1915 M38 Carl Gustaf Swedish Mauser 6.5×55 Swede

The model 1938 Mauser chambered in 6.5x55mm Swedish (6,5mm Gevär m/38) was adopted as Sweden’s way to adapt and modernize their military like the rest of the world. Many militaries had begin producing shorter carbines that were significantly shorter than their standard infantry long rifles but still longer than the compact cavalry carbine. With yet another war on the horizon the Swedes wanted to adapt as they saw the benefit with naval crews and tank troops.

The first m/1938 Mauser rifles are called Type 1 rifles and were converted from existing stock of m/1936 long rifles m/38. These rifles had the barrels cut down and re-crowned by 5.5” or 139mm. Just about all of these rifles would retain their original receiver production year and straight bolt handles. Collectors refer to these rifles as m96-38 but that was never an official name given in Sweden. Carl Gustaf’s converted 55,080 m96 rifles into the m38 rifles in only two years, 1938 until 1940. Husqvarna AB would produce 88,150 brand new m38 rifles between 1942 and 1944. Both versions of the rifle would use the newer updated short range rear sight famous for its horizontal disk and rotating screw.

For sale is an original Swedish M38 carbine made by Carl Gustaf’s Stads Gevarsfaktorj. The rifle was an original m/96 long rifle made in Sweden in the year 1915. This rifle would later be converted into a 1938. This was a common practice by nations between the World Wars. They would take existing stock rifles and update and convert them forward.  That is how an M/38 carbine has a 1915 “production date on it”  This makes this a type 1 M38 carbine. “m96-38” This M38 carbine is in excellent condition. As far as serial numbers the receiver, bolt, bolt take down lever, magazine floor plate, butt plate, barrel bands are matching numbers. We did not see any other serialized parts so it is safe to call this rifle an all numbers matching gun. The wood stock looks great for a rifle well over 100 years old. Majority of the finish is intact and even throughout the rifle with very minimal wear from use and transport. No major damage to report. The action looks great and the metal parts are in excellent condition with no rust or pitting to report. The bolt and bolt face look nice and the action is strong and smooth. The bore also looks very good. We would rate it a 4.25/5 Very nice strong crisp lands and grooves throughout the barrel. No pitting spotted, and a nice clean chamber and crown. There is some carbon fouling but that should clean easily. This carbine does include an original Swedish leather service sling.

1915 – Production year

Carl Gustaf’s Stads Gevarsfaktorj – Factory in Sweden

Swedish crown proof marks

-0.5 – Front sight

Swedish brass service disk – in stock

Sight distances.