Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this historic bolt-action rifle today for a penny-start auction, this is the Husqvarna Vapenfabriks Aktiebolag Model 1938 “M38” Short Rifle.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Husqvarna Vapenfabriks Aktiebolag
Model: 1938 “M38” Short Rifle
Serial: 656239
Date of Manufacture: 1942
Caliber: 6.5x55mm
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 23 3/4"
Optics/Sights: Blade Front with Adjustable Tangent Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Hardwood
Action: Bolt-Action
Markings: Standard / The top of the chamber is stamped “Husqvarna Vapenfabriks Aktiebolag”, along with the date of manufacture “1942”. The left side of the receiver wall is stamped with the serial number “656239”. The right side of the barrel is stamped “CAI.ST.ALB, VT / M38 SWEDEN 6.5X55”. The bolt, rear sight, butt plate, stock, magazine floor plate, and internal magazine are stamped with “Crown” proof marks.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Husqvarna Model 1938 “M38” Short Rifle is a refined Swedish Mauser bolt-action short rifle chambered for the 6.5x55mm Swedish cartridge, adopted in 1938 as part of Sweden’s modernization of its infantry arms. The M38 short rifle was intended to replace the earlier Model 1896 long rifle with a shorter, more handy weapon that retained the strong and smooth Mauser 1896–pattern action. The earliest M38 rifles were produced by the Swedish state armory system by converting existing M96 long rifles, which involved shortening the barrel, modifying the sights for updated Swedish ammunition, and retaining the original straight bolt handles. These conversions served as the first wave of M38 rifles issued to Swedish troops. In 1941, production shifted to Husqvarna Vapenfabriks Aktiebolag, which began manufacturing entirely new, purpose-built M38 short rifles. These Husqvarna rifles are most easily identified by their turned-down bolt handles, high-quality machining, and consistent factory markings, all of which distinguish them from earlier conversions.
Model: 1938 “M38” Short Rifle
Serial: 656239
Date of Manufacture: 1942
Caliber: 6.5x55mm
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 23 3/4"
Optics/Sights: Blade Front with Adjustable Tangent Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Hardwood
Action: Bolt-Action
Markings: Standard / The top of the chamber is stamped “Husqvarna Vapenfabriks Aktiebolag”, along with the date of manufacture “1942”. The left side of the receiver wall is stamped with the serial number “656239”. The right side of the barrel is stamped “CAI.ST.ALB, VT / M38 SWEDEN 6.5X55”. The bolt, rear sight, butt plate, stock, magazine floor plate, and internal magazine are stamped with “Crown” proof marks.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Husqvarna Model 1938 “M38” Short Rifle is a refined Swedish Mauser bolt-action short rifle chambered for the 6.5x55mm Swedish cartridge, adopted in 1938 as part of Sweden’s modernization of its infantry arms. The M38 short rifle was intended to replace the earlier Model 1896 long rifle with a shorter, more handy weapon that retained the strong and smooth Mauser 1896–pattern action. The earliest M38 rifles were produced by the Swedish state armory system by converting existing M96 long rifles, which involved shortening the barrel, modifying the sights for updated Swedish ammunition, and retaining the original straight bolt handles. These conversions served as the first wave of M38 rifles issued to Swedish troops. In 1941, production shifted to Husqvarna Vapenfabriks Aktiebolag, which began manufacturing entirely new, purpose-built M38 short rifles. These Husqvarna rifles are most easily identified by their turned-down bolt handles, high-quality machining, and consistent factory markings, all of which distinguish them from earlier conversions.
All M38 short rifles utilize a five-round internal magazine, the traditional Swedish Mauser stripper-clip system, and a shortened military barrel fitted with robust iron sights calibrated for the particular ballistic performance of Swedish 6.5x55mm service ammunition. Stocks are almost always made of Swedish hardwood, typically beech or walnut, and bear crown acceptance stamps and unit or inspection markings characteristic of Swedish military rifles. Metal components exhibit the high-grade workmanship for which Swedish Mausers are known, with precise machining tolerances and excellent heat-treating that contribute to their long-lasting durability. The M38 short rifle earned a strong reputation within Sweden for its combination of excellent accuracy, mild recoil, and reliable Mauser action, making it well-suited for both military service and later civilian use.
Today, Husqvarna-made examples—especially those with matching serial numbers—are highly regarded among collectors for their quality, limited production period, and status as the only new-manufacture Swedish M38 short rifles, while converted M96 variants are appreciated for their historical connection to earlier Swedish service arms. Regardless of variant, the Husqvarna M38 short rifle remains one of the most admired military bolt-action rifles of the 20th century, combining practicality, craftsmanship, and the exceptional performance of the 6.5x55mm cartridge.
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
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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.
