M38 Short Rifle by Carl Gustafs……………….. (F 1167)

A good standard 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.  Many of these rifles were “cut down” examples of the original long rifles in service at the time.  They will mostly 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 conversions were carried out from 1938 until 1940.

This M38 is stocked in a European Beech, straight grip, finger grooved stock and hand-guard. The stock has a smooth all over semi-gloss sheen to its surface.  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.  Mild dings and dents showing a life with the military.

The receiver ring is marked with the Carl Gustafs crowned CG cypher.  Under the cypher is roll-stamped; ” CARL GUSTAFS STADS/GEVARSFAKTORI/1915.”  On the sidewall of the action is the serial number “367304” which puts production squarely in 1915.  Original factory inspectors initials; “HK”  these are for Helge Kolthoff, who was in that position at the Carl Gustaf factory between 1912 and 1923 are adjacent to the serial number. So that “H.K” marking is related to the original M96 rifle that the shortened rifle was made from. 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. Correct length un-numbered cleaning rod in position under the barrel.

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 all parts.  Strongly rifled, very clean bore, no pitting or misting.  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 1167 – FAC Required

£ 850.

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