Uniforms and Gear for the Recruit

[Tuuka Gustafson]

Finnish uniforms and gear isn't the easiest to come by in this day and age though it's getting much easier to acquire the uniform. As such I have written this outline of uniform items that the prospective recruit should acquire within the first 12 months (in order of importance) and where the items can be found.

Boots: Jackboots can be found at most sutlers who sell WWII German items, though I recommend ATF for quality. Theirs run about $159. Well fitting boots are the most important item of your impression as they can make or break your feet!

www.atthefrontshop.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=GFBJB

Tunics: We prefer the Summer tunic as the impression for 2nd Jäger is set for July 1944, however, Woolen Winter Tunics are available as well and just as accurate. I am converting Summer tunics and they run about $125. If interested contact me at [e-mail]. As for the Winter tunics, they are available from Hikishops, either on ebay or through his website. They run about $70 with shipping.

hikishop.net/wwii-finnish-c-6.html?zenid=8i1ms853f9hrhjfhjn2bpi0sp6
stores.ebay.com/HIKISHOP/WWII-Finnish-/_i.html?_fsub=1718734010&_sid=151216360&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322

Trousers: DO NOT PURCHASE THE FINNISH BREECHES FROM HIKISHOP!!! They are incorrect for our impression. The correct trouser type would be straight leg woolen trousers issued by the Germans. The M37, M40 and M43s are all correct. Hikishop sells good reproductions of these trousers as does ATF and other WWII German vendors.

Undershirt: Any German type, either WWI or WWII undershirt is acceptable. Also, most period civilian shirts are usable. Check any German WWI or WWII reenacting vendor for pricing.

Field Cap: M36 preferably. Whilst helmets and the M39 cap are strictly optional and add flare to the uniform every recruit should start with an M36 field cap. Good examples are produced by Hikishop and can be had for around $30 plus shipping.

Belt: Soviet style ALL LEATHER single prong belt. Check Trident militaria for this type. Should be about $25.

www.tridentmilitary.com/Soviet-WW2/ww2-fieldgear.html

Ammo Pouch (if carrying a rifle): Single Brown WWI German ammo pouchThe first is easy to find, plenty of places sell repro WWI German ammo pouches, but in sets of 2. Be prepared to pay $50 for a pair or you can check ebay and find an original (probably Finnish) for less then that.

Breadbag: Finnish Continuation War type would be the most accurate. Our unit produces these. Contact me for info; [e-mail]. The cost is $60 with shipping. Also "okay" would be a WWI German breadbag from Schipperfabrik.

www.schipperfabrik.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=117_118_128&products_id=306

Canteen: Wartime Finnish Army Canteens were really just copies of WWI German canteens. You can find originals on ebay or a reproductions from Schipperfabrik.

Weapon: Suomi kp/31 (preferred), M39 (Preferred), M91 (preferably Finnish) M27/28/28-30 and finally the 91/30. I could write a whole article about where to find these weapons and someday I might but suffice it to say that Gunshows and Gunbroker.com are great sources. If you have any questions as to the type and suitability of the weapon you are eyeballing, contact me! Also, keep price in mind, some devious gunsellers try to overprice Finnish arms (since they are considered the best of the Mosin Nagants no matter what the type). A general rule is to never pay more then $350-400 for any type. The 91/30s are still a dime a dozen and can be found almost anywhere guns are sold.

I hope this list is a help, as always, contact me if you have any questions.