Swedes
The bent bolt handles were a part of the Husqvarna m/38 production. The first rifles Husqvarna made were straight bolt handles, but they were set up to produce the bent bolt handles, so this modification was allowed.
If you really want to learn about the Swedish rifles, get a copy of "CROWN JEWELS" by Dana Jones. It will cost you about 50 bucks or so, but is worth twice the price. ISBN 0-88935-283-6. You can buy one from Collector Grade Publications Inc, P.O. Box 1046, Cobourg, Ontario, K9A-4W5.
Here are a couple of Swedes. A 1899 Carl Gustaf m/96 FSR (Volunteer Shooters Association) target rifle with Elit front and rear sights. The red sealing wax that replaces the brass butt stock disk is correct for this rifle.
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Here is another m/96. This is a 1944 Husqvarna, one of 18,000 made for the Home Guard / FSR. About 12,000 of the 18,000 were made with the AGJ micrometer rear sight. This one also has an approved pistol grip added.
These rifles were sold to members of the Home Guard and FSR with the understanding that the Government could buy them back in case of War. The shooter was allowed to modify the rifle as long as it was not "Harmed" and could easily be put back into Military configuration. Approved was the addition of the pistol grip and target rear sights as the two holes for the rear sight really did not affect function of the rifle. This one also has a recoil pad added, but the stock is not cut down. (It now has a steel butt plate and the recoil pad is gone.)
In case anyone thinks that the Home Guard was a bunch of dodering Amateurs of a Militia, Sweden has conscription. At 18, you are into the Military, and it is going to be for about 10 years or so until you can be replaced by a new crop. Then, you are let go from the Military, but until about age 60, you are part of the Landstormen, and will train about 2 weeks each year. A rifle is issued to you, a Uniform and Kit, and ammunition that is not to be opened except in Emergency or Ordered to. According to Dana Jones, the primary duty of the Home Guard was "to protect the Army while it mobilized," then to guard installations, etc.
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This one has not been fired very much. All these 1944 Husqvarnas were held to a tolerance of 6.49 to 6.50 barrels.
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Did a search and didn't come up with any threads, though I know they must exist!
