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 It will either be an after-service alteration (i.e. not original) or the bolt has been replaced by an M38 bolt (so also not original to that rifle).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!

Information

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[ptf18]

Pat: Thanks for you input!

[Dutchman]

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 It will either be an after-service alteration (i.e. not original) or the bolt has been replaced by an M38 bolt (so also not original to that rifle).

A Carl Gustaf m/38 with a bent bolt is correct. It was not unusual to have bolts replaced and there is no distinction between the straight and bent bolt body for the m/38 conversions so they may be found with matching number bent bolt bodies.

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 can guess where this information comes from but it is incorrect. There was no such sectioning and welding on the m/41 bolt handle. It is a m/96 bolt that had the handle curved purposely.
In Swedish military spare parts inventory there are no "type" anything. That's an invention of the book where this came from.

Patrick -- that book you have has been the source of more bad info that you can imagine. Toss it out in the street and watch trucks run it over. Then go buy Crown Jewels: The Mauser in Sweden by Dana Jones.

Dutch

[Patrick Chadwick]

Patrick -- that book you have has been the source of more bad info that you can imagine. Toss it out in the street and watch trucks run it over. Then go buy Crown Jewels: The Mauser in Sweden by Dana Jones.

Dutch, I acknowledge your superior expertise in this field, and if you say so, I have no doubt that it is correct. Of course I have the Dana Jones book, but if it answered the bolt question, I missed the reference.

And don't be unfair to other books. The "For Collectors Only" books from North Cape may not be the tops for collectors, but for shooters who want to understand and check their old bangers, the parts breakdown, even if not perfect, often makes them more useful. Perhaps the series title should be altered to "For practical shooters rather than collectors"? Which also, of course, describes me!

Patrick