The Finnish military turned down the new design, but there was export interest from Lithuania and China. China actually placed an order for 30,000, chambered for the 8mm Mauser cartridge. Only about 1,200 were shipped before the Japanese government persuaded the Finnish government to cut off exports, as Japan was fighting in China at the time.
There was actually some use of the LS26/31 in the Winter War. About 30 of the trials guns remained at Tikkakoski in 1939, and they were pressed into service following the Soviet invasion. They were used until the available drum magazines were all lost or destroyed, and then had their box magazine adapters permanently attached and continued in service as standard LS26 guns.
Standard LS-26 video:
https://youtu.be/7NQyYVpQoyQ
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At Forgotten Weapons I think the most interesting guns out there are the most obscure ones. I try to search out experimental and prototype weapons and show you how they work, in addition to more conventional guns that you may not have heard of before. You’re much more likely to find a video on the Cei Rigotti or Webley-Fosbery here than an AR or Glock. So, do you want to learn about something new today? Then stick around!
