Swedish M38, Recessed rifling or counterbored?

[Sentryduty]

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?

Information

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[browningautorifle]

No, the rifling came to the muzzle like all the rest.

[Sentryduty]

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.

[browningautorifle]

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.

[Aragorn243]

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.

[vintage hunter]

Does it have a screw on muzzle cap? That would make it appear the rifling does not go to the end of the barrel

The difference in appearance with the cap on and off.

[Sentryduty]

That looks exactly right, maybe it is just a cap. The one next to it had some sort of muzzle brake.

[vintage hunter]

The one next to it had some sort of muzzle brake.

It may have been an aftermarket muzzle break/flash eliminator but it could've been a Swedish issue blank firing devise.
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.

[André]

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.

[Aragorn243]

I have one of the after market muzzle brakes on mine. I believe all the metal caps are aftermarket. Original Swedish caps were plastic.