Swedish M/38 Husqvarna Short Rifle………………(F 900) SOLD
Created on December 8th 2020
M38 Short Rifle by Husqvarna
This is the purpose built version of the Swedish Short Rifle, designated the M/38. Still chambered in the same round, the 6.5 x 55 Swedish. These particular rifles were built by the private weapons factory of Husqvarna Vapenfariks AB. Previous M/38 rifles had been produced from converted Mauser and Carl Gustaf M96 long rifles. The most noticeable difference is the “bent” down bolt handle which was purpose made. However, it is possible to find the very early Husqvarna versions with straight bolt handles but these are few and far between. Also, all original Husqvarna stocks are from Beech, as is this example.
It is also easy to quickly see the makers detail on the receiver ring which reads; “HUSQVARNA VAPENFABRIKS / AKTIEBOLAG / 1942” The serial number is on the outside of the action wall; “646726” This is repeated in part on many other components making it, for the most part, a matching rifle. However, and there’s often a but, two components have been replaced and then electro-pencilled with the last three digits of the serial number, they are the cocking piece and the bolt shroud. The fact that these two parts act upon each other is a possible reason for the replacement. It is possible that there was a failure which effected both parts during firing. – Just a theory; so that would intermate an armoury or official repair. It seems improbable as the bolt and the safety are original parts, there would be any other reason for the change! The other point which may have some influence over this situation, is that both the electro-pencilled parts have the correct Husqvarna angled acceptance crown on them, which means they would have been drawn from blank factory parts in position for just such an eventuality. (The inspection crowns on the Mauser and Carl Gustaf weapons are all applied horizontally.) That’s as far as I can go with my crystal ball!
The M38 measures 44″ in overall length. The round barrel is 23.1/2″ long and the trigger pull is 14″ to centre. Five shot internal magazine which can be Laddram (stripper clip) fed. These rifles were mainly used by mechanised troops or drivers etc, where long rifles would be impractical. Beech stock showing some service dents and dings to the surface but nothing really serious. No actual surface breaks or splits developing. The wrist is marked with a single crown behind the trigger guard. Many other components are marked with the oblique Swedish inspectors mark of the crown, including the bolt release catch, the magazine components barrel bands etc.. The bolt is finished in the white and the action with a strong blue which creates a smart contrast. Not only are these rifles a handsome addition to the gun cabinet but also highly accurate. The 6.5mm round is a very flat flying, low recoil round, which is a pleasure to shoot. One other hidden attribute of the Swedish Mauser apart from the excellent build quality but also directly linked to that facet is the incredible smoothness of the action – they are strong positive but above all smooth as silk to operate.
The rear sights are marked “T” for the torped bullet and are graduated from 250 to 600 meters. On the sight base are the inspectors marks “G.B.” for 1941 and 1942 at Husqvarna. Bolt knob marked with “726” last digits of serial number. Stock finger grooved. On the RHS of the butt-stock is the brass bore condition disc and the range conversion table for use when the ammunition changed during is use.
A highly original clean and usable example of the M/38 short rifle.
Please ask for Stock No’ F 900
£ 750. (SOLD)
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