Swedish AG m/42B Ljungman Semi Auto Rifle In 6.5×55 W/ MG13 Mag, 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,700.00
LSB#: WY240812PH006
Make: Carl Gustafs Stads, Sweden
Model: Automatgevär m/42B
Serial Number: 5757
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 / 5757 B” with a crown. The buttplate is serial matched to the receiver. There are small proofs throughout. There is an import mark on the barrel. The MG-13 magazine is marked with two Waffenamts and “1938”.
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. There is a small crack forming at the front of the forend. TheThe LOP is 13.5”. Overall, the stock is in Very Good Condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: One 10rd Magazine in Very Good condition & One 25rd converted MG-13 magazine in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished by importer.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is faint erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at a 8.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. There is thinning, scratches, and nicks throughout the finish. The leading edges are worn. The action is smooth. 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 Excellent 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: Total of 2 magazines, spare rear sight nub.
Our Assessment: The Swedish AG m/42B Ljungman Semi-Automatic Rifle is a historically significant firearm, chambered in 6.5x55mm Swedish Mauser (6.5 Swede), a caliber renowned for its accuracy and flat trajectory. Designed in the early 1940s by Erik Eklund and manufactured by the Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori, the AG m/42B was the Swedish military’s first successful semi-automatic rifle. It represented a substantial leap forward in small arms technology for Sweden, which had previously relied on bolt-action rifles. The AG m/42B operates using a unique direct impingement gas system, where gases from the fired cartridge are directed directly onto the bolt carrier, pushing it rearward to cycle the action. This system is more straightforward compared to piston-driven designs, making the AG m/42B a mechanically interesting firearm for collectors and enthusiasts. While this gas system design offered simplicity and reliability, it also exposed the rifle to fouling, particularly when ammunition of inconsistent quality was used. Chambered in 6.5x55mm, the AG m/42B takes advantage of a round that was already well-established in Swedish military service. The 6.5 Swede cartridge is known for its excellent ballistic characteristics, including mild recoil, high accuracy, and effective range, making it suitable for both military use and hunting. The cartridge’s relatively low recoil also made the AG m/42B more manageable for soldiers, allowing for rapid follow-up shots compared to the standard bolt-action rifles of the time.
The original AG m/42 design was modified in the 1950s into the AG m/42B variant, which included several improvements. These changes addressed issues such as the rifle’s sensitivity to fouling, and the improved version featured a strengthened bolt, a more reliable extractor, and an upgraded magazine release. The m/42B became a more reliable firearm overall, extending its service life within the Swedish military. While the AG m/42B did not see widespread combat use, it remains a highly regarded piece of Swedish military history. The rifle was eventually phased out in favor of more modern designs, but it has become a popular firearm among collectors due to its innovative design, historical significance, and association with the highly regarded 6.5x55mm Swedish cartridge.
Today, the AG m/42B Ljungman rifle is appreciated for its engineering and as an early example of semi-automatic military rifles. It holds a special place in the evolution of Swedish military firearms, representing a transition from traditional bolt-action rifles to more advanced self-loading designs. Collectors and enthusiasts value the rifle for its rugged build, unique operating system, and connection to Sweden’s military heritage. -R.E.
