M96/38 Short Rifle by Mauser, Oberndorf…….(f 735) SOLD

These straight bolt-arm short rifles are conversions from earlier model 96 long rifles. The term “conversion” though does rather cast a negative light on what is in fact a superb version of this classic Swedish rifle.  One imagines that this terminology merely indicates that some poor soul was given the job of chopping long barrels down, to, as in a simple way as possible,  allow Sweden to fall into line with other modern armies around Europe.  However this is not quite the case:  The selected M96 long rifles were returned to the arms factories where the old long barrels were removed and brand new replacement barrels fitted, along with all the other obvious changes required.  End result, a rifle which was already well thought of was thus improved and given a new lease of life.  For this reason the M38 is often found with pre 1938 receiver dates and will still be quite legitimate.

This particular example was originally built in 1900 by the Mauser Oberndorf factory as an M96 long rifle.  There is a long standing, and as of this moment, unsettled disagreement over which is better; original Mauser production or Carl Gustafs items?  Well, I don’t care! I believe that they are both unparalleled in quality of production – for military bolt actions.  Arguments over who turned out the better rifle will go on far past my time on this floating rock and instead of engaging in pointless debate I would rather shoot the things.  To me, the proof is in the pudding, (oh, and I’ve always liked pudding !) and being one who has worked with my hands all my life, I can immediately appreciate the quality of these fine rifles as soon as I get my mitts on them and work the action.  End of my contribution to the debate.  In short, they are excellent.  Far better than they need to be, but we only have those excellent craftsmen and machinists to thank for that. Respect.

This M38 rifle is stocked in a Scandinavian Beech – a hardwood.  It is fitted with a one-piece stock and hand-guard over the barrel.  Overall the rifle measures 43.3/4″ in length.  The barrel is 25.3/4″ (600mm) long and the trigger pull is 14″.  The receiver is marked as follows; “WAFFENFABRIK / MAUSER / OBERNDORF  A/N  /1900.”  So this rifle was one of the first batch sent by Mauser while the Swedish factories got set up to produce their own rifles.  The action sidewall has the serial number “2884” an early number which corresponds with the date on the receiver.  It also bears the initials of the military inspector who accepted the rifle; “O.G” Olof Gibson, who was at the Carl Gustafs factory from 1898 to 1902.  The last three digits of the serial number are repeated in numerous places over interchangeable components of the weapon – like the bolt.

Standard mauser bolt release lever on rear LHS of action marked “84”.  All of the remaining components are thus marked and match.  Cleaning rod under barrel.  Nitre blued band retention springs on underside of for-end.  Steel butt-plate with marked tang.  Bore condition disc set into RHS of the butt-stock clearly marked for the “Torped” bullets; the front sight being accordingly marked with the “T” to indicate the same.  The rear sights are the original numbered sights that would have been on the M96 but have the addition of the later micrometer adjustable sight insert by Vasteras.  Twin sling swivels and bayonet stud nose-cap.  The muzzle is stepped to accept the all steel bayonet.

As indicated before the action on this 5-shot M96-38 is excellent and impossibly smooth.  The bolt has the normal mauser three position flag safety with superb machine cross-hatching to aid grip and is finished in the white.  The bore is good and clear.  This should make an excellent shooter and a valuable addition to any military rifle collection.  One last point, these rifles are excellent choices for the lady shooter, as the recoil is negligible in comparison to other full bore bolt actions. Even so, the 6.5 x 55 round is as good as many, if not better, with a very flat trajectory.  This rifle is equipped with the correct, original adjustable leather sling which is clearly marked with the three Swedish Crowns of acceptance.  Bluing is strong and the woodwork is in fine condition with no splits or breakages and only the most minor appearance of dings or dents.

A sweet Swede indeed !

Stock No’  f 735

£ 745.  SOLD

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