi-automatic versions have been imported to the U.S. One was the first semi-automatic Kalashnikov offered on the U.S. market. These appeared in the early 1980s and were imported by Steyr.

Maadi semi-automatic, sporter

The second was imported after passage of the 1994 “assault weapons” law and had a thumbhole sporter type stock installed to comply with the terms of that law. The importer called these the MISR. (Maadi Industries Sporting Rifle).

FINLAND

Finnish Military Conflicts, 1870-Present

Finland was annexed by Russia in 1809 but was allowed considerable independence throughout the 19th century. Finnish nationalism began to grow during the latter part of the 19th century, and, by the early 20th century, Finland established its own parliament in 1906. Finnish independence was declared in 1917. Beginning in 1918, a civil war erupted in which the White Guard aided by German troops defeated the leftist Red Guard supported by the Soviet Union. As a result of this conflict a republic was established in 1919. In 1939 Soviet troops invaded Finland, and by 1940 Finnish forces were defeated, despite a heavy cost to the Soviet troops. Finland joined the German attack on the Soviet Union in 1941. Finland was again defeated by Soviet forces by 1944. Finland was then forced to expel the Germans which resulted in a massive loss of life and property to the Finnish people. A 1947 treaty between Finland and the Soviet Union ceded some Finnish territory to the Soviets, and in 1948 the Finns signed a mutual defense pact with the Soviets. During the postwar period, Finland attempted to stay neutral and preserve its independence. By 1990, with the collapse of the Soviet Union, the 1948 treaty was moot and in 1995 the Finns joined the European Union.