Automatgevär m/42 (Ljungman)
Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1942
Also known as: Ag m/42, AG42, Ljungman, Automatgevär m/42
Overview
The Automatgevär m/42 (Ag m/42), commonly known as the Ljungman after its designer Erik Eklund of AB C.J. Ljungmans Verkstäder, is a Swedish semi-automatic battle rifle chambered in 6.5x55mm Swedish. Introduced in 1942 and produced at Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori in Eskilstuna, it was the first semi-automatic rifle adopted by a major military to use a true direct gas impingement system - predating the AR-15 by sixteen years. The action uses a tilting bolt similar to the SVT-40 and FN FAL, and the rifle feeds from a 10-round detachable box magazine that can also be topped up using two 5-round Mauser stripper clips through the open action.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4710 g (166.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1214 mm (47.80") |
| Barrel Length | 622 mm (24.49") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Direct Impingement |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 745 m/s (2444 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2517 J (1856 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 220 mm (8.66") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 6.5x55mm Swedish · primary — also known as 6.5x55 SE, 6.5 Swedish, 6.5x55mm Mauser, 6.5x55 Skan
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine, Stripper Clip
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Direct Impingement Gas, Tilting Bolt, Stripper Clip Charging, Iron Sights Adjustable, Bayonet Lug
Variants
- Ag m/42B — Modernized
- Hakim Rifle — Egyptian License
- Rashid Carbine — Egyptian Carbine
Service history
Operators
- Swedish Army · adopted 1942 · as Ag m/42
- Norwegian Police Troops (in exile) · adopted 1944
- Royal Danish Army
- Egyptian Armed Forces · adopted 1950 · as Hakim Rifle
Conflicts
- World War II (1942-1945)
- 1948 Arab-Israeli War (1948)
- Suez Crisis (1956)
Production
Estimated total produced: 30,000 · Production years: 1942-1946
Swedish Carl Gustaf production only. Egyptian Hakim and Rashid licensed variants add tens of thousands more units.
Origin
Country of origin: Sweden
Designer: Erik Eklund
Discontinued: 1965
Notes
Approximately 30,000 rifles were produced for the Swedish Army. The rifles were upgraded between 1953 and 1956 to the Ag m/42B configuration with stainless-steel gas tubes, modified breech cover, improved sights, and a rubber case deflector - addressing the original's tendency for the gas tube to rust and for spent brass to fly back at the shooter's face. Egypt licensed the design as the Hakim (rechambered for 7.92x57mm Mauser) and the carbine-length Rashid (chambered for 7.62x39mm).
Background
The Ljungman pioneered the direct gas impingement system that Eugene Stoner would later popularize in the AR-15 - making it, in effect, the spiritual grandfather of the M16. Sweden's wartime neutrality meant the rifle that introduced the future of military firearms never fired a shot in anger from Swedish hands.