M38 Short Rifle by Carl Gustafs……………….. (F 1188)

A Fine example of the M38 Short Rifle by Carl-Gustafs

Good example of the early M38 short rifle, sometimes known as the M96/38 due to its origins within the M96 long rifle.  To be really pedantic this example was known in the Swedish military as the “Gevar m96/38B” as it is threaded at the muzzle.  The threading was to accommodate a blank firing attachment. Steel thread cover in position protecting thread.  Many of these rifles were “cut down” examples of the original long rifles in service at the time.  They will all be made by Carl Gustafs or the original Mauser examples.  The term “cut down” is however somewhat deceptive, in that is exactly not what the Sweedes actually did.  The rifles were re-barrelled and given replacement, purpose built stocks. The conversion were carried out from 1938 until 1940.

This M38 is stocked in a fine grained European Walnut straight grip, finger grooved stock and hand-guard. The stock is finished in a high gloss finish and superb dark rich brown colour.  The rifle is 44″ in overal length.  The round blued barrel is 24″ long and the trigger Pull is 14″ to centre. Stock numbered to rifle.

The receiver ring is marked with the Carl Gustafs crowned CG cypher.  Under the cypher it is roll stamped; ” CARL GUSTAFS STADS/GEVARSFAKTORI/1913.”  On the sidewall of the action is the serial number “312439” and the original factory inspectors initials; “Y.T.”  these are for Frans Yngve Tellander, who was in that position at the Carl Gustaf factory between 1911 and 1914. So that marking is related to the original M96 rifle that the shortened rifle was made from. Records put the serial number in 1913 for production. Obviously this correlates with the date on the reciver.  It is believed that approximately 55,000 M38 short rifles were produced.  All parts, including the bolt are marked with the last three digits of the serial number.  Additionaly all the furniture serial numbers match.

The rear sights are graduated from 300 to 600 meters and have an open notch firing picture.  To improve the rear sight a Vasteras micrometer sight insert has been fitted.  Simple blade foresight with adjustable dovetail for windage.  Brass bore condition disc on the RHS of the butt-stock.  Correct Carl-Gustafs horizontaly applied crown military acceptance marks on most parts.  Strongly rifled bore.  Stepped muzzle to accept standard steel bayonet. Super smooth action.  Bolt in the white and polished, the balance blued – all original and starting to fade including high edge wear.  Fresh CIP proofs applied 2024.

Stock No’ F 1188 – FAC Required

£ 850.

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