Swedish Mauser Model 1896 M96 6.5×55 Matching Bolt Action Rifle C&R 1902

SOLD FOR: $705

WOA#: WY231030RS022

Make: Carl Gustafs Stads Gevarsfaktori

Model: 1896

Serial Number: 109412

Year of Manufacture: 1902

Caliber: 6.5x55mm (6.5 Swedish)

Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round magazine.

Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “K.B.”, “109412”. The top of the receiver is marked with the crown “C” crest, “Carl Gustafs Stads Gevarsfaktori”, and “1902”. The bolt handle is marked “412” and with a crown stamp. The left side of the bolt sleeve is marked “412.” The right side of the bolt sleeve is marked with a crown stamp. The rear of the safety is marked “412” and with a crown stamp”. The rear of the cocking piece is marked with a crown stamp and “412”. The extractor is marked with a crown stamp. The top of the bolt stop is marked “412”. The magazine follower is marked with a crown stamp. The bottom of the magazine floor plate is marked “412”. The rear sight and rear sight base are marked with crown stamps. The left side of the barrel band is marked “412” and with a crown stamp. The bottoms of the two barrel springs are marked with a crown stamp. The left side of the metal end-cap is marked with a crown stamp and “412”. The right side of the barrel is marked with an import mark. The left side of the front sight blade is marked “-0.5”. The left side of the front sight base is marked “0.5”. The right side is marked “T”. The top of the buttplate is marked with a crown stamp and “412”. The underside of the wrist is marked with a crown stamp and a crown “C” stamp. The right side of the buttstock has a stock disk that is marked with information on the bore when it was last entered into storage at the arsenal.

Barrel Length: 29”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post set atop a small base. The rear sight is a sliding u-notch blade attached to an escalator assembly. The rear sight flips up to become a sight ladder that uses a sliding v-notch blade.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece hardwood stock has a straight grip, finger grooves, metal end-cap, hole for the included cleaning rod, barrel band with sling loop, sling loop under the buttstock, marking disk, and a metal buttplate. The stock has been lightly sanded. The buttplate has been left ‘in the white’ and there is surface rust at the heel. There are compression marks, scuffs, and scratches throughout the wood. There are larger compression marks under the right finger groove and on both sides of the buttstock. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition as refinished.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is very light erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 92% of its metal finish. There are scratches and scuffs throughout the metal surfaces. There are heavier scratches on the end-cap and on the barrel at the front sight base. There is an impact mark on top of the receiver bridge. The screw heads show light use. The markings are clear. 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 Model 1896 was the second model of Mauser adopted by Sweden. Initially built by Mauser for Sweden, production was quickly taken over by the Swedish rifle factory in Eskilstuna, Carl Gustafs Stads Gevarsfaktori. Known for its accuracy and reliability, the Model 1896 and its variations served as the standard service rifle for the Swedish Armed Forces until being replaced in the 1950s. Following its phasing out of service, many were imported into the US, where they became wildly popular with hunters due to the light shooting but incredibly accurate 6.5x55mm cartridge.

This example was originally built in 1902. The wood has been lightly sanded but it still retains some of the markings. The markings on the metal are matching and easily readable. The bore is also very nice, which should make for an exquisite shooter. This would make a great addition to any Mauser or Swedish collection. Please see our photos.

-99