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While visiting a local gun shop over the weekend I looked over a Swedish M38 in 6.5x55mm that caught my interest. I was prepared to make an offer until I looked over the crown.
The rifling ended just before the end of the muzzle, perhaps 0.5". Is this a normal thing for the M38, or has this rifle been counterbored at the muzzle?
Otherwise it was a good example, and the range plate was in decent condition.
Thoughts?
No, the rifling came to the muzzle like all the rest.
Thanks Jim, that is what I was expecting to hear, but being unfamiliar with them I guy can never tell what odd little features a military rifle might have from the factory.
I think I will give this one a pass, there are lots out there and while this one might be a great shooter, it isn't a must have.
There's no need to accept a version like that. The only time I would is if I was going to shorten it up. Then, what shape would the commencement be? Not needed...like you say, lots around still.
Does it have a screw on muzzle cap? That would make it appear the rifling does not go to the end of the barrel. Many of these rifles have threaded muzzles and a lot of guys put caps on them to make them look nicer.
The difference in appearance with the cap on and off.Quote:
Originally Posted by Aragorn243
That looks exactly right, maybe it is just a cap. The one next to it had some sort of muzzle brake.
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It may have been an aftermarket muzzle break/flash eliminator but it could've been a Swedish issue blank firing devise.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sentryduty
The Swede's used wood bulleted blanks for training so to eliminate the possibilities of someone being injured the muzzles of some rifles were threaded to accept the blank firing devise which shredded the bullets. Just be sure to remove it before firing live ammo or it will result in damage to the rifle and possibly the shooter or bystanders.
My M1896 has the muzzle thread (for use of the blank firing device) covered by a steel cap (which must be removed to fix the bayonet, BTW). It looks exactly like the pics above and without that protective cap, the rifling goes to the end of the bore. This is easy to verify by unscrewing said cap.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...phbjbe3b-1.jpg
I have one of the after market muzzle brakes on mine. I believe all the metal caps are aftermarket. Original Swedish caps were plastic.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...e274a6d5-1.jpg
That muzzle brake is the exact one on the other rifle on the rack. So the "counterbored" rifle is probably just a metal thread protector. The one I looked at is very well done, I didn't even notice the seam between the cap and the foresight. Thank you guys, I learned something new, if I see that rifle again I will give it a better look over to be sure.
Although I do also recall there is a thin split in the buttstock developing from the butt-plate towards the grip. Similar to the spot where Arisaka and Finn MN rifles were joined.
The asking price was $450, marked down to $350 (CDN).
Good conversation all.
That is a high original asking price for a Swedish M38 with a stock repair and threaded muzzle, $350 is not so bad if it has a nice bore and is otherwise in good shape. Most decent Swedish M38's go for around $400-$450 and ones without the threaded muzzle and in VGC to excellent condition up to $650 here in Canada.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sentryduty