Swedish Mauser 1896 Matching M96 6.5×55 Bolt Action Rifle MFD 1912 C&R
SOLD FOR: $860
WOA#: WY230109MA002
Make: Carl Gustafs, Sweden
Model: 1896 (M96)
Serial Number: 299930
Year of Manufacture: 1912
Caliber: 6.5x55mm (6.5 Swedish)
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine
Markings: The import mark on the barrel reads “SAMCO MIA FL M96 6.5X55 SWEDEN”. The top of the receiver is marked “crown / C / CARL GUSTAFS STADS / GEVARSFAKTORI. / 1912”. The left side of the receiver is marked with an inspection stamp and the serial number. The bolt assembly is marked with the last three digits of the serial number in 4 separate areas. Most of the remaining metal parts are marked with 3 digits of the serial number and/or with small “crowns”. The bottom of the grip is marked with a small “crown”. The marking disk on the butt is stamped. For more info on how to read the marking disk see: gotavapen.se/gota/artiklar/rifles_se/faq_se_rifles.htm .
Barrel Length: Approximately 29 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an inverted “V” post. The rear sight is a flip up assembly made up of two separate notches. When down a “U” notch is used along a sliding escalator marked “3 4 5 6”. When up a “V” notched blade is used on the sliding ladder marked from “7-20”.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece hardwood stock has a straight grip, finger grooves, metal nosecap, hole for the included cleaning rod, barrel band with sling loop, sling loop under the butt stock, marking disk and a metal butt plate. The buttplate shows scratches and an arena of surface erosion that has been painted over. The wood shows several scrapes and scratches with compression marks. The LOP measures 13 3/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original. The metal has been treated with cold blue.
Bore Condition: The muzzle and grooves are light gray. The rifling is deep. There is light intermittent erosion at the muzzle and in the grooves.
Overall Condition: The metal has been treated with cold blue. This rifle retains about 90% of its current metal finish. The metal shows scrapes, scratches, and areas of light thinning. The thinned portions of the metal show light discoloration from oxidation. The most prominent marks are on the top of the barrel. The screw heads show use. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The Swedish Mauser 1896 (M96) rifle was developed by the Swedish arms manufacturer Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori, also known as CG or Carl Gustav. The M96 was introduced in 1896 as the standard issue rifle for the Swedish military, replacing the earlier single-shot rifles that were in use.
The design of the M96 was based on the Mauser Model 1893, which was developed by the German arms manufacturer Mauser.
The M96 saw extensive use by the Swedish military during the early 20th century, including in World War I and the Winter War against the Soviet Union in 1939-1940. It was also used by other countries, such as Norway and Denmark, who purchased the rifle from Sweden.
After World War II, the M96 was gradually phased out of service by the Swedish military, although it continued to be used by some reserve units into the 1960s. The rifle remained popular among hunters and collectors, and some rifles were exported to other countries.
Today, the M96 is regarded as one of the finest military rifles ever produced, known for its accuracy, reliability, and durability. Its design influenced other rifles, such as the M38 and M96/38, which were developed by the Swedish military and used similar components to the M96.
This M96 rifle is over 110 years old and is still in Very Good condition with a strong bore and stock. Please see our photos, specs below, and good luck on your bid!