Swedish Mauser Model 1896 Long Rifle: The M96 is a famous and sought-after Mauser rifle among the family of Swedish Mausers. These rifles were derived from the early Mauser 1893 but utilized the 6.5×55 Swedish cartridge. The production for Swedish Mausers began in 1898 at Carl Gustafs stads Gevärsfaktori in Eskillstuna, Sweden. The Model 1896 rifle was adopted in 1896 for infantry use to replace Remington’s model 1867-1889 rolling block in 8x58mmR Danish Krag. The Swedish production under license from Mauser began in 1898 and additional rifles were manufactured by Mauser in 1899 and 1900 tue to a delay they had in shipping especially for machinery. The production for the M96 ran until 1925 and additionally 18,000 M96 rifles were made by Husqvarna Vapenfabriks AB during WWII for civilian marksmanship training.  Mauser on the other hand produced 40,000 for Sweden during the turn of the century and Carl Gustafs produced 475,000 total. In 1941 the Swedes adopted 6.5x55mm m/94 ball ammunition which uses a boat tail spitzer bullet requiring the sights to be changed from a U shape notch to a rectangular sight post to better fit the trajectory of the new round

A 1900 marked Carl Gustaf’s m/96 Mauser rifle. This rifle includes an original Swedish bayonet model 1896. Note: the bayonet does not match the rifle but was included with the rifle when we received it. As far as this rifle’s serial numbers go the following numbers are matching: Receiver, bolt, bolt take down lever, magazine floor plate, butt plate, both barrel bands, and rear sight leaf. All other parts did not have markings. It is safe to call this an all matching numbers gun with a bonus bayonet included. We would consider this rifle to be in very good to excellent condition. This rifle is well over 125 years old and has a majority of its original finish intact and even throughout the gun. The blued finish is about 90%+ intact. The polished metal parts look good with no major corrosion to report. The wood stock is also in good shape. This stock has some light pressure marks and scuffs from transport and use. Near the butt plate on the left side of the stock some of the top of the stock’s corner has come off (see photos) this chip looks like it was re-finished over to protect the wood but the wood appears to be left as is. On the right side of the stock is a yellow sticker.We made out some Swedish font but could not make out anything on it. We have left the sticker intact as it probably has been on this rifle for decades. The bolt and bolt face look excellent and the action feels nice and smooth yet still strong. The bore looks nice and clean we note minor carbon fouling but a great crown and chamber. The lands and grooves look nice and strong. The bayonet and scabbard are also in great shape. The scabbard has a light dent in it but still functions fine. Very interesting this rifle was made in 1900 and got to see the start of the last century.

1900 – Production year

Carl Gustaf’s Stads Gevarsfaktorj – Factory in Sweden

Swedish crown proof marks

Swedish brass service disk – in stock

Sight distances.