Purpose built M/38 by Husqvarna…….(F 995) SOLD
Created on March 10th 2022
M/38 Short Rifle by Husqvarna
The sporting rifle, privately owned factory of Husqvarna Vapenfabriks AB stepped in to help in rifle production in the early 1940’s as the Carl Gustafs factory was busy building other things. These Husqvarna rifles are not conversions of the longer M96 but purpose made weapons built from scratch. Very early built examples have been seen with straight bolts but the majority are seen with this bent bolt arm. This is because this was the normal fashion in which Husqvarna had always produced their bolts. It was soon taken on as the individual soldiers preferred it and it became the norm.
These “short” rifles were only built for a few years during the second world war from 1941 to 1944. It was an indicator to the changing requirements of modern warfare of the time. More and more troops were not requiring the full length Infantry Rifle anymore as they began to be transported in trucks and other more mechanised modes of transport. The Husqvarna built rifles should all be stocked in Beech (as is this example), and these once again were purpose built stocks.
Chambered in the same round as the M96, 6.5 x 55mm, with a 5-shot internal magazine and Mauser bolt system. However that doesn’t really do these rifles justice, they were probably the best produced Mauser actions of their time in military use. Once you have shot one of these you will have high standards to fulfil. They are quite simply excellent. The action is so smooth yet reassuringly positive. The recoil is minimal and totally, without wanting to sound in anyway derogatory towards women; they are an excellent choice for our lady shooter comrades. You can shoot these all day long and not walk away with any sort of bruising yet the calibre is easily capable of 1000 yards. Why get a thumping when you are out trying to enjoy yourself. I have many lady customers who would attest to this point.
The rifle is 44″ long overall. The round barrel is 24.5/8″ (600mm) long and threaded at the muzzle. (Thread protector currently A/F) The trigger Pull is 14″ to centre. There is a full length cleaning rod stored under the barrel. The serial number is “645647” and marked on the outside of the action wall. The bolt matches. The receiver is roll stamped;- ” HUSQVARNA VAPENFABRIKS / AKTIEBOLAG / 1942.” The rear sight base carries the final weapons inspectors initials as the receiver was too hard to mark at the end of the manufacturing process. It carries the initials “G.B.” for Gustaf Bjorkenstam. During that year they produced approximately 38,700 weapons.
The rear sights are graduated to 600 meters in the down position and the top of the slide is marked with the “T”. Brass bore condition disc set into RHS of butt. The bolt is finished in the white. The action is blued as was the barrel and other furniture. Steel butt-plate and twin sling swivels. Bayonet lug on front band. Butt-plate numbered to rifle, front and mid barrel band mixed numbers. Finish is wearing away over the majority of the rifle but internally the action is fine. The stock is in good condition with no repairs. The bore is as would be expected, very good. All in all, a rifle that has obviously seen service but has been well maintained where it matters most. Freshly CIP proofed on import. These are getting progressively more difficult to find.
Stock No’ F 995
£ 865. SOLD
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