Swedish Mauser m/96
Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1896
Also known as: Gevär m/96, Model 1896, Swedish Mauser
Overview
The Swedish Mauser m/96 (Gevär m/96) is a small-ring bolt-action service rifle developed from the Model 1893 action and chambered in the flat-shooting 6.5x55mm cartridge. Built by Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori, Husqvarna and Mauser Oberndorf, it was made from a high-grade Swedish alloy steel and is renowned as one of the most accurate issue bolt-action rifles ever fielded. Many examples carry a brass stock disc indicating bore and throat condition.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4000 g (141.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1260 mm (49.61") |
| Barrel Length | 739 mm (29.09") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 725 m/s (2379 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2392 J (1764 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 2000 m (2187 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 200 mm (7.87") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| 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, High Grade Swedish Steel, Bore Condition Stock Disc
Variants
- Carbine m/94 — Carbine
- Short Rifle m/38 — Short Rifle
- Sniper Rifle m/41 — Sniper
Service history
Operators
- Swedish Armed Forces · adopted 1896 · as Gevär m/96
Production
Estimated total produced: 535,000 · Production years: 1896-1925
About 535,000 m/96 long rifles; roughly 750,000 Swedish Mausers across all models. Carl Gustaf was the primary maker, with about 38,600 from Mauser Oberndorf and around 18,000 from Husqvarna
Origin
Country of origin: Sweden
Designer: Paul Mauser
Discontinued: 1925
Notes
Sweden's neutrality meant the m/96 saw essentially no combat in Swedish hands; it remained in second-line and home-guard service into the 1960s and is highly prized on the surplus market.
Background
Prized for accuracy and Swedish steel, the m/96 is sometimes called the crown jewel of surplus Mausers; the brass disc set into many stocks isn't decoration but a maintenance gauge recording bore condition and throat erosion, which collectors read to judge a rifle's wear.