Swedish Carl Gustafs AG m/42B Ljungman 6.5×55 25.5” Semi Auto Rifle, C&R

SOLD FOR: $2,625.00

LSB#: LSB260122KC002

Make: Carl Gustafs Gevärsfaktori, Sweden

Model: Automatgevär m/42B

Serial Number: 21574

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, “1943 / 21574” with a crown over “C”. All serialized parts are matched. The barrel is marked with an import mark. There are various small crown proofs throughout. The bottom metal, safety block, and other various parts are marked with Husqvarna proofs. There is an import mark on the barrel. The bayonet has several non-matched serials.

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 light handling marks throughout. There are no cracks, but there are some small chips. The LOP is 13.5”. Overall, the stock is in Excellent Condition.

 Magazine Quantity & Condition: Four x 10rd magazines in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original to Arsenal Rework

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore but there is some stubborn fouling throughout. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at a 9.5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. There is light thinning and wear marks throughout. The leading edges are worn. There are some light spots of rust freckling throughout. The markings are clear. The rubber case deflector is in very 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: 4x Magazines

Our Assessment: The Swedish Automatgevär m/42B, commonly known as the Ljungman, represents one of the earliest successful military rifles to utilize a direct impingement gas system, predating and influencing later designs such as the MAS-49 and even the AR-15 platform. Developed during World War II and adopted by Sweden in 1942, the rifle was engineered for simplicity and efficiency, using a tilting breech mechanism and a gas system that eliminated the need for a conventional piston. Chambered in 6.5×55 Swedish, a cartridge introduced in 1894 and renowned for its flat trajectory, mild recoil, and excellent accuracy, the AG m/42B reflects Sweden’s emphasis on precision and practical battlefield performance. This 1943 production example retains approximately 97 percent of its arsenal rework finish, with light thinning, edge wear, and scattered rust freckling visible across the metal surfaces. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and rates 9.5 out of 10, showing only minor fouling. The two piece wood stock remains in Excellent condition, with light handling marks, small chips, and no structural cracks, retaining its original military configuration including stock disk, cleaning rod, and hardware. All serialized parts are matching, and the rifle exhibits a mix of Carl Gustafs and Husqvarna marked components, consistent with Swedish service and refurbishment practices. The included four 10 round magazines are in Very Good condition, adding to the rifle’s completeness.

The AG m/42B occupies a significant place in the evolution of semi automatic service rifles, combining innovative gas operation with the proven performance of the 6.5×55 cartridge. Its distinctive charging system and streamlined design set it apart from contemporaries, while its accuracy and mild recoil contributed to its continued use and later adaptation by other nations. This example stands as a well preserved and matching representative of Swedish wartime production, offering both historical importance and strong overall condition in a rifle that remains a cornerstone of early semi automatic military development. -R.E.