With either a Finnish-produced M/28-30 rifle or a Suomi KP/-31 sub-machine gun, Mr. Simo Häyhä (1905-2002) reportedly killed 505 enemy soldiers during the Winter War (1939-1940). This is the highest recorded number of sniper kills in any war.

According to Wikipedia: “Häyhä used his issued Civil Guard rifle, an early series SAKO M/28-30 (Sn.35281/Civil Guard district number S60974). The rifle was a Finnish Civil Guard variant of the Mosin–Nagant rifle, chambered in the Finnish Mosin–Nagant cartridge 7.62×54R.

He preferred iron sights over telescopic sights, as they enable a sniper to present a smaller target for the enemy…”

Furthermore:

 “Häyhä would frequently pack dense mounds of snow in front of his position to conceal himself, provide padding for his rifle and reduce the characteristic puff of snow stirred up by the muzzle blast. He was also known to keep snow in his mouth while sniping, to prevent the steam of his breath in the cold air from giving away his position.”

If you have ever shot in the snow, you know this issue. Your rifle goes bang, and suddenly you don’t see anything.

– ‘When asked in 1998 how he had become such a good sniper, Häyhä answered, “Practice.”‘

Wikipedia Source

You can read more about Simi here: https://www.simohayha.com/

^{Fast Forward to 2018 and the subject of Today’s Photo here at TFB.}

^{Sniping and practicing – here we see the marksmen and spotters of Finnish Jaeger Company of the Pori Brigade, as they practise with other NATO force in Norway during Triden Juncture 2018.}

^{They are using SAKO TRGs. With yellow magazines and muzzle brakes I suspect they are using blanks for training.}

Thanks to Finnaccuracy we get some more detailed information about the firearms, optics and ammunition:

As in pic, Sako RK95 / 7.62×39 folder with Trijicon optics.

2 pcs of TRG-42 rifles in 338 Lapua Magnum. Finnish army uses 250 gr Lapua Lockbase bullet in their TRG:s, beside of AP/API load.

Rifles equipped with Zeiss Victory Diavari 3-12×56 sight that is/was not standard production Zeiss. Elevation turret has custom BDC for Lockbase, total adjustment travel 18.6mrad if memory still serves.

Turret has also tritium insert for certain setting, for twilight/night use.
Scope mount is Sako with small mod, Simrad KN250 interface rail on top of front “double-rings”.