Swedish M/96 Full length Military Rifle………(f 518)

A good Swedish Model 1896 Long Rifle

This Swedish M96 is chambered in 6.5×55mm, operating on the time-tested Mauser bolt with a five-shot internal magazine. The bolt features a straight arm and an intuitive flag safety to the rear. Retaining its original military stock and hand-guard, the rifle presents exactly as issued — functional, robust, and historically authentic.

Measurements & key specs

• Calibre: 6.5 × 55 mm

• Action: Mauser-type bolt, 5-shot internal magazine

• Safety: Straight arm bolt with rear flag safety

• Overall length: 1260 mm (≈49.6″)

• Barrel: Round, blued, 740 mm (≈29.1″)

• Length of pull / trigger to center: 350 mm (≈13.8″)

• A superb example for the collector or shooter who values classic ergonomics, legendary bolt reliability, and genuine military provenance

Stock & Unit Markings

The stock and handguard are fashioned from close-grained walnut, featuring classic finger grooves on either side, each measuring 185 mm in length. Despite its 112 years of age, the stock remains in very good condition, showing only the expected service marks, light dents, and handling impressions typical of a rifle that saw honest military use. Importantly, there are no cracks, splits, or structural faults.

On the right-hand side of the butt-stock, the original ballistic chart for the later heavier bullet remains clearly visible, alongside a unit identification disk marked:

“L _I.17 / No 30C / No 140”

For the collector, this marking is of particular significance. The “L” denotes Landstormen — Sweden’s territorial or militia defence force, roughly equivalent to a home guard. The adjoining “I.17” identifies the 17th Infantry Regiment, linking this rifle directly to its original regimental issue and giving it an authentic and traceable provenance.

A fine, service-issued example that combines excellent preservation, clear military markings, and historic relevance — an ideal addition to any serious collection of early 20th-century European service rifles.

Receiver, Proofs & Serial Evidence

The receiver is crisply stamped with the classic Swedish crown over the C.G. logo, followed by the maker legend:
“CARL GUSTAFS STADS / GEVARSFAKTORI / 1904.”

On the action’s outer wall the factory inspector’s initials “K.B.” are present — Konrad Berglund, then a Captain in the 5th Artillery Regiment while seconded to the factory. Adjacent to his mark is the correct 1904 serial number: “146641.”

The final three digits “641” recur across all the usual component parts of the rifle, confirming factory-matching provenance — with one notable exception. The flag safety, cocking piece and bolt shroud carry different markings, while the bolt handle itself bears “641”, and the un-numbered full-length cleaning rod stowed beneath the barrel is finished in the white along with the bolt extractor. This suggests a single, innocuous assembly mix-up at the armoury rather than later part-swapping — the sort of tiny historical quirk that actually enhances the rifle’s story and traceability rather than detracting from it.

Mechanically and visually the rifle remains coherent and well-documented: factory proofs, inspector’s initials and the near-uniform component numbering together provide strong, verifiable provenance for the discerning collector.

Finish & Overall Condition

The majority of the metalwork remains in original blued finish, showing honest wear with a few scratches and dents appropriate to service use — there is no evidence of re-finishing. The bolt and extractor remain in the white, as does the full-length cleaning rod. All Swedish crown acceptance marks appear horizontal, as is correct for Carl Gustafs manufactured rifles.

Mechanically and cosmetically this M96 presents as a well-preserved, correctly marked, and fully coherent example suitable for both the collector and the shooter.

Measurements

• Overall length: 1260 mm (approx. 49.6″)
• Barrel length: 740 mm (approx. 29.1″)
• Length of pull / trigger to centre: 350 mm (approx. 13.8″)

Bore, Action & Overall Condition

The bore is in remarkably fine condition, showing strong, deep, and uninterrupted rifling with sharp, clean edges — a truly impressive state for a rifle of this age. The action operates smoothly and with excellent tension; lifting the bolt from the cocked position allows it to spring back firmly, indicating a strong and healthy firing-pin spring.

Two Swedish crown inspection marks are neatly stamped into the stock behind the trigger guard, confirming its authenticity and official inspection lineage.

Altogether, this is a superb example of an early Swedish service rifle, freshly UK proofed and ready to shoot once more. The legendary 6.5×55 cartridge remains renowned for its accuracy and mild recoil, and when paired with the Mauser system’s precision engineering, it delivers a performance that continues to impress even modern marksmen.

The fit and finish of the Carl Gustafs manufacture are beyond the ordinary — the action itself speaks volumes of the meticulous craftsmanship invested in these rifles. It stands as a tribute to Swedish engineering and military pragmatism — a rifle so well made that its country managed to stay armed, respected, and neutral through two World Wars and the Cold War that followed.

A genuine collector’s piece — historically significant, mechanically sound, and still an absolute joy to handle and fire.

Stock No’   f 518

  Now   £ 725.  

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