M96-38 Short Rifle by Carl Gustafs……………SOLD

M96/38 Short Rifle 

These rifles are not strictly  “carbines” as there is an official carbine which is quite different to this model.  Though at a glance it looks very much like the “Standard Model” K98.  These weapons were sometimes known as the “m96/38 or just m38.”  They were produced in 1937 by both Oberndorf Mauser and the Carl Gustafs plant in Sweden.  Their need came about by the mechanisation of the Army and Navy.  The spaces in which the men were operating within, were becoming smaller.  The cramped compartments of trucks and ships required a shorter weapon than the original Gevar 96, so existing stocks of the long rifle were cut down to alleviate the problem.  The end result was the m38 short rifle.

The rifle actually measures 43.3/4″ (120 cm) in overall length.  The barrel is 23.5/8″ (60 cm) long.  This is the first type of short rifle, with the original straight handled bolt.  Therefore as would be expected, it is correctly numbered to the rest of the weapon on all its components.  Fully stocked with a hand guard over the barrel in a fine grained walnut.  The stock has finger grooves in the fore-end and a bore condition plate screwed to the RHS of the butt.

The barrel, action and furniture of the weapon are blued and the entire bolt assembly is in the “white” which has been polished to finish.  The straight handled bolt looks to be in fine condition with virtually no corrosion.  The action itself is in mechanically fine condition, cycling perfectly. It is a pleasure to work the bolt, it is so well finished and closes down so smoothly.   The blued receiver is marked with the “CROWN / Carl Gustafs  logo / GARL GUSTAFS STADS / GEVARSFAKTORI / 1915.”

The action side wall is marked with the factory inspectors initials and weapons serial number, “H.K.   337488.”   Helge Kolthoff was at the Carl Gustafs plant throughout the date period for the marking “1915”.  Standard bolt release mechanism for Mausers at rear LHS of the action.  Two sling swivels fitted, the front, hanging from the barrel band.  The barrel band and front band have “488” stamped clearly into the side.  The cleaning rod is in the stock – un-numbered and in the white.  The muzzle is stepped down and the crown is in good condition.  The front sight is a simple fitment marked with a crown on the flat.  The rear sights are the early micrometer type and are a good addition to one of these already accurate rifles.  Added to that, is a very clean bore with good rifling and no corrosion, end result, you should have a very usable short m96.  Woodwork has minimum damage for 100 years usage.

Stock No’ f 487

£ 595……..SOLD

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