M96/38

[Calfed]

A few months ago I got a Swedish Mauser at an auction, thinking it was an M96. It turned out to be an M96/38. I was so disappointed that I threw it in the closet and never shot it. Yesterday, I went to the range to test fire some FN-49's and Hakim's for an upcoming match. I decided to take the 96/38 with me and shoot a few rounds. I only had time for a few rounds, so I shot three careful shots with Prvi Partizan 6.5 x 55 139 gr SP's, with this result.



The group measures about .7 inches, center-to-center with my calipers. Might try this one at the next military silhouette match.






All matching, except the lower barrel band, which has a different number and the bayo lug, which is un-numbered.

Information

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[bearhunter]

If the stock disk is original to the rifle, it says the barrel is as new or new. It indicates "0" wear. 96/38 rifles are well known for their accuracy when they have new barrels. The Swedes must have some extremely competent people rebuilding their rifles. Most of those were rebuilt several times.

[Calfed]

The bore has extremely strong rifling and is mirror bright. My guess is that it hasn't been shot much since receiving a new barrel.

Over the weekend, my son and I shot in a military silhouette match using "gas guns" (semi autos). This is a match held every quarter and supplements the monthly Military Silhouette Matches. Most people shoot bolt actions at the monthly matches.

The match involves 40 rounds shot in 10 round relays at Chicken (200 meters), Pig (300 meters), Turkey (385 meters) and Ram (500 meters).

After the gas gun match, My son and I shot some of the still standing silhouettes including some of the Rams at 500 meters with the M38 using both Prvi 139 gr SP and Swedish surplus. The M38 was extremely accurate and consistent and we were able to knock down the remaining silhouettes with ease.

[gunner]

Hi Steve,
can you tell me why god made that your continent is so far away from europe? That kind of match is exactly to my taste. And with my M38 and the now absolutly good ammo a huge fun. On next saturday we have a match with Sniper rifles on 300m prone position 20 shots on two targets in 20 minutes. The center bull is 1,18" and complete targetsize is 7". Hope i can hold 100 -115 points, the max. is 120 points. Last year we had heavy rain and strong winds so i was lucky to get 80points. Not really good but learned something about shooting with heavy rain and some downhill wind.

Regards

Ulrich

[Swede]

I picked up a 38 last summer at a gunshow. It seems a little louder that the 96 but it shoots great.