Swedish Mauser Model 1938 Short Rifle 6.5×55 Bolt Action Rifle, 1941 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,025.00

LSB#: LSB250718LT080

Make: Husqvarna Vapenfabriks Aktiebolag, Sweden

Model: 1938, M38

Serial Number: 619859

Year of Manufacture: 1941

Caliber: 6.5x55mm (6.5 Swedish)

Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round magazine. 

Markings: The top of the receiver is marked, “HUSQVARNA VAPENFABRIKS AKTIEBOLAG / 1941” The left side of the receiver is marked, “619859” The bolt handle and bolt sleeve are marked “859” and with a crown stamp. The rear of the safety and the rear of the cocking piece are marked with a crown stamp and “859”. The steel buttplate is marked “859”.  The front of the extractor and the magazine follower are marked with a crown stamp.  The bottom of the magazine floor plate is marked with two crown stamps. The rear sight and rear sight base are marked with crown stamps. The left side of the barrel band is marked with a crown stamp. The left side of the metal nose cap is marked with a crown stamp. The barrel band springs are each marked with a crown stamp.  

Barrel Length: 23”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade post set atop a dovetailed blank. The rear sight is a sliding u-notch blade attached to a micro-adjustable elevation dial that has gradations of 1-6.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece wood stock is a more recent replacement.  It has a straight grip, metal end-cap, hole for the included cleaning rod, barrel band with sling loop, sling loop under the buttstock, marking disk, and a metal buttplate. The buttstock overlaps the fitting of the buttplate, which has no remaining finish.  The wood also overlaps the fitting of the trigger guard, the magazine floor plate and the sling swivels.  There are minor scratches and dents throughout.  There are no cracks or chips. The LOP measures 13 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in Very Good overall condition, as refinished

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and shiny and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion present. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at a 9/10

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish with more wear present on the trigger guard and magazine floorplate. There is wear on the leading edges. There are spots of thinning, scratches, and small throughout. The action shows moderate wear. The screw heads show light use. The markings are clear. 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: Rifle comes with hooded blade sight as well.  

Our Assessment: The Swedish Mauser Model 1938 Short Rifle is a refined evolution of the earlier M96 long rifle, adapted to meet the evolving needs of the Swedish military during the interwar and WWII periods. Produced at Husqvarna Vapenfabriks Aktiebolag in 1941, this rifle features the renowned Mauser action chambered in the highly accurate and flat-shooting 6.5x55mm Swedish cartridge which is widely known as 8MM.  With its shortened 23″ barrel, threaded muzzle, and robust construction, the M38 offered improved handling and maneuverability while maintaining the legendary precision for which Swedish Mausers are known. This example retains approximately 85% of its original blued finish, showing signs of honest use including edge wear, scattered patina, and moderate handling marks. The bore is still strong and bright with well-defined rifling and minimal erosion—indicating this rifle remains a solid performer at the range. The stock, as a more recent replacement, exhibits very little wear or scratches and includes desirable features such as the marking disk, cleaning rod, and sling loops. 

For collectors of European military rifles, Scandinavian small arms, or those seeking a shooter-grade 6.5×55 bolt gun with history, this Husqvarna-made M38 offers an excellent opportunity. With its smooth action, crisp markings, and desirable wartime production date, this rifle is a piece of Swedish precision engineering with the battlefield pedigree to back it up. Whether you plan to shoot it or display it alongside other Mauser derivatives, this M38 is a worthy and complete example of mid-century military excellence. 

BF