Husqvarna - FN98, M96 or 1600 in 30-06

S

sobo4303

CGN frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
37   0   0
Location
Smoky Lake, Alberta
Yep, I got the bug again. I am in the mood to pick up another 30-06. This time around, I am looking more so to older models. My Father-in-law gave me his Eddystone (sportered) to shoot and it is a dandy. I was looking at the ads in Tradex and see there is a multitude of the Huskies with the various actions. I would like a shooter and a reliable, strong action in 30-06. I already have a 6mm in my 243.

Anyways, these action are split into three models, the FN98, the 1600 and the M96. Which one is the better, if at all, and for what reason? Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks :D
 
FN manufactured (Herstal, Belgium) reputed to be of the higher quality manufacture of military mauser rifle actions of WWII. The Kar-98 (German designate) is a three lug bolt design that was first designed around the 8x57mm German mauser round. Super strong action in good or better condition, can be refitted to work with up to 458 Winchester Magnum. I do believe the Czech made mauser was called the M48. Others add nauseum, such as the Argentine 1909 mauser is/was sought after for the standard military issue action with a fully hinged floorplate. Another really nery nice one for gunsmith conversions. (all K-98 large ring actions, heck there was a small ring Mexican mauser chambered in 30-06, this model # escapes me right now) Many many countries adopted mausers back in the day.
M96, Swedish Mauser designed for the 6.5x55mm, a two bolt locking lug design. Similar two lug designs were made for the 7x57 mauser round of WWI fame & the Spanish-American War, IIRC the M95 mauser. I'm absolutely sure I missed quite a few other specific mauser models btw. Just skimming the surface here buddy. Someone else, feel free to add to, or correct my information please.
I am not informed at all about the series of Husky rifles.
 
Last edited:
For the .30/06, in my opinion, stay away from the 96 Mauser. It has two primary locking lugs like the 98 but lacks the third safety lug at the rear that the 98 action has, consequently it has a lower pressure rating than the 98 action. The 1600 is just a Husqvarna 98 mauser action basically. So the 98/1600 is the way to go with the .30/06 chambering in my opinion. There are some real nice LIGHT sporters on the Tradex site imported from Sweden that are lovely to carry and handle but they do kick a little if you're recoil sensitive at all. Watch for stock cracks at the tang, really common but not that big a deal, but better without than with. My 2 cents.
 
sobo4303 said:
Yep, I got the bug again. I am in the mood to pick up another 30-06. This time around, I am looking more so to older models. My Father-in-law gave me his Eddystone (sportered) to shoot and it is a dandy. I was looking at the ads in Tradex and see there is a multitude of the Huskies with the various actions. I would like a shooter and a reliable, strong action in 30-06. I already have a 6mm in my 243.

Anyways, these action are split into three models, the FN98, the 1600 and then the M96. Which one is the better, if at all, and for what reason? Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks :D
Click to expand...

You have them in the right order.......
 
Personally, i'd take the 1640 first.... usually carry better stocks, small ring, solid lugs and on... :)
You guys forgot the 1900.... maybe the slickest action ever made ... ;)
 
Not quite an exact answer to your question but I have an example of each one you are talking about, some in slightly different calibres.

A BSA sportered Eddystone 30-06 Enfield

A M96 Swedish Mauser, only in original configuration in 6.5x55. Wonderfully made rifle and a great action for that calibre.

FN98 in 270. Great accurate hunting rifle, but a little heavy to pack all day, particularly in the mountains. Bullet proof action.(pun intended)

Husqvarna Model 4100 Lightweight in 7x57. (effectively a 1600/1640 action) Nicest gun to carry and basically a modernized Mauser 98 action with a quicker safety and hinged floor plate.

Except for the M96 which I paid $49.99 plus tax and shipping for the rest were donations from friends who didn't want them any more.
 
Last edited:
The 1600 is a nice looking little action and more recent manufacture than the 96 but not much better at gas venting. Also three lug and quicker lock time, but the 98 and its clones will be likely be easier to get parts and aftermarket in the future.
 
After buying my m96 in 30-06 i did some research. All of the Swedish built m 96 were reproofed to that calibre. The third lug means nothing in practical terms. Just my 2 cents.
 
davemccarthy707 said:
After buying my m96 in 30-06 i did some research. All of the Swedish built m 96 were reproofed to that calibre. The third lug means nothing in practical terms. Just my 2 cents.
Click to expand...

In practical terms, no, it doesn't mean anything. But the 98 is still rated higher for pressure than a 96, important if you plan to handload for max performance or use factory stuff like Hornady Superformance fodder. Not to disparage your 96, a fine rifle, but given the choice I would pick a 98 action.
 
Well, two lugs Mausers are behind M/98 when it comes to safety. This doesn't mean the M/94/96/38 are not good actions, but if a case head failure (separation) occurs, it will tear the top of the front action ring off and if the action deosn't bind enough, the bolt will back off (hence the third lug of the M/98).
As for the 1640 gas handling, I never saw a case of front ring tearing even with magnum loads. They are not made of the same mild steel the M/94/96/38 are made of.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom