7mmBRmostly
Regular
- Location
- Nova Scotia
Is the value of an unsportered M96 6.5X55 affected much by the country of manufacture? For example is a German one worth more than a Carl Gustaf? Thanks in advance
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M96 question
- Thread starter 7mmBRmostly
- Start date
It all depends on condition. Condition is everything.
The German manufactured rifles are the early ones. If they haven't lost their original stocks at some point they usually have nice Walnut stocks.
If I were shown two rifles side by side, one Swedish made and one German made, I would likely purchase the German made rifle even if it was more expensive, of course as mentioned if condition of the two rifles were equal.
Almost all Swedes, including the early German rifles were rebuilt at some point to as new. Some several times.
The Swede rifles are every bit as good and some say even better than the early German rifles, I tend to agree.
There aren't nearly as many German marked receivers out there. Back in the day when these rifles were first coming into Canada and ammo was hard to come by many people turned these fine rifles into sporters by purchasing pre chambered barrels from the US and just screwing them in. Because of the excellent quality control tolerances this produced totally acceptable headspacing. The rifles are supposedly tougher than their counterparts because of the great Swedish steel used in them. I am still not convinced they are but I have one that was rechambered to 6mm Remington that chugs along just fine.
The German rifles were preferred for the builds. I think it was more the snob appeal of the Mauserwerke stamp on the receiver ring than anything else. Especially seeing as it would be D&Ted and covered with a scope mount.
The German manufactured rifles are the early ones. If they haven't lost their original stocks at some point they usually have nice Walnut stocks.
If I were shown two rifles side by side, one Swedish made and one German made, I would likely purchase the German made rifle even if it was more expensive, of course as mentioned if condition of the two rifles were equal.
Almost all Swedes, including the early German rifles were rebuilt at some point to as new. Some several times.
The Swede rifles are every bit as good and some say even better than the early German rifles, I tend to agree.
There aren't nearly as many German marked receivers out there. Back in the day when these rifles were first coming into Canada and ammo was hard to come by many people turned these fine rifles into sporters by purchasing pre chambered barrels from the US and just screwing them in. Because of the excellent quality control tolerances this produced totally acceptable headspacing. The rifles are supposedly tougher than their counterparts because of the great Swedish steel used in them. I am still not convinced they are but I have one that was rechambered to 6mm Remington that chugs along just fine.
The German rifles were preferred for the builds. I think it was more the snob appeal of the Mauserwerke stamp on the receiver ring than anything else. Especially seeing as it would be D&Ted and covered with a scope mount.
I would agree with BH.
I would grab a German one first solely because it would be a very early one built, and there were less of them built. However, the Swede built ones are as good if not better than the German ones.
Bottom line, you can't go wrong with either one. You can make a nice focused collection around these.
The M96 and 38's baffle me like the Walther P38 pistol in that they aren't going for more on the milsurp market.
I would grab a German one first solely because it would be a very early one built, and there were less of them built. However, the Swede built ones are as good if not better than the German ones.
Bottom line, you can't go wrong with either one. You can make a nice focused collection around these.
The M96 and 38's baffle me like the Walther P38 pistol in that they aren't going for more on the milsurp market.
I agree the prices are much lower than they should be. I have a feeling that's because of the lack of cheap ammo. Also, many people believe the Swede Mausers have never been used in conflicts. Not true. Finland, Norway, Denmark and likely a few others used them to battle the Russians and Germans.
Mind you, they have gone up significantly in price since they were first introduced. Try to find a M94 in decent shape for under $1000. I paid $12 each for my first Swedes and was able to pick through hundreds of the best on hand. Mind you I was lucky to be in that position at the time.
There are two different ranges of German M96's. Sweden ordered a batch of 5000, most if not all, stamped 1900, and numbered 1 to 5000. The other German-made 96 rifles made previous were already way past the 5000.
Bottom line is pay attention to the serial number as well on a 1900. There is a story behind the 5000 ordered.
Bottom line is pay attention to the serial number as well on a 1900. There is a story behind the 5000 ordered.
- Location
- Algoma, ON
I wouldn't mind hearing a little bit more about this. I just recently picked up a M38 that was built from a M96, so I find this very interesting.
The Mauser rifles for the Swedish Governmant were made in 1899 and 1900. The serial numbers run approximately in the 19000 to 59000 range. These were made to help the rearmament of the Swedish Army remain on schedule because some machinery to make the rifles was delayed in arriving in Sweden. After this 40000 rifles was made, an additional 5000 rifles was produced for the civilian shooters, but many of these ended up in Army hands.
