Swedish M41B Sniper Rifle………………( f 626) SOLD

A Good example of the famous “Artic Predator” – The M41B Sniper Rifle

This Sniper set up is often regarded as one of the best combinations to come together from the period.  The mix of the excellent Swedish built Mauser and the superb optics manufactured  in Germany at the time produced a match that was hard to better.  Combine these factors with the efficient qualities of the 6.5 x 55 round, the whole cocktail is now legendary for its accuracy.  The rifle selected was the M96 Infantry long rifle which was built by the Carl Gustafs plant; and this specimen, in 1911.  It had the standard five-shot internal magazine and Mauser flag safety bolt system which cocks on closing.

The Swedish Mauser is known for its excellent build quality, finish and attention to detail.  So much so, that when these rifles left the factory, each component part is numbered with the last three digits of the serial number.  However, when the Sniper combinations were built in 1955 the numbering system went out the window.  This occurred as the rifles were taken from existing stocks and dismantled; parts became mismatched.  Also, the bolts were turned down and blued during the process.  It would be highly unusual to find a matching example with even a matching bolt.  The exception is that the scope mount should be numbered to the rifle.  This rifle conforms with all the above.

In overall length the rifle is 49.1/2″ long.  The round barrel is 29″ long.  The trigger pull is 13.7/8″ long to center.  There is a full length cleaning rod stowed under the barrel.  The rifle has the serial number 278969 stamped into the scope side-rail and the lower section of the sliding mount.  The original marking of the serial number and the inspectors initials are covered by the side-rail.  The serial number indicates manufacture at the end of 1910 into the beginning of 1911.   The receiver is marked with the ” Swedish Crown / C.G. monogram / CARL GUSTAFS STADS / GEVARSFAKTORI / 1911″ confirms this data.

As per standard specification the rifle is fully stocked in a European Walnut stock with finger grooves in the fore-end.  The hand-guard over the barrel is approximately half the length of the barrel at 14″ and protects the rear sights, ending just forward of the mid barrel band.  The rear sights have been changed to the M/55 Sikte open sights.  Towards the rear end of the sight block it is marked with three stylised crowns and infront of the adjustable dial, it reads as follows; ” S. M. / sikte / F-ram m/55.”  The “F-ram” actually indicates that this particular sight is an experimental model but, it has the standard dial fixed to it which is graduated from 100 to 600 meters.   The blade fore-sight has a sprung sight protector fitted as with all the sniper models.

As mentioned above nearly all the components which were stripped from the rifle during its upgrade to sniper configuration are mismatched.  However, the bolt release catch has retained the serial number of the receiver and displays the “969” on the top surface.  All the components are fully functional and have a retain good degree of blue as they were more than likely re-blued in the upgrade.  The stock also has all the standard fittings including two sling swivels and a steel butt-plate with tang numbered to another rifle.  On the RHS of the butt-stock the usual bore condition brass disc is still is still in position.  The sock itself has a little above average the normal amount of dents and wear associated with service life but, this in no way detracts from the overall feeling of the rifle; if anything it adds that degree of possibility that it may have well seen some front line usage, somewhere!  As this model, the M41B, was actually taken out of service in 1991 that is a long life in the military!

The scope is the military refurbished post war German Ajack 4 x 90 with coated lenses for extra light gathering.  This one still bears the number tag “93” affixed to the mount. This is the last rifle rack number displayed for quick reference by the armourer.  Windage is affected by adjustment to opposing screws situated in the rear of the mount.  The base has the addition of the recoil stop and screw which is an excellent way of stopping the scope from becoming jammed through the action of recoil.  The long lever on the mount acts upon a steel cross-pin and simply locks the mount into place or releases it if pulled rearward.  There is a simple elevation adjustment wheel on the top with a locking screw at the front.  The dial is graduated from 1oo to 800 meters.  On the LHS of the wheel base are the markings: ” Swedish Crown (Military acceptance mark) Nr 0210 / 1941 B”  The “B” is the important mark as it designates that the scope has been refurbished with the improved coated lenses.   The other side is marked “AJACK 4×90″  Towards the rear is a brass ring which runs around the tube and bears a -3 to +3 graduation this adjust the rearward lenses to accommodate the individual shooters eyesight.  The reticule is the standard German “picket post” type and fully intact and adjustable.  Optics are excellent and scope mounts into position firmly.

This is a very good example of the Model M41B and would be a pleasure to own and shoot.  The bore is in fine condition with a strong depth to the four grove RH twist rifling.  There is no pitting and all that need to happen to this example is to be shot!  Nice to have something old that shoots really well!

Ask for Stock No’ f 626

£ 2975.  SOLD

Comments Off on Swedish M41B Sniper Rifle………………( f 626) SOLD