Swedish Mauser 1896 M96 6.5×55 Bolt Action Rifle MFD 1915 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1075

LSB#: 210930TP99

Make: Carl Gustafs, Sweden

Model: 1896 (M96)

Serial Number: 352480

Year of Manufacture: 1915

Caliber: 6.5x55mm (6.5 Swedish)

Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine

Markings: The import mark on the barrel reads “CAI ST ALB VT / M96 SWEDEN 6.5X55”. The top of the receiver is marked “crown / C / CARL GUSTAFS STADS / GEVARSFAKTORI. / 1915”. The left side of the receiver is marked with an “H.K.” inspection stamp and with the serial number. The bolt assembly is marked with the last three digits of the serial number in 4 separate areas. The bottom metal, rear sight, barrel band, and nosecap are marked with numbers that do not correlate to the serial number. Most of the remaining metal parts are marked with the last 3 digits of the serial number. The metal parts are marked with small “crowns”. The marking disk on the right side of the buttstock is marked over the “1” in the small section. It is unmarked in the medium section. It is marked over “0” in the large section. The bottom of the grip is marked with small “crowns” and “S”.  There are a few other small stampings on the rifle.
For more info on reading the marking disk see gotavapen.se/gota/artiklar/rifles_se/faq_se_rifles.htm .

Barrel Length: Approximately 29 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is bladed post. The rear sight is a flip up assembly made up of two separate notches. When down a “U” notch is used along a sliding escalator marked “3 4 5 6”. When up a “V” notched blade is used on the sliding ladder marked from “7-20”.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece hardwood stock has a straight grip, finger grooves, metal nose cap, hole for the included cleaning rod, barrel band with sling loop, sling loop under the butt stock, marking disk on the butt, and a metal butt plate. The buttplate shows scrapes and some light surface erosion. The wood shows scrapes and scratches. The bottom of the stock shows areas of discoloration. The right side of the butt shows some adhesive residue.  The LOP measures 14 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The muzzle and grooves are semi bright. The rifling is deep. There is fouling at the muzzle and in the grooves. The fouling should clean up some. There is no visible erosion

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish as refinished. Small scratches show through the new finish. The front of the barrel has oxidation showing through the new finish. It also shows scrapes and light discoloration. The bottom metal shows light scapes and small spots of surface erosion. The screw heads show use. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus to Fine condition as refinished.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: This Swedish Model 1896 Mauser was built back in 1915 by Carl Gustafs. It has since been rebuilt and refinished. This M96 has tons of Swedish markings including lots of small Swedish crowns. The markings on the receiver are deep & crisp and the bore is strong. Swedish Mausers are well built rifles that fire the flat shooting 6.5x55mm round. This one looks good and will add to your Military collection. Good luck.