Carl Gustaf m/38
Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1938
Also known as: Gevär m/38, Swedish Mauser m/38, m/96-38, M38B
Overview
The Carl Gustaf m/38 (Gevär m/38) is a Swedish bolt-action short rifle, a shortened development of the m/96 service rifle chambered in the flat-shooting 6.5x55mm cartridge. Adopted in 1938 amid a worldwide move toward handier short rifles, it retained the small-ring Mauser action and high-grade Swedish steel of its parent while trimming the barrel to 587 mm. Early examples were m/96 long rifles cut down by Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori, while later purpose-built rifles by Husqvarna featured turned-down bolt handles and a tangent rear sight.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4100 g (144.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1118 mm (44.02") |
| Barrel Length | 587 mm (23.11") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 755 m/s (2477 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2594 J (1913 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 550 m (601 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 2000 m (2187 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 190 mm (7.48") |
| 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, 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser, 6.5x55 Scandinavian
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Stripper Clip, Internal Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Wing Safety
- Features: Controlled Round Feed, Staggered Internal Magazine, Stripper Clip Loading, Turned Down Bolt Handle, Tangent Rear Sight, High Grade Swedish Steel
Variants
- Gevär m/96 - Long Rifle
- Sniper Rifle m/41 - Sniper
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Swedish Armed Forces · adopted 1938 · as Gevär m/38
Production
Estimated total produced: 143,230 · Production years: 1938-1944
Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori converted about 55,080 m/96 rifles to m/38 short rifles in 1938-1940; Husqvarna Vapenfabriks built roughly 88,150 new m/38 rifles 1942-1944, for about 143,230 total.
Origin
Country of origin: Sweden
Designer: Paul Mauser
Discontinued: 1944
Notes
Two principal types exist: Type I conversions of m/96 rifles (mostly straight bolt handles) and Type II new-production Husqvarna rifles (turned-down bolt handles). Sweden's neutrality kept the m/38 largely out of combat; it served second-line and home-guard roles and is prized on the surplus market.
Background
The m/38 reflects Sweden's pragmatic interwar choice: rather than design a wholly new rifle, the army shortened proven m/96 Mausers into a handier package. Collectors distinguish straight-bolt Carl Gustaf conversions from turned-down-bolt Husqvarna builds, both still wearing the famed 6.5x55 chambering renowned for accuracy and mild recoil.