Author Topic: Swede Mauser (Read 587 times)

koivu · « **on:** April 06, 2006, 08:15:40 AM »

I just received my Swede 6.5X55. I was wondering if someone could identify exactly what model it would be listed as. It's been sportorized slightly. the markings are Carl Gustaf Stards Gevarsfaktori 1916. It has buckhorn sights but the elevation is controlled by a rotary dial. The sight is marked metalverker vasteras. Serial number is HK 388179. All the numbers on the barrel, receiver, bolt and bottom plate seem to match. The barrel is about 22 inches but I am not sure if it has been cut. The bolt is bent down at an angle. The crown looks good. I have shot this rifle and it is very accurate.
Woould it be a Model 38?

Thanks

savageT · « **Reply #1 on:** April 06, 2006, 11:47:43 AM »

Sounds like an original 1916 Carl Gustaf M96. Allot of these were converted by the depot to M96/38 carbines by cutting the barrels down to 23 or so inches and adding a turned-down bolt. The sight you describe is shown on a Swedish Collector Site available when you do a search on Google. You can come up with information and photos for a good history on these various Swedish models.
Jim

davem270win · « **Reply #2 on:** April 06, 2006, 01:54:45 PM »

I bought a couple of Swedes about 12 - 13 yrs ago(maybe longer?), when a batch came on the market. One is a Gustavs 1918 serial 460XXX. This is a model 96 with a straight bolt. I've sporterized it, but I recall not cutting much barrel off, so I'm guessing it was 24" originally.

The other is a M38 short rifle marked Husqvarna 1942. The M38 means they began making that variation in 1938, but they may have converted some older rifles. It has a bent bolt and is serial 644XXX. The two actions are pretty much identical.

There were also 94's. They have a much shallower thumb cut for the stripper clip and do not have the guide rib on the bolt. 94's would be pretty rare.

Bolt Action Rifles, by deHaas is a great reference

Slamfire · « **Reply #3 on:** April 06, 2006, 05:21:32 PM »

Your rifle was made in 1916 at the Swede's national arsenal. It's a Model 96, most of which had 29" more or less barrels. The Model 38s were made by a private maker Huskvarna, and came with 24" barrels. Some of the M96's were cut down during arsenal rebuilding. Flat bolt handles were issued to infantry troops and bent ones to artillery or calvary troops. :wink: