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GeorgeJure

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Hello

I was just wondering, I have seen / read quite a few posts here about the Swedish Mauser with special attention to matching numbers BUT I can`t ever remember seeing where on the rifle it shows it`s caliber. I know that 6.5 x 55 is the common one but there are other calibers and the rifles look the same.
Can anyone show a picture of where on the rifle to look for it`s caliber?

Thanks
George
 
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If you are referring to the M94/96/38/41 Swedish Mausers, they were not caliber stamped when manufactured. They are all 6.5x55SE. The only Swedish Mauser service rifles not in 6.5x55SE are the ones in 8x63, issued to machinegun units. These are chambered for the same round as the Swedish Browning machineguns. But they are made using M98 actions, and have a distinctive muzzle brake.
The Swedes did not need to caliber stamp their service rifles - few countries do - because they know what ammunition they use.
The brass discs on the butt indicate bore condition.
 
Mostly no, there is no marking as far as caliber. Weird, eh?
Probably have 10-12 different milsurps and original rifles are pretty much all unmarked as to round they shoot.
Chamber cast is really the only sure way
 
M94s are cavalry carbines. M96 - long barreled infantry rifle. M38 - two versions - shortened m96s and new made short rifles. M41s are sniper rifles.
 
Since your question was already answered let me ass that, when buying a swedish mauser don't forget to look at the brass disk as well. It gives great insight to the bore condition during its last service (how ever long ago that was).

https://youtu.be/YGFPbXqBPOA?t=23m17s

This video gives you a rough idea what it's all about.
 
OP, the answers given below are accurate. I'm not sure if you are asking about milsurps or commercial models.

Commercial rifles can be chambered in almost any cartridge that will fit/feed from the action. Usually these will be marked, according to regulation, on the barrel. The only time this will not be the case on a commercial model will be if its been re barreled after market. This can also occur when a milsurp has been sporterised in a numer of different configurations.

As for milsurp Swede Mausers, I saw several hundred m94 Carnines that had been barreled and chambered in 7x57 Mauser. That was 50 years ago and the only specimen left that I know of is hangig from Del Selin's Gun Shop ceiling on display.

The rifles came from Interarms in the mid sixties. Apparently they had around 2000 of the first batch of surplus 94s rebored and rechambered to 7x57. The rifles I remember seeing in bulk were at International in Montreal. Lever Arms ordered 100 but were only allowed to have 25. They were all in excellent condition.

I believe only 100 stayed in Canada. The rest went to the US markets.

Rumor has it a small run was made for a South American nation for evaluation purposes. I have no way to confirm this rumor.

If you run across one of these variants, run out and buy a lottery ticket on the way home
 
Interesting stuff, I have a 94 swede cambered in 7x57. Great little rifle.

It does not seem to be helping my win the lottery to retire plan though.
 
Here are the 3 models. Mod 96 top has 29" barrel, middle Mod 38 has a 24" barrel and Mod 94 has an 18" barrel.
The military Swede mausers do not have caliber stamped on them. easy test for bore size is to see if a 6.5 bullet will just about fit the bore.
Swede Mausers 002.jpg
Swede Mausers 004.jpg
 

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BCEngineer said:
Since your question was already answered let me ass that, when buying a swedish mauser don't forget to look at the brass disk as well. It gives great insight to the bore condition during its last service (how ever long ago that was).

https://youtu.be/YGFPbXqBPOA?t=23m17s

This video gives you a rough idea what it's all about.
Click to expand...

While the brass stock disk MAY give an accurate idea of the bore condition, be aware that they can be easily changed with a screw driver, that new disks are available on E-Bay, and some unscrupulous people have "upgraded" the bore condition using them.

The best judge is still the Mark I Eyeball.

Commercial Swedish Mauser sporting rifles have been made by Husqvarna, Stiga, and other firms but they are usually marked with the calibres. 6.5x55, 8x57, 30-06, 9.3x57 and 9.3x62 are common.
 
GeorgeJure said:
Hello
I`m pretty sure that at a gun show, they would get VERY P.O`d if you tried to put a round into a rifle to see what caliber it was. I would be P.O`d also.
George
Click to expand...

That is not what it means. You take the bullet and place it on the crown of the barrel. If it fits it would be a 6.5, if bigger well you have something else on your hands.
 
Take a 6.5x55 cartridge along with you if you are looking for a 6.5x55 rifle. Take said cartridge and insert the projectile end into the muzzle, if it stops leaving some of the bullet showing you have something that is 6.5x55.
If it goes all the way to the cartridge case (or further)you have a very worn bore or a different calibre. Do not try to chamber a round because that will get you a automatic kick in the nutz. Common sense anyone?
 
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