M1896 Swedish Mauser rifle by Carl Gustafs… (f 920) Sold

M96 Swedish Gevar (Long Rifle)

This rifle is in standard military specification as a full length Infantry Rifle.  Serial number “370967”.  This serial number puts production at the Carl Gustafs plant at the end of the year 1915/16.  Chambered in the highly accurate 6.5 x 55mm cartridge.  Mauser bolt system with internal 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 Elm; a very hardwearing timber.  Professionally stripped and oil finished; extremely fine stock with minimal damage.

The receiver is marked with the Swedish Crown/ CG monogram / CARL GUSTAF STADS / GEVARSFAKTORI / 1915″  This obviously tallies with the serial number data.   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 many other Mausers.  The Swedes really fine-tuned these rifles.

The balance of the metalwork is blued but thinning with age as would be expected from a rifle of this vintage.  The wear is even all over and there have been no clumsy attempts at re-finishing.  The stock is very smooth to the touch but has been armoury repaired at the toe with a concealed screw underneath a wooden plug.  All is flush to the touch.  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 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 threaded.

Rear sight (numbered to another rifle)  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 – slightly soft but intact.  Brass bore condition disk inset into RHS of butt-stock.  A great collectible Swede in an unusual stock material ready to assume its place in any military rifle collection.  Freshly CIP proofed 2021.

Stock No’ f 920

£ 795.  SOLD

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