M96 Mauser by Carl Gustafs……………..(F 1168)
Created on February 3rd 2025
Fine Clean Example of the Swedish M96 Rifle
This M96 is in standard military specification as a full length Infantry Rifle. Serial number “338973”. This serial number puts production at the Carl Gustafs plant in the year 1915. Chambered in the highly accurate 6.5 x 55mm cartridge. Mauser bolt system with three position flag safety and internal staggered 5-shot magazine. Overall the rifle measures 49.1/4″ in length. The round barrel is 29″ long and the trigger pull is 13.5/8.” Straight grip finger grooved stock in European Walnut. Good stock with minimal damage. The underside of the wrist carries two crown inspection stampings. The metal plate with range adjustments for the M41 ammunition remains just behind the bore condition disc in its correct inverted position.
The receiver is marked with the “Swedish Crown/ CG royal cypher / CARL GUSTAF STADS / GEVARSFAKTORI / 1915″ This obviously tallies with the serial number data. Also, on strip-down and cleaning it was discovered that the rifle has remained in its original stock as the serial number can be seen on the inside of both stock and handguard. The side wall of the action is marked with the initials of the Chief Weapons Inspectors initials; “H.K.” This was Helge Kolthoff who held the position at the time. Adjacent to the initials is the serial number. As this is a fully matching example of the M96 many of the parts carry the last three digits of the serial number and are not from other weapons. The straight armed bolt is finished in the white and carries the last part of the number in several places. When working the action it is immediately obvious how smooth the movement of the cycling is, compared to some other Mausers. The Swedes really fine-tuned these rifles. The rear sights are graduated from 300 to 600 in the normal laying-down position. When the ladder is raised from 700 to 2000. When in that position it is possible to see all the components are also matching.
The bolt in the white contrasts with balance of the metalwork, which is in its original blue with some thinning from age wear as would be expected from a rifle of this vintage. The receiver has the strongest blue to it, otherwise, there do not appear to be any clumsy attempts at re-finishing. The stock is smooth to the touch. Wood to metal fit good all over. Under the barrel is the full length cleaning rod. All the Swedish crown inspectors marks are stamped horizontally indicating application at the Carl Gustafs plant. All Husqvarna stamps are applied at 45 degrees- therefore we can be further reassured that there is no mixing of parts. Bolt release to rear LHS of action. Steel butt-plate matching number. Twin sling swivels, for-end cap has a hole for the cleaning rod and a bayonet fixing lug. Muzzle is stepped to accept bayonet.
Bore with continuous rifling no pitting – obviously used but good. Clean bolt face. A great collectible Swede ready to assume its place in any military rifle collection. Freshly CIP proofed upon import from USA late 2024.
Stock No’ F 1168 – FAC Required
£ 845.
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