Confusing Swedes

A

Armymutt

New member
Saw these at my local gun shop. Both are marked as Model 96s. The right one is a Husqvarna, the left is marked as just "Swedish" - I didn't pick it up because I've been eyeing the other. I think the right one is a B model - threaded barrel. From what I've been reading this evening, the right one is consistent with the description. I know the pic isn't the best - again, I was focusing on the right one - but is the left one also a 96?
 

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Tough to tell by the picture. But it looks to me that the right one is a M1938 Short Rifle, which should have a bent bolt handle. Although there were M96s that were shortened to Short Rifle length, which would normally then have a straight bolt handle. What is the date on the reciever?

The left on is about the correct length for a M96, but the bayonet lug does not look correct for a Swede. I also notice that the stock does not have the grip notch on the stock.
 
The one on the left doesn't look like a swede to me. If you get some photos of it we can probably ID it. It could be 93 action Mauser of some short judging by the photo.
 
Look on top of the reciever. It should have the Swedish crest, manufacturer, and year. Check to see if the numbers on all the parts match. The more matching numbers the better, kinda like playing the lotto:)


I think tator134 is right about the left one being a 93 action. Possbily a Spanish?

If you could get pics of the top of the recieivers, specifically any crest, we could probably ID it.
 
I'll try to get some pics on Monday or Tuesday. Are all Swedes standard with straight bolts or did the factories produce some bent ones as well? If so, is there a year difference?
 
Right one is a Swede, possibly a 1938 (bent bolt) or a '96 that was cut down to '38 specs (straight bolt), left one is another variety of Mauser, possibly 1893 Spanish, 1895 Chilean, etc.
 
Went back to the shop today. I'm pretty sure the one on the right in the original pic is not a Swede. Pictures 2 and 3 are of the one on the right. The area where the manufacturer names is reads Fabrica Armas - or something like that. It's definitely not Swedish. Picture 5 is the Husqvarna. The shop wants $289 for it. Based on what I've read, it sounds fair, but I'm not sure. The wood isn't sharp in the areas I'm told it should be. It does have the brass disk, though it looks like it has never been polished. To me, that says original, but who knows. Thoughts? See next post for close up of the crest area.
 

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The "other rifle" seems t obe a 1893 Spanish mauser.

And judging by the date, the Swede is a M38. Early M38s had straight bolt handle; but judging from the date on yours, it should be bent. If not, check to see if the numbers on the bolt and receiver match. If the numbers match, then disregard the last sentence:o

The brass disk has marking that tell the condition of the bore.
http://dutchman.rebooty.com/disc.html

It's been a while since I priced Swedish Mausers. At one time I owned 4: 2 M96s, M38, and Sporterized M96. I'm now down to 2 as I sold one 96 and the M38 (to buy a Kar98k.) The M38 was a Husqy with all matching numbers and great wood, I sold it about 3 years ago for around $350.

Hope this helps
 
Thanks. It's definitely not matching numbers. Would be a good shooter, but not much collector value. Will probably pass on it unless they drop it significantly. It's been there for over a year, so I don't think it's going anywhere soon.
 
A 1942 Swedish rifle was made as a M38 with a bent bolt at Husqvarna. The M96 rifles that were shortened are termed M96/38 and retain the straight bolt handle.

Those rifles saw a lot of service and were also shot in military matches for a long time. The fact that the bolt is not matching could lead to headspace problems and I would have the seller guarantee headspacing and carefully inspect the bore.

The Swedish rifles can perform great on the range and are a pleasure to shoot.
 
Went back to the shop today. I'm pretty sure the one on the right in the original pic is not a Swede.
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In your original photo, the rifle on the right (the shorter of the two) is definitely the Swede.
 
Sorry, meant left. It's the anatomical right. Too much time looking at animals form the belly side - screws up your references.
 
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