Last week I picked up a '02 Gustaf M96 and have a question about the safety. When it's decocked, I can flip the safety up into the 12 & 3 o'clock positions and each position locks bolt in place. In the 9 o'clock position bolt is unlocked. When cocked, it functions like my 98GEW action. Is this normal for the M96? I've also noticed (as I type this) when dry firing the safety lever 'bounces' a little, every so often not returning to the 9 o'clock position.
I did have to disassemble the the 96's bolt when I got the rifle because I couldn't get the safety to function at all, but found a posting on a Mauser board and followed the instructions and got it to engage, but I didn't notice if I could flip the safety on and off then when it was decocked. If it matters, the main spring might be new.
On a side note...I love this rifle...especially the round! What an absolute pleasure the 6.5 is to shoot. I loaded up some low pressure rounds and I swear the recoil was just a bit stronger than a 223...and as accurate as I've read. I've become a Mauser addict recently...but this round may become my favorite. I have a Brazilian M1908 action I was going to build a custom off of...and if it's not going to require a ton of work I think I'll have it chambered in 6.5.
I did have to disassemble the the 96's bolt when I got the rifle because I couldn't get the safety to function at all, but found a posting on a Mauser board and followed the instructions and got it to engage, but I didn't notice if I could flip the safety on and off then when it was decocked. If it matters, the main spring might be new.
On a side note...I love this rifle...especially the round! What an absolute pleasure the 6.5 is to shoot. I loaded up some low pressure rounds and I swear the recoil was just a bit stronger than a 223...and as accurate as I've read. I've become a Mauser addict recently...but this round may become my favorite. I have a Brazilian M1908 action I was going to build a custom off of...and if it's not going to require a ton of work I think I'll have it chambered in 6.5.