Finnish private collectors legally own over 100 cannons, mortars, and howitzers
Finnish private individuals, museums, and foundations legally possess more than 100 cannons, 18 mortars, and eight anti-tank recoilless rifles, according to an investigation by Finnish public broadcaster Yle.
The weapons are primarily owned by experienced collectors who view them as part of preserving military history and cultural heritage. While some have been rendered inoperable, Finnish police confirm that firing permits are not granted, even for functional pieces.
Mostly in hands of dedicated collectors
A 25-year-old collector from Iisalmi, Miitri Oikarinen, keeps six deactivated cannons in a converted storage room, including a German 2cm Flak 38 model. He has collected military artifacts since age eight, acquiring his pieces from private sellers who obtained them through auctions by the Finnish Defence Forces and defense supplier Millog.
Finland has around 1,500 licensed weapon collectors, with roughly 250 belonging to the Finnish Historical Weapons Society. Police records show the country has about 1.5 million privately owned firearms, mostly hunting weapons, with the highest concentrations in Åland and Lapland.
Legal gaps and rare offenses
Police inspector Jussi Kytösaari notes that Finland’s 2019 Firearms Act contains an oversight—it does not address deactivated “display cannons.” A correction is underway in upcoming legislation. He adds that illegal cases involving such heavy weapons are extremely rare, with only a few unauthorized recoilless rifles and mortars encountered in 15 years.
Cultural preservation over practical use
Kalle Seppälä, vice chair of the Finnish Historical Weapons Society, emphasizes that collecting aims to preserve heritage, not functionality. Some collectors modify weapon frames (like recoilless rifles) into legal firearms by embedding licensed rifle barrels inside.
The majority of Finland’s cannons, mortars, and howitzers are concentrated among a small group of around 20 collectors, with no recorded criminal misuse.