Model 1896 Swedish Mauser Rifle………..(f 587) SOLD

Model 1896  Swedish Mauser by Carl Gustafs

This M96 is in its standard specification for military use.  Serial number “345404” puts production in the year 1915.  This M96 was produced by the Swedish weapons factory of Carl Gustaf’s and it says this much on the receiver.  The receiver is marked as follows: ” Swedish Crown over CG logo / CARL GUSTAFS STADS / GEVARSFAKTORI / 1915″   If further information were required on the origins of this particular Model 1896 rifle it would be prudent to check the Factory Chief Inspectors initials which appear beside the serial number on the outside of the action wall.  Records indicate the “H.K.” belong to Helge Kolthoff who held the position from 1912 until 1923.

Fully stocked in walnut with a half length handguard over the barrel which also protects the sights.  The stock has the usual bore condition brass disk set into the RHS of the butt stock.  The steel butt-plare has a long tang on the top side which is marked with the last three digits in the serial number “404” and the Carl Gustafs Swedish Crown stamp, set in horizontally above the number.  All the other anscilliry components are marked with the same three digits.  All components are in good working order and function correctly for what they were designed for.  If anything, however the blueing is starting wear a little thin.  The reason for this could be, of course the fact they have not been re-finished.

The straight arm Mauser type bolt is also full matching, in that all the components bear the same three digits.  As a matter of course when these rifles arrive in the UK they are all re-proofed with their matching bolts in place.  The bolt has a three position safety and cocks on closing.  Underneath the bolt the rifle stores its rounds in a five-shot spring loaded magazine where the rounds double stack diagonally to each other.  When the magazine is empty the rifle will not be able to be reloaded as the magazine follower rises up and stops the bolt from closing again. This is particularly useful on a dark night.

The straight arm bolt has a three position safety flag device at the rear of the bolt. As a result of the high degree of expertise the Sweeds’ employed in the weapons factory and the high standard of finish they invested in the rifles, the action on these rifles is exceptionally smooth to operate.  It is a total pleasure simply to reload the thing, let alone the results which are obtained by these slender graceful rifles.  Accuracy has almost become a by word when applied to these rifles.  They have a well earned reputation for accuracy and reliability.  Qualities highly regarded by a soldier who may have to trust his life to the rifle he carries.

Chambered in 6.5 x 55mm.  The overall length of the rifle is 49.1/2.”  The barrel length is approximately 29″ long.  The muzzle is stepped down to accept the all steel bayonet.  The full length cleaning rod is unmarked. All visible components are numbered to this rifle, including the various components of the rear sight assembly.  The sight is graduated from 300 to 600 meters in the laying down position and in the upright, 700 to 2000 meters. Whilst the sight is laying back the aiming picture is gained through an open “U”  and when upright the design is that of an open “V”, set slightly to the left to compensate for bullet drift.  The stock has finger grooves either side measuring app’ 7″ in length.  Bolt release is at the rear LHS of the action and is also marked to the rifle.  The bore is very good.  No misting or pitting.

A good standard issue infantry rifle apparently untouched by the passage of time.  Proofed in 2016.

Ask for Stock No’ f 587

£ 725. SOLD

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