swedish 96CG63 target rifle

[swamphunter]

I have seen these recently, and am considering buying one.  I have heard a lot of good things about the 6.5 x 55 and like that they shoot long bullets.  From what I have learned so far, these rifles were converted to target rifle in or around 1964 for military matches.  I assume they are very accurate.  The only downside I can think of is that they are likely very long and heavy for hunting, and that care must be taken when hand loading as the 96's were not designed for high pressures.  I have also seen Ljungman AG42B rifles and am interested, although these are also quite long and heavy.
Any information, experience or opinion appreciated.
Thanks,
Swamp

[Frank46]

Swamp, the swedes had these reworked by Norma as wells as other gunsmiths. I have 6 swedish mausers and you'll not find that kind of workmanship today. They usually have a rune marking and date as well as who did the work. Think winchester model 70 match rifle and you'll have the general idea. They are that good. Sierra makes a couple good 6.5 match bullets for this cartridge. The swedish mauser is/was rated for about 45K and there is no reason to "hotrod" the cartridge. The AG42B is what the garand is to us. Also accurate. If you want a 6.5 for hunting look at cabela's online as you can find swedish sporters that are plain but extremely well made and accurate. Frank

[Mikey]

Swamp - Frank is correct and so are you in that the CG63 would be long and ehavy to take hunting.  If you want a great 6.5mm for the field, try one of the Swedish made Husquarvarna M38s - basically a 96 shortened to a standard length 23" bbl that looks like any other wartime Mauser.  The M38s make excellent sporters.  Mine came with a #3 (worst of the lot) barrel that shoots snakeeyes at 150m - it shoots better than I do and it does this with S&B factory 131 gn soft points.  This rifle is so accurate I do not bother to reload for it. 

AG42B's - got two of'm and love'm but they are just as big and heavy as a Garand in the woods.  If I'm goin' 6.5-ing, I'll take my sporterized M38.  jmtcw.

[swamphunter]

thanks for the replies.  I'll have a look in Cabela's.
Swamp

[gunner69]

Reading old posts.....  I bought my son one of those Sporter 38's for his 16th b'day.  It shoots factory 139/140 grain 6.5x55's to 1/2" or less at 100yards consistently with good glass.  I liked it so much I bought one for myself!  Both of us have harvested several one shot kills on deer with our Model 38 sporters.  Great choice for someone who doesn't want a lot of recoil.

[GatCat]

Also, don't limit yourself only to Caballa's. Unfortunately, "sporterized" military rifles, for the most part, do not bring much money in the used gun market...so keep your eyes open in pawn shops, gun shows, etc. for a sporterized, or semi-sporterized swede. Some were done-up and sold by Kimber. Just look for good workmanship, hopefully no unneeded holes drilled, a good bore, etc.
Mark

[Happy]

From experiance I rate the Husqvaria model 38 as being stronger than the model 96 . I had a 1916/ 96 and a 43 Husqv. model 38 .  The 38 could take a lot more pressure  with reloads, loads where the 96 would lock up solid with .

These rifles are about perfect for a young shooter to learn , as recoil is very light , and the cartridge will drop deer in their tracks

I see Tradeexcanada has lots of 96 CG63 target rifles in stock .  Looks like a lot of the rifles come with recievers  pre the twenties, So  wonder if these rifles were picked with the best barrels, then were drilled for sites used for target shooting and restocked .
Does any one have the history ?