Swede M41 Bolt

[Patrick Chadwick]

Was the bolt used on the Swede M41 (M41b) just a M96 straight bolt handle turned down?

Yes

Was the M41 (M41b) bolt and the M96/38 the same turned bolt bolt? Or is the M96/38 turned down differently?

As to the bolt bodies - the formulation of the question indicates that there may be some confusion here. The M96/38 did not have a turned-down bolt handle. The rifles kept the original, unaltered bolt assemblies.
The M38s made new by Husvarna had a turned-down bolt handle (Type 5) that was manufactured in this form. If you see an M96/38 with a turned-down bolt handle, check it over. It will either be an after-service alteration (i.e. not original) or the bolt has been replaced by an M38 bolt (so also not original to that rifle).

BTW, the designation M96/38 was not an official designation used by the Swedish army - it is a term that has become current among collectors and shooters to distinguish converted M96s from newly-built M38s. For the Swedes, they were all M38s.

Both the M41 and the M96/38 were conversions of originally standard M96s. But the M41 were not just any old M96s. They were selected for their grouping capability before being modified.

For these selected candidates for conversion, it was obviously desirable to keep the bolt in the proven configuration. So in order that the bolt handle might clear the scope, the M96 bolt handle was cut through, an extra segment was inserted (to provide the "corner") and the assembly was rewelded. This is known as the Type 6 body.

I hope that helps to clarify things. If I write any more, I shall start confusing myself!