Swedish m38

Does anyone have an comments on the M38. I see there have been several recently listed for sale on CGN for arround the $300 mark with matching bolts and receivers or even refinished models with mix and match parts have comparable pricing.

Do these have much collector value or are we simply looking at fun shooters?

As I understand it, these are not as popular as the M96. The initial models were simply a cut down M96. Early models even came with M96 sights but were later given a more appropriate version.

I didn't see anything specific in the MKL to the M38 but I loved the pictures of the Swedish Royal Guard!

The 96 is, of course, the long rifle. The first short versions were, as you pointed out, shortened M96s. Early 96s were made by Mauser in Germany, most by Carl Gustav State Rifle Factory in Sweden. Original short rifles were made by Husqvarna. Husqvarna also made some M96 pattern rifles, but these are uncommon. The Swedish Mausers were imported in rather large numbers. They are not rare. Many are in fine condition, others were used more. These rifles were also shot more than many other military rifles; there are ones with bores worn from shooting. Some 96s were retained to the end for target shooting. The Swedish Mausers tend to be accurate, some exceptionally so. M96s have more serial numbered parts than Hva 38s. Personally, I would wait for a fine specimen, with matching numbers. The Swedes do seem to be priced in the $275-$300 range. I would be inclined to pay a bit more for a premium specimen.

What tiriaq said. Also, M38's and M96's with all matching numbers are the normal. Don't buy one with any mismatched numbers if you intend to collect it. The exception is M96/38 conversions. Sometimes a small part or two is normally mismatched on these as they are all refurbs. Most common m/m part on a 96/38 is the rear sight leaf as most were swapped out for one with an adjustble insert. Sometimes a non-original sight leaf was put back one when the insert was installed.

The first model M38 is really called the M96/38 with a total production around 30,000. These are the rarest of the issued Swedish rifles. As Claven2 stated there may be a small part or two out of line but for the most part should be matched. They added a sight called Vasteras Metallverken Refined sight adapter M1938. Mine is a straight bolt German Mauser dated 1896 in fine condition.

The second model is the true M38 purpose built by Husky, nice bent bolt, matching sight arrangement etc. in these parts (NJ, NY, PA USA) The Husky's go a little higher in price conditions being equal. From a personal observation I found more bottom feeders than mint condition with few somewhere in the middle. I also found the one I have even thought its an 1896 shoots very well, not as good as a mint M96 but real close, HTH-SDH

When these rifles were being sold surplus in Canada, they were often sold to dealers in cartons of 5 or 6. Usually a blend of conditions would be observed. I saw a few absolutely crisp ones, most were used/servicable, a few were rough. As has been mentionned, matching numbers were usual. I would suspect a rifle with major m/m was at the bottom of the barrel, and among the last sold off. When I lived in Iqaluit (Frobisher Bay), these rifles were very popular with Inuit hunters. I know that several hundred were sold in this community alone. Popularity faded when the supply of Swedish surplus ammunition was exhausted.

Given what I know about Inuit hunters, I suspect those few hundred rifles saw HARD use and ended their lives rusty, dirty, and worn ;)

You bet. It is unlikely that any are still in use. They were very popular for hunting marine mammals with the issue ball. Salt water/spray plus limited care = shoprt useful life. Had one come into the shop rusted to the point that it couldn't be opened. When I got it open I was not pleased to see that it was loaded.
I sold 62 of the brand new Polish M44s. They will have met the same fate.