Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this outstanding bolt-action rifle today for a penny-start auction, this is the Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori M38 Short Rifle “M96/38”!
This particular Carl Gustafs M38 Short Rifle was originally a model 1896 that was converted to a model 38 short rifle. These rifles were often referred to by collectors as the M96/38 rifles, although the Swedish military never officially used this designation.
Click here to view our other Live Auctions!
If you have missed out on this auction or are looking for a particular firearm, contact us. We have 100s of Collector Grade firearms (not on auction) in our inventory and available for immediate purchase.
Click here to let us know what firearms you are searching for!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori
Model: M38 Short Rifle “M96/38”
Serial: 302183
Date of Manufacture: 1912
Caliber: 6.5x55mm
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 23 5/8" Threaded Barrel
Optics/Sights: Blade Front with Adjustable Metallverken Vasteras Rear Sight
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut
Action: Bolt-Action
Markings: Standard / The top of the receiver is stamped “Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori 1912”. The left side of the receiver is stamped “302183”. The barrel is stamped “C.A.I.ST.ALB.V.T. M38 SWEDEN 6.5X55”.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Model 1938 rifle (6.5 mm Gevär m/38) was adopted by Sweden in 1938 as part of a broader global trend toward shorter service rifles, a movement that began just before World War I and continued as mechanized warfare and specialized troop roles became more prominent. The m/38 was designed to be shorter than standard infantry rifles but longer than cavalry carbines, making it more suitable for mechanized troops, engineers, and naval forces. Similar to contemporary rifles like the Mauser Karabiner 98k, Short Magazine Lee–Enfield No. 1 Mk III, MAS-36, and M1903 Springfield, the m/38 was compact but retained the power and range needed for modern combat. The original m/1938 rifles (Type I) were converted from existing m/1896 rifles, with the barrels shortened by 139 mm (5.5 inches), but they often retained the original straight bolt handles.
Model: M38 Short Rifle “M96/38”
Serial: 302183
Date of Manufacture: 1912
Caliber: 6.5x55mm
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 23 5/8" Threaded Barrel
Optics/Sights: Blade Front with Adjustable Metallverken Vasteras Rear Sight
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut
Action: Bolt-Action
Markings: Standard / The top of the receiver is stamped “Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori 1912”. The left side of the receiver is stamped “302183”. The barrel is stamped “C.A.I.ST.ALB.V.T. M38 SWEDEN 6.5X55”.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Model 1938 rifle (6.5 mm Gevär m/38) was adopted by Sweden in 1938 as part of a broader global trend toward shorter service rifles, a movement that began just before World War I and continued as mechanized warfare and specialized troop roles became more prominent. The m/38 was designed to be shorter than standard infantry rifles but longer than cavalry carbines, making it more suitable for mechanized troops, engineers, and naval forces. Similar to contemporary rifles like the Mauser Karabiner 98k, Short Magazine Lee–Enfield No. 1 Mk III, MAS-36, and M1903 Springfield, the m/38 was compact but retained the power and range needed for modern combat. The original m/1938 rifles (Type I) were converted from existing m/1896 rifles, with the barrels shortened by 139 mm (5.5 inches), but they often retained the original straight bolt handles.
These converted rifles are frequently referred to by collectors as "m/96-38" rifles, although the Swedish military never officially used this designation. The majority of m/1938 rifles (Type II), which were purpose-built, featured turned-down bolt handles for easier handling and were manufactured by Husqvarna Vapenfabriks AB between 1942 and 1944. Production of the m/1938 rifles ended in 1944, but despite the distinction between converted and purpose-built rifles, the Swedish military made no operational differentiation between the two. In total, Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori converted 55,080 m/1896 long rifles into m/1938 short rifles between 1938 and 1940, and Husqvarna produced **88,150 new m/38 rifles from 1942 to 1944, bringing the total production to 143,230 rifles. Both versions were equipped with a new, simplified rear sight, designed by P. O. Fäldt of Svenska Metallverken in 1936.
This innovative rear sight utilized a horizontal disk and vertical screw mechanism to adjust the elevation of the original tangent leaf, which operated similarly to a micrometer, allowing for more precise range adjustments—especially useful for the intended shorter-range engagements of mechanized and naval troops. This sight was part of a broader effort to make the m/38 more practical and reliable in combat conditions, marking an important shift in the design philosophy of Swedish military rifles during the period.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
Bryant Ridge also reserves the right to cancel any sales that may occur while gunbroker.com is experiencing technical issues that affects the entire site or a complete site outage, within an hour of the auction ending.
We have an amazing inventory of classic and collector firearms that we are adding to Gunbroker daily. Stay up to date on all of our latest auction by adding us to your favorite sellers list.
About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
