M96 Carl Gustafs Swedish Mauser Rifle………..SOLD
Created on November 7th 2016
A very good Model 1896 Swedish Mauser
Of standard military configuration for the M96 Infantry Rifle. This example was produced in the Carl Gustafs weapons manufactory in Sweden in 1917. Overall length 49.1/2″. Fully stocked, baring approximately 4.3/4″ of muzzle protruding at the fore-end. The round blued barrel is 29″ long with a stepped muzzle to accept bayonet. The trigger pull length is 14″ to center. This rifle carries the serial number “437576” on the outside LH of the action wall. Records show this puts production in 1917 which ties up nicely with the markings on the receiver. They read as follows:- “Swedish Crown over Carl Gustafs C.G. logo / CARL GUSTAFS STADS /GEVARFAKTORI. / 1917.” The quality of the blueing (black) on the action and receiver is very good with no indications of any wear. The barrel is the same.
A cartouche has been stamped into the underside of the wrist, this indicates work carried out on the rifle after its original issue. This M96 carries a crown over the initial “J,” (Jemmanufakturaktiebolag, Eskilstuna.) The serial number marked on the LHS of the actions outer wall sits next to the initials of the Chief weapons officer in-charge of final inspection of the rifle before issue. These weapons officers were based at the plant over some years and their initials have been recorded so we know that this M96 carries the initials “H.K” for Helge Kolthoff. The straight arm bolt is marked with the last three digits of the rifles serial number; “576” in the same vicinity they are also all marked with a horizontally impressed crown marking from the Carl Gustafs factory. All the parts match over the entirety of the rifle.
The bolt is finished in the white and contrasts well with the black of the action. The magazine follower is also finished in the white, as is the full length cleaning rod stowed beneath the barrel. Chambered in 6.5 x 55mm with a five shot internal magazine and a Mauser straight arm bolt system. The bolt has a three position flag safety at the rear and the bolt release is situated on the rear LHS of the action. The flag safety at the rear can be in the fire position when set towards the left, after the bolt has cocked on closing. In the upright position the rifle is safe. Set to the right the rifle is safe and the bolt is locked into position. The floor plate of the magazine will drop for dumping rounds by pushing an implement up from the underneath in the hole at the rear of the plate, just in-front of the trigger guard.
Because of the quality of the finish on all parts of this Model 1896 the action is extremely smooth to work and the rifle a real pleasure to shoot. The bore is also in very fine condition with very crisp rifling. There does not appear, to the human eye , to be any pitting or misting for its entire length. The rear sight, once again is a component with all the correct numbers on it major parts. The ladder lays down on a stepped ramp and in this position is graduated from 3 to 6 hundred meters, offering a simple open “U” rear sight picture. The front sight is a tapered blade set in a dove-tail for windage adjustment. When the ladder is in the upright position it is graduated from 700 meters to 2000 meters. The “V” sight groove is set slightly off to the left to compensate for bullet drift.
The stock on this fine Model 96 is made from a European Walnut and has some strong grain pattern most noticeable at the butt. There is a brass bore condition disk set into the RHS of the butt and a steel butt plate with tang which is also numbered to this rifle. Finger grooves run either side of the fore-end for 7.1/2″. The hand guard in position above the barrel terminates, as it should just after the mid-band and helps protect the rear sights. The magazine floor plate is correctly numbered and still carries a good degree of blue. Very slight signs of a life in the military by small dents and scrapes but in general this old rifle which is about to become 100 years old is in very good condition. It has acquired London proofs and is yet again ready to be put through its paces. Are you good enough to do this grand old lady justice at the firing point ?
Ask for Stock No’ f 588
£ 725……..(SOLD)
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