I have a swede Mauser 96. All metal parts match. I had a look at the stock and the bottom wood looks like it has had the number of the gun re-stamped over the original serial number. The top forestock has had an old serial number "X'ed" out and the new matching number re-stamped in. To me, it looks factory/arsenal done. Stock is not bad, but not the greatest. I have another stock that I could put on this rifle that is much nicer. Should i swap stocks or leave this sort of original one on? I am strictly looking at this from a desirable collectable and thus value point of view. Is this stock considered to be mismatched and thus it doesn't matter which stock to put on? does a factory re-serial keep some of the collectability in place? If collectability and value are out, then i might as well make the rifle look as nice as possible.
Swedish Mauser 96 question
- Thread starter Light Infantry
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If Collectability is what you want, Then leave the original re-numbered stock on there. It was most likely an arsenal repair, and is a genuine part of the rifles history. You will be pressed to find any rifle, short of New, old stock rifles, that is truly all original.
Soldiers are hard on kit, and rifle usually have a few parts replaced over there service lives.
That said, nothing will be hurt if you were to put the newer stock on temporarily while you shoot it and keep the original instorage, then if it come time to "retire" it to the collection or sell it you could put the original back on.
Soldiers are hard on kit, and rifle usually have a few parts replaced over there service lives.
That said, nothing will be hurt if you were to put the newer stock on temporarily while you shoot it and keep the original instorage, then if it come time to "retire" it to the collection or sell it you could put the original back on.
Sounds like a factory re-stock which does not hurt the collectible value. The stock wrist should have a crown or series of crowns on it from the armory repairs. M96 isn't a rare gun - what year do you have? Have you looked up the S/N?
The rifle is dated 1900. Also the stock has been refinished. The most glaring issue is the bottom of the buttplate is proud to the stock.
Couple of crowns etc on the wrist.
On the weekend i will get some pics up.
As a side note, i just acquired another m96, year 1917, that is completely matching including the cleaning rod. I am very happy with that one!
Couple of crowns etc on the wrist.
On the weekend i will get some pics up.
As a side note, i just acquired another m96, year 1917, that is completely matching including the cleaning rod. I am very happy with that one!
Yeah the swedes are great. I have 3 of them - 1900 M96, 1900 M96/38, 1941 M38. I had an AG42B but got rid of it because it was a brass monster. Your 1900 M96 isn't really valuable with a sanded and refinished stock but it probably has a good barrel if it went through arsenal. Straight shooters and light recoil! Keep the '17 for special occasions and shoot the heck out of the 1900...
