Husqvarna Gevär m/38
Husqvarna Vapenfabriks AB · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1942
Also known as: Gevär m/1938, m/38 kortgevär, HVA m/38
Overview
The Husqvarna Gevär m/38 is a Swedish bolt-action short rifle, the purpose-built (Type II) pattern of the m/1938 chambered in 6.5x55mm Swedish. Unlike the Carl Gustaf m/38, which was produced by cutting down and reworking existing m/96 long rifles, Husqvarna Vapenfabriks AB manufactured these rifles new between 1942 and 1944, with a turned-down bolt handle for easier carbine-style handling. It shares the controlled-round-feed Mauser action, five-round internal magazine loaded via stripper clip, and the high-grade Swedish steel that gave the family its reputation for accuracy.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4000 g (141.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1120 mm (44.09") |
| Barrel Length | 610 mm (24.02") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 760 m/s (2493 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2627 J (1938 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
- Carl Gustaf m/38 - Short Rifle Conversion
- Gevär m/96 - Long Rifle
- Sniper Rifle m/41 - Sniper
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Swedish Armed Forces · adopted 1942 · as Gevär m/1938
Production
Estimated total produced: 88,150 · Production years: 1942-1944
New-manufacture Husqvarna m/38 short rifles; separate from Carl Gustaf m/96-to-m/38 conversions
Origin
Country of origin: Sweden
Discontinued: 1944
Notes
Roughly 88,150 new-manufacture m/38 short rifles were built by Husqvarna between 1942 and 1944. These 'Type II' rifles have turned-down bolt handles from the factory, distinguishing them from earlier straight-handled m/96 conversions to m/38 configuration performed at Carl Gustaf.
Background
Sweden's neutrality through the Second World War meant its 6.5mm Mausers never saw front-line combat in the hands of Swedish troops, so surviving Husqvarna m/38 rifles are prized today for their near-mint bores and exceptional Swedish steel accuracy.