Swedish Mauser
- Thread starter Redneckwannabe1
- Start date
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The Swedish Mauser is an under-rated bargain in the Milsurp world. It is generally a very accurate rifle if the barrel is half decent, and usually is found in better shape than the 98 Mausers.
There seems to be a "hype" about the 98 Mausers, and some people consider the ####-on-closing of the bolt not as desirable as the ####-on-opening 98 Mauser bolts. Also, there is the idea that the 98 Mauser rifles are better because they are "stronger" actions, but the Swedish Mausers were made to high specifications using the Swedish steel.
The 6.5x55 cartridge is one of the finest and can still hold it's own against modern similar cartridges.
The M38 rifles are generally more money than the M96 rifles, and the M94 carbines are quite pricey. The carbines have more recoil and a LOT more muzzle blast. Nice to look at, handy, but until you fire a lot of shells from one you will see what I mean.
The Swedish Mauser is an under-rated bargain in the Milsurp world. It is generally a very accurate rifle if the barrel is half decent, and usually is found in better shape than the 98 Mausers.
There seems to be a "hype" about the 98 Mausers, and some people consider the ####-on-closing of the bolt not as desirable as the ####-on-opening 98 Mauser bolts. Also, there is the idea that the 98 Mauser rifles are better because they are "stronger" actions, but the Swedish Mausers were made to high specifications using the Swedish steel.
The 6.5x55 cartridge is one of the finest and can still hold it's own against modern similar cartridges.
The M38 rifles are generally more money than the M96 rifles, and the M94 carbines are quite pricey. The carbines have more recoil and a LOT more muzzle blast. Nice to look at, handy, but until you fire a lot of shells from one you will see what I mean.
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They certainly aren't as plentiful as they were a few years ago. Especially the pristine examples. I'm dating myself here but I can remember when they were $20 each in EXC condition if you purchased 50 of them. They were a hard sell at the time. CIL or Dominion had quit making ammo for them and had sold off the machinery to someone in the US. It was a long time before it became plentiful. I used to make the cases out of 308 Winchester brass by fireforming but they had very short necks. They worked well though I found out using them in the Ag42 wasn't a good idea the hard way.
There should be some available. Word got out a few years back how decent these fine rifles really are and it soon became obvious they were cutting edge tech of their time.
Put an ad in the EE. There always seems to be several on display at gunshows.
There should be some available. Word got out a few years back how decent these fine rifles really are and it soon became obvious they were cutting edge tech of their time.
Put an ad in the EE. There always seems to be several on display at gunshows.
Eaglelord17
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Sault Ste. Marie
Rough price range for a M96 would be in the 300-500$ range, maybe a little more for some specific variations and conditions. Things to look for is bore condition, matching numbers, and threaded or unthreaded barrels (personal preference). Keep in mind if the rifle has a bore disk that the disk isn't always accurate. There were cases of people switching high condition disks for low condition disks to sell the rifles as a better condition than it actually was, as well as the fact they have been on the surplus market for 40 years and that is a lot of time for the bore condition to change.
They're the second nicest Mausers you can buy, only to be topped by south American contract rifles.
I've got an M38, paid $475 for it about two years ago. M38s are a lot harder to come by now, but suprisingly they don't cost much more. Over $500, but doesn't quite get to $600.
M96s are a lot more common, and you shouldn't have too much trouble finding one on the EE.
One in good condition in original configuration, will go for around $450. Sporterized ones are really cheap though, around $300.
One thing they both share is that they have very light recoil, especially compared to a Mauser firing the 8x57 (which is a round I love btw).
They're also extremely accurate. They're to Mausers, what the Finn M39 is to Mosins.
The 6.5x55 is an excellent round, and I believe it's superior to the 8mm and 308. It shoots flat, has high sectional density, and if you hunt you can use it from Coyotes, all the Way up to Moose. (Different loads, obviously)
The downside is, ammo is pricey. There is no more Swedish Surplus left, so all you'll find is new production. The cheapest I've found is Privi Patrizan, $24 for a box of 20.
So it would be extremely beneficail if you reload.
I've got an M38, paid $475 for it about two years ago. M38s are a lot harder to come by now, but suprisingly they don't cost much more. Over $500, but doesn't quite get to $600.
M96s are a lot more common, and you shouldn't have too much trouble finding one on the EE.
One in good condition in original configuration, will go for around $450. Sporterized ones are really cheap though, around $300.
One thing they both share is that they have very light recoil, especially compared to a Mauser firing the 8x57 (which is a round I love btw).
They're also extremely accurate. They're to Mausers, what the Finn M39 is to Mosins.
The 6.5x55 is an excellent round, and I believe it's superior to the 8mm and 308. It shoots flat, has high sectional density, and if you hunt you can use it from Coyotes, all the Way up to Moose. (Different loads, obviously)
The downside is, ammo is pricey. There is no more Swedish Surplus left, so all you'll find is new production. The cheapest I've found is Privi Patrizan, $24 for a box of 20.
So it would be extremely beneficail if you reload.
I take issue with comparing a Swedish Mauser to a Mosin, even an M39.
It's still a crappy Mosin Nagant, just lipstick on a pig.
Swedish Mausers are well engineered, beauitifully finished, top quality Swedish Steel designed by Mauser and built by one of three of the finest gun makers in the world.
An M39 is the best attempt to make a piece of junk serviceable by cobbling together some better parts to make it bearable to use, A Swedish Mauser is practically a piece of art right from the beginning.
I love how obnoxiously long my M96 is. Like others have said: bore condition is everything, but if you get one that shoots and you reload for it, hang on to it.
Prvi components can be had for cheap, and I believe the sights on an M96 are regulated for heavier rounds (140-156grn) though I can't quite search for that now. The heavier bullets really like H4831(SC) in the longer barrel.
Most I see are between $375 and $500. I wouldn't really pay more than $500 unless it was rare/old or came with accessories. I paid $375 for mine last year and I'd say it was in good+ condition.
Prvi components can be had for cheap, and I believe the sights on an M96 are regulated for heavier rounds (140-156grn) though I can't quite search for that now. The heavier bullets really like H4831(SC) in the longer barrel.
Most I see are between $375 and $500. I wouldn't really pay more than $500 unless it was rare/old or came with accessories. I paid $375 for mine last year and I'd say it was in good+ condition.
PinkyPlinker
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Kenora, ON
I was about to respond that this is a bit harsh, but then realized I haven’t shot my M39 since I got into Swedes.
For the record though, he didn’t compare the Swede Mauser to the M39, it was a simile.
interesting observation - IMO I think in terms of ‘quality’ of finish the ranking would be something like this
Factory Mod 98 Sporters
Portugese Contract 98
‘Some ‘ South American Contracts 98
Persian Contracts 98/ Swedish 96 by Mauser Contracts
Swedish 96 and M38’s
then the rest (with Israeli conversions somewhere near the bottom).. just my personal thoughts
I've owned 6 M1896/M38's since the early '90's. I have always found the stock disc to be very accurate on the condition of the bore. Very little 6.55x 55mm surplus ammo has made it into North America, so the main option is expensive commercial ammunition which means volume shooting is negligible. On the other hand I've put 3,500+ gas checked cast lead bullets through 2 of my M1986's and the bore still looks perfect.
Another viable option for those wishing to experience the 6.5x55 in a Swedish rifle is to wander over to the Tradex website and peruse their used hunting and sporting rifles section. Most of these rifles started life as an M96 military receiver or were the equivalent in a civilian configuration. Same high quality to start with, but their condition varies with whatever care the owner who had it before wanted to bestow on it. Cheaper too, and a few other calibers to play with. I like the 9.3x57.
You can spend some quality time bringing these older guys back to great condition.
You can spend some quality time bringing these older guys back to great condition.
