HUSQVARNA M/38 Carbine ………………(F 953) SOLD
Created on October 20th 2021
Husqvarna purpose built M38 Carbine
These carbines were only built within a narrow period of a few years during WW2. There being a total of only 65,000 built in total. Produced at the Husqvarna plant between 1941 and 1944 specifically with the bent bolt handle as Husqvarna had the tooling to produce that set up.
This particular example carries the serial number “667006” putting production in 1942. These carbines or “Short Rifles” were made to be used by drivers, cyclists – troops who operated in usual cramped or awkward conditions. They were not originally visualised as being for use in the field by the infantry but they soon became popular for their ease of use. Stocked in Scandinavian Beech with a one-piece straight gripped stock. The fore-end had finger grooves and the hand guard over the barrel both protected the rear sights and protected the user from the heat generated by the barrel during fire. The carbine has a plain metal butt-plate with upper tang, the matching serial number is stamped in t0 the face. There is a stock condition disk in the RHS of the butt-stock.
The lighter handier short rifle was 44.1/8″ in overall length. The round, blued, barrel, threaded at the muzzle for blank firing attachment is 24″ long. The trigger Pull measured to the centre is 13.7/8″. The action, barrel and ancillaries are finished in a strong blue which is only starting to wear about the muzzle. The bolt is finished in a high polished White and in fine condition. This is complimented by a strong contrast with the bluing and accentuated by the regular checkering on both the safety and the cocking piece to the rear of the bolt. This really is a very attractive looking piece of machinery considering its basic purpose. The feel of the bolt action in operation is extremely smooth and tight, which a strong compression from the main spring.
There are multiple Swedish Crown acceptance crowns on all the components including the stock. The finish on the two band spring in the underside of the fore end is exceptional. Twin sling swivels and cleaning rod stored under the barrel. The nose cap of the carbine includes a stub for the M96 all steel bayonet to affix to. Standard rear sights with no windage adjustment, but marked “T” for “Torped” bullet introduced in 1941. Chambered in 6.5 x 55 with a 5-shot internal magazine and smooth Mauser bolt system. All components marked with the last three digits of the serial number. Magazine follower with polished white surface enabling smoother feed. For a military rifle this has so many features not usually encountered on mass produced rifles of the time.
The rear sights are graduated from 100 to 600 meters on the top face. The highly finished blued receiver is marked with the makers details;- “HUSQVARNA VAPENFABRIKS / AKTIEBOLAG / 1942” The serial number is stamped into the outside of the action wall but the inspectors initials are found in a different place to the other rifles on the Husqvarna. The rear sight has two stubby protrusions which are for its protection either side, between these are the inspectors initial which are quite clearly, “S.S.” This was Sten Stenmo and he stayed at that plant until 1946. He was in fact the last inspection officer as the position was dropped after him.
The weapon has a strong bore with much depth of rifling remaining. It would actually benefit from being regularly shot. Stock in fine condition with a strong patina over the beech and little sign of a military life. Freshly CIP proofed.
Stock No’ F 953
£ 775. (SOLD)
Comments Off on HUSQVARNA M/38 Carbine ………………(F 953) SOLD