Actually what MGMorden said is right and it's worng too.... The mauser M96 is simply an improved M95. Bit better gas handling, anti bind bump, etc. But and a big one it is... they were made expecially for the original caliber. They biggest difference in the feed rails.. The bumps that retain the rounds in the magazine. The difference is small and likely inconsequencial but it is there. The biggest difference in the M96 and the other small rings is metalurgy. I believe the steel at leaast that in the Swedish mafe M96's is better than the mausers. Be very fareful though as mauser made some of the M96 themselves so once again generalities fail us. I have several swedes and find them very useful and accurate rifles. As with all rifles I don't believe in hotrodding a caliber. If you want the extra power, get a larger round. That said I will once again restate,, The M96 and earlier actions lack the gas handling refinements of the 98. A pierced primer or blown case is very likely to damage the shooter.. much more so than with the M98..