Low Number M38 Swede

[pcaru1]

Is there any added value to a low numbered receiver for the m38? I have not seen one with this low a number. I recently aquired this rifle along with a bayonet, sling, cleaning kit, and what looks like a dummy 6.5 cartridge (Is that all it is?). He said it was a gauge but I figured he was wrong. All numbered componets match as does the stock and hand guard. It also came with a dial styled sight adjustment. Is there a special way to use this sight? The stock has been sanded quite heavily as some stock to metal fit is poor. It has a crack in the buttstock that I hope can be fixed by removing the buttplate and putting in a brass rod. Metal is proud at tang and floor plate but not real bad at buttplate and band keepers. When I spoke to the gentleman who sold it he just said it was a Swedish Mauser. With the extras and decent price I bought it and was suprised to find out it was an M38. I have included some pictures.

Information

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[buffdog]

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While your m/38 Swedish Mauser does have a low serial number, it originally came to life as a m/96 rifle and has been Arsenal converted to a m/38 Short Rifle. Because of the difference in sights due to the shortening of the barrel and the adoption of the m/41 cartridge, the Vasteras micrometer type rear sight was used on some of these models. You have an early model Vasteras sight, going from 200 to 600 meters. Later ones started at 100 meters. The Vasteras rear sight can be roughly zeroed by holding the range wheel and using a very small screwdriver, turning the screw in the center of the wheel up or down to make changes in elevation.

In Canada, there does not seem to be a premium for lower numbered rifles, except maybe for one or two digit ones, and then it is not a large amount. The rifle might even have been worth a slight bit more if it was original instead of converted.

The cartridge is a drill or exercise round. This is the m/41 (Special) loading with the green stained bullet that shows it is the exact weight of a loaded round. The m/19 drill cartridge uses round nosed bullets and the m/41 uses spitzer bullets.
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[pcaru1]

Great info. Thanks for the reply.