Swede won't shoot

[MD]

I got a Swede M38 a few years ago at a gun show.

Actually it is one of the M96 conversions, a CG 1907 if I remember right.

I knew when I bought it with the stock disc marked on the "3" and at 6.52 that the barrel was worn, but I had read that the Swedish armourers were very picky and often a "3" marked stock disc rifle still shot well.

It doesn't.

I tried all different kinds of ammo, old Imperial 160 grain loads, factory Swede Milsurp, handloads with 139 grain Hornady bullets and a variety of powders, still no dice. Three to four inch groups at 50 yards. I didn't even try at 100.

What to try next?

I've got a 1911 CG Model 96 that shoots like a dream.

Love these rifles.

 

[tiriaq]

Tradeex Canada has brand new barrels in the white for sale.

 

[cosmic]

Well - I've had several "3" marked Swede sporters c/w scope, with the right ammo they shot sub-moa, otherwise 2-3 MOA on average. Even with a 3 designation, there was still some shine in the grooves of the bore.
Chances are the rifle is not bedded properly. Mauser actions are quite sensitive to poor bedding. Have you had the stock off? Try shooting it with the top handguard/bands removed, that usually tells you if there is a bedding problem.

 

[MD]

Yes I took it apart when I got it.

I guess I could try shooting it with the handguard and band off.

Now that you mention it, maybe I should see if anyone around has a bubbaed shortened stock they want to get rid of cheap.

 

[Proutfoo]

the marked disk is the last time a swedish armourer checked that rifle. It could have seen 10,000 rounds since then

what does the bore look like? And the crown?

 

[MD]

Rifling is still strong and the crown undamaged as far as my inexpert eye can tell.

 

[airwapiti]

The disc on the gun may not be the same disc the gun started with.

 

[johnone]

Hi There;
Slug the barreel I have encountered quite a few over the years that go .265 and even .266 instead of the nominal .264
If over size either use cast bullets or "bump up" some jacketed bullets.
Let me know

John

 

[MD]

John, I must admit I don't know what to "bump up" jacketed bullets means.

 

[bearhunter]

MD if your bore is oversized, you might get away with the .268 dia hornady bullets that are made for use in the Carcano. If your bore is worn, the pressures should still be within reason with moderate loads. This is something we used to do with worn or oversized 30 cal bores, we used to use and sometimes still do, .311 or larger diameter bullets intended for 303 British rifles. Never noticed a pressure problem of any sort, but definitely noticed increased accuracy. I must stress though, slug your bore first and make sure it's really oversized and that it's not just a worn throat, which can be made up for, to a point by seating your bullets out of the case further. bearhunter

 

[teacup136]

if you ever get to a point where you need to store this fine piece, and the M-38 stock is original, I will pay you millions for it....less the fees for minor scatches, etc. My M-38 is unreal at 100m, the "T" on the rear sight was set up very well indeed, however, the previous owner thought a sporter would look good on this barrel....NOT...cut it down, no rod, but a fine looking swedish piece, I have Canadian Tire money if you need