Swedish Carl Gustafs AG m/42B Ljungman 6.5×55 25.5” Semi Auto Rifle, C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,925.00
LSB#: WY250430XX008
Make: Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori, Sweden
Model: Automatgevär m/42B
Serial Number: 13162
Year of Manufacture: 1943
Caliber: 6.5×55 Swedish
Action Type: Semi-Auto, Tilting Breech Direct Impingement Gas System, Magazine Fed.
Markings: The receiver is marked, “S.S.” on the right side and, “19C43 / 11455 B” with a crown. All serialized parts are matched. The barrel is marked with an import mark. There are various small proofs throughout.
Barrel Length: 25.5” Ported
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an adjustable hooded blade post set on a raised block. The rear sight is a dial adjustable u-notch sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece wood set with a forend cap/cleaning rod, barrel band w/ sling bar, finger grooves, through bolt, semi-pistol grip, straight comb, stock marking disk, sling loop, and steel buttplate. There are scratches and pressure dents throughout. The wrist has cracks forming. There are several minor chips throughout. The LOP is 13.5”. Overall, the stock is in Very Good Condition as refinished.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: One x 10rd magazine in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original to arsenal refurbishment
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore and no signs of pitting. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at a 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its metal finish. There is light thinning and wear marks throughout. The leading edges are worn. The action is smooth. There are some light spots of rust on the front sight base. The markings are clear. The rubber case deflector is in good condition. The screw heads are light to moderately tooled. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.
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: Magazine, cleaning kit.
Our Assessment: The Swedish Automatgevär m/42B, or AG m/42B Ljungman, is one of the more fascinating and innovative semi-automatic service rifles of World War II. Produced by Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori and chambered in 6.5x55mm Swedish, it employed a direct impingement gas system decades before the concept was popularized by the American AR-15 platform. Originally introduced in 1942, the m/42 saw continued refinement after the war, resulting in the “B” upgrade which featured a stainless steel gas tube, stronger components, and improved reliability. Although it never saw large-scale combat use, it remains a standout for its engineering, accuracy, and sleek Scandinavian design. This example was manufactured in 1943 and is in very good condition for a military rifle of its age. It retains about 80% of its blued finish with typical wear along the edges and operating components. All serialized parts are matching, a significant plus for collectors, and the bore is bright with strong rifling and no erosion—ideal for those who may wish to shoot it. The stock has been refinished and shows evidence of service with handling marks, minor chipping, and light cracking near the wrist, but it remains solid. The rubber brass deflector and the 10-round detachable magazine are also present, and the mechanical function remains sound.
For collectors of WWII and Cold War-era rifles or aficionados of Scandinavian firearms design, the AG m/42B offers a unique combination of historical significance and mechanical innovation. As one of the few direct-impingement service rifles ever fielded, it occupies a special place in small arms development. With its matched components, clean bore, and overall solid condition, this rifle stands as both a collectible and a potential shooter for fans of precision rimmed cartridges and advanced WWII-era designs. -R.E.
