Swedish Model 96-38 Short Rifle……….SOLD

 M96-38 Short Rifle

These rifle were produced in 1938 from stocks of existing M96 long rifles held in store.  They can be found either made by Waffenfabrik Mauser or by Carl Gustafs, this one is by the later.  There was nothing “wrong” with the rifles chosen, it was just a wartime “expedient” measure.  Warfare was developing and full length rifles were more difficult to get in and out of vehicular transport, of the type being used at the time.

This short rifle was originally produced by the Carl Gustafs plant in 1916.  The receiver is marked as follows ” Swedish crown / C G logo  / CARLS GUSTAFS STADS / GEVARSFAKTORI / 1916.”   The side wall of the action being marked with the serial number “377112” and also with the Factory Inspectors initials “M.B.”   Serial number records indicate production in 1916.  The Inspection Officer was Tage Fredrik Magnus Berggren who held the rank of Captain in the 28th Infantry and was Besiktningsofficer  at Carl Gustafs from 1914 to 1917, so all the information on the action checks out.

The rifle now measures 45.1/2″ in length including the screw on muzzle-break.  The barrel is 23.1/2″ long.  The trigger pull length being 14″.  Chambered as all Swedish Mausers in 6.5 x 55mm.  With a 5-shot internal magazine.  The rifle can be loaded by stripper clip, which is guided by a groove in the front of the rear action bridge.  The cut out in the action wall and the depression in the side of the woodwork is to allow the rounds to be pushed home completely by the thumb.  This short rifle still has the original straight handle bolt it had when it was along rifle.  All components of the bolt are marked with the last three numbers of the serial number, “112”

These rifles tend to look particularly smart because of the contrast between the finish of the action and the bolt. The action and barrel are blued but the bolt and the magazine follower are in the white (or polished steel)  The quality of both finishes really makes them stand out against each other.  Also the quality of the finish has lasted particularly well in both cases.  If you consider the fact that they were most likely, but not necessarily, refinished in 1938 at the latest. Then that their primary usage occurs in the open, this rifle is in very, very good condition.

The stock is of the local red beech.  It has finger grooves in the fore-end, a slim straight wrist and is fitted with a steel butt-plate.  The tang is marked with the “112” and a the Swedish Crown acceptance mark.  On the underside of the wrist the crown is stamped clearly into the wood, between the rear sling swivel and the trigger guard.  Both the trigger guard and the floor plate are also stamped with the crown. On the RHS of the butt is the brass bore condition disk.  There are the normal two sling swivels, the front mounted on the middle band.  The nose cap has a hole in it to accept the cleaning rod and stud that takes the bayonet.  This short rifle is fitted with the sprung steel sight protector and muzzle break.  The rear sights are the standard fitment but with the vernier dial attachment fitted.

An unusual version of the Swedish Mauser, London Proofed and ready to go again.

Stock No’  f  396

£ 725…..SOLD

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