6.5 Sweds

[rockbilly]

I attended a gun show in Abilene Texas this past week-end.  I was really amazed at the number of Sweds there.  One guy had six-seven, several other dealers had two-three on their tables, they went from rough to excellent.  After reading some of the post on this forum, I thought the prices were good too.  They ranged from $129 to $365.  Several of the guns that I would have graded as rough had good bores, some had small pits, and the wood looked like it had been used to drive T post.  Two-three that looked like they could have been factory reworked, and the one for $365 would almost pass for un-issued.

One of the dealers told me a large number of them had been found in a warehouse someplace and they were mostly all in excellent condition.

After seeing the prices, I don't think I will cut anymore of mine up for sporting guns.  But they do shoot good, and are very effective for most North American big game.

[james]

I'm glad to hear there are still some swedes out there.  I bought an all matching M96 from an individual here in N. AR and really like it. I have been watching for a M38 but they seem to be scarce as hens teeth around here.  I found an Encore barrel in 6.5 x 55 so I am reloading and shooting it.  I don't think it is quite as accurate as the 29" Swede but a scope makes up for for the accuracy and my eyesight.  I'd like to find model 38 barreled action or one with scope mounts already on it as I plan to keep my m96 all original.
James - another Swede fan

[Runs with Scissors]

Sarco just imported a shipment of M96's. Maybe 200-300 (?).
In fact, they are just uncrating them now.
They are advertised as being in VG condition and the price is $225.
I have not heard of any new owner reports yet, but sarco has a pretty good reputation.
< http://www.sarcoinc.com >

I'm fond of Swedes myself.

Bill

[1911crazy]

When you go to a gun show, pawnshop or gunstore I always carry a borelite.  If I see a swedish mauser the first thing I look at is the condition stock and then the bore to see if the rifling is even out to the end and no pitting.   Then i look at the reciever number and will make sure the bolt number matches. Then I check near the trigger guard those little crowns that mean how many times its been repaired to me the more crowns means its been well maintained and the better condition its in too.  In my collection of swede's my favorite one is an M96 CG 1907 has 3 crowns on the stock and is very accurate.   Of course if we mailorder a swede were not in control of what we will recieve and its a crap shoot for what we will recieve.  Remember you can always send it back too and exchange it for another one too.  Wether you own a swede or not is up to you but i think when you do get your first swede and shoot it you will be very happy with it. Its the best $200 you'll ever spend!!! All I can add is that these 100 year old rifles sure can still shoot!!!          BigBill