Carl Gustaf m/41
Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori · Sniper Rifle · Discontinued · 1941
Also known as: Gevär m/41, Swedish Mauser m/41, m/41 Sniper
Overview
The Carl Gustaf m/41 is a Swedish bolt-action sniper rifle developed during the Second World War to address Sweden's lack of a dedicated precision rifle. Between 1941 and 1943 roughly 5,300 existing Model 1896 (m/96) Mauser infantry rifles chambered in 6.5x55mm Swedish were specially selected for their accuracy, fitted with a turned-down bolt handle and a telescopic sight, and reissued as sniper rifles. Early examples mounted the German 4x Ajack scope, with Swedish AGA optics adopted later. The accurized, mild-recoiling 6.5x55mm action made the m/41 one of the most accurate military sniper rifles of its era.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 5050 g (178.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1260 mm (49.61") |
| Barrel Length | 739 mm (29.09") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Fixed Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 800 m/s (2625 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2880 J (2124 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3300 m (3609 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 200 mm (7.87") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 6.5x55mm Swedish · primary — also known as 6.5x55, 6.5x55 SE, 6.5 Swede
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Stripper Clip, Internal Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Three Position Safety
- Features: Telescopic Sight, Turned Down Bolt Handle, Selected Match Barrel
Variants
- Carl Gustaf m/41B - Modernized
Service history
Operators
- Swedish Armed Forces · adopted 1941 · as Gevär m/41
- Swedish Home Guard · as m/41B
Conflicts
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Estimated total produced: 5,300 · Production years: 1941-1943
Approximately 5,300 selected m/96 rifles were converted to m/41 sniper configuration; many later upgraded to m/41B.
Origin
Country of origin: Sweden
Designer: Paul Mauser
Discontinued: 1943
Notes
Built on selected m/96 Mauser actions manufactured by Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori. From 1955 surviving rifles were upgraded to the m/41B standard and remained in Swedish Home Guard service until 1995.
Background
Because Sweden remained neutral during the Second World War, the m/41 saw little combat use, but its highly accurate 6.5x55mm chambering and selected match barrels gave it a lasting reputation among surplus shooters and collectors.