Early Carl Gustafs M96 Gevar……………………. (F 1187)
Created on February 17th 2025
Fine Early Carl Gustafs M96 (Long Rifle)
Produced only in the Fith year of production at the Swedish Carl Gustafs an attractive, good condition Swedish Infantry rifle. The basic reciver and bolt number all match and so have been re-proofed together but the stock is a replacement, which bearing in mind its age of 123 years, perhaps is not unusual. Accidents happen within service life and replacements out of necessity are made. As this rifle existed through the periods of both World Wars, it is not outrageous to expect the Swedes to require all arms available at all times to protect their borders. However, a particularly attractive stock has been chosen with the added bonus of a high grade finish. A strong grain pattern runs throught the entire length of the strock.
This M96 is in standard military specification as a full length Infantry Rifle. Serial number “101477”. This serial number puts production at the Carl Gustafs plant in late 1901 / early 1902. The receiver is marked as 1902. 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 14.” Straight grip, finger grooved stock in European Walnut. Good stock with minimal damage. The underside of the wrist carries two crown inspection stampings. The brass circular plate showing bore condition in its correct position.
The receiver is marked with the “Swedish Crown/ CG royal cypher / CARL GUSTAF STADS / GEVARSFAKTORI / 1902.” Also, on strip-down and cleaning it was discovered that the rifle has its original barrel, as the full serial number can be seen on the shank of the same. (Part serial numbers usually indicate a replacement barrels.) The side wall of the action is marked with the initials of the Chief Weapons Inspectors initials; “O.G.” This was Olof Gibson who held the position at the time. Adjacent to the initials is the serial number. When opened for restoration, the stock is seen to carry the full replacement rifle number; so as this is not a fully matching example of the M96, many of the parts carry the last three digits of a serial number relating to the other weapon. The straight armed bolt is finished in the white and carries the last part of the number “477” 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.
The bolt in the white contrasts with balance of the metalwork, which is in its original blue with some very mild edge wear from age wear as would be expected from a rifle of this vintage. The exposed portion of the barrel has the strongest blue to it, with the action as a close second, 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, matches 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. Strong nitra-blue to band retention springs under fore-end.
Excellent bore for a rifle of these advanced years, continuous rifling no pitting or misting – obviously used but very 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. You can watch a video on our Youtube channel to see this exact rifle go through the Sword & Musket Cleaning process, so go to; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vl-jRgxyLTs&t=21s
Stock No F 1187 – FAC Required
£ 865.
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