Swedish Mauser by Carl Gustafs, Model 1896…..(F 1141)
Created on June 27th 2023
A Good Carl Gustafs M1896 Swedish Infantry Rifle
This rifle is in standard military specification as a full length Infantry Rifle. Serial number “474563”. This serial number puts production at the Carl Gustafs plant in the year 1919. Chambered in the highly accurate 6.5 x 55mm cartridge. Mauser bolt system with flag safety and internal 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 Beech. Good stock with minimal damage. The underside of the wrist carries two crowns and a “crowned S” stampings. In this case a clear indicator to a rework at Stockholms’ Tygstation. A vacant area showing the outline of the metal plate with range adjustments remains just behind the bore condition disc.
The receiver is marked with the “Swedish Crown/ CG monogram / CARL GUSTAF STADS / GEVARSFAKTORI / 1919” This obviously tallies with the serial number data. Also, on strip-down and clean it was discovered that the rifle has remained in its original stock as the serial number can be seen on the inside. 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. Its just a big shame the numbers have been replaced on the reverse of the rear sight, however as this is something that I am seeing often, I am starting to wonder if there is a genuine reason behind it.
The balance of the metalwork is blued but with less 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 with another three digits on it. 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 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.
Rear sight graduated from 3 to 600 meters when “down” flat. The sight can be put in the upright position and in that configuration is graduated from 700 to 2000 meters. All bolt components are correctly serial numbered. Bore with continuous rifling no pitting – obviously used but good. At the rear of the action mainly on the upper surface is, possibly the beginnings of a very minor split in the timber, about 3/4″ long. This has been attended to by myself, although I do not believe it will or would have presented a problem anytime soon. Also fitted with sprung steel fore-sight protector marked with three crowns on underside. Brass bore condition disk inset into RHS of butt-stock. A great collectible Swede ready to assume its place in any military rifle collection. Freshly CIP proofed 2021.
FAC Required Stock No F 1141
£ 795.
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