Swedish Mauser M96 Serial Numbers
Swedish Mauser M96 Serial Numbers
The Swedish Mauser M96 is a bolt-action rifle that was adopted by the Swedish Army in 1896. It is based on the German Mauser Model 1893, but chambered for the 6.555mm Swedish cartridge and modified to suit Swedish preferences. The M96 was produced by various manufacturers in Germany and Sweden until 1948, and served in various conflicts until the 1970s.
One of the features that distinguishes the Swedish Mauser from other Mauser rifles is the high quality of the steel used for the receiver and barrel. The Swedish Army specified a special alloy of nickel, copper, and vanadium that was known for its strength and corrosion resistance. The steel was supplied by Sweden to the German and Swedish factories that produced the rifles.
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The serial numbers of the Swedish Mauser rifles can provide some information about their origin and history. The serial numbers are usually found on the receiver ring, the bolt handle, the floor plate, the butt plate, and sometimes on other parts. The serial numbers are composed of a number and a letter suffix that indicates the year of production. For example, a serial number of 1234A means that the rifle was made in 1899, the first year of production.
The letter suffixes follow a chronological order from A to Z, skipping I and O to avoid confusion with numbers. The letter suffixes also restart from A every ten years, so a serial number of 5678A could mean either 1899 or 1909, depending on the model and manufacturer of the rifle. To determine the exact year of production, one has to consult other markings on the rifle, such as the manufacturer's name, the model designation, and the inspection stamps.
The manufacturer's name is usually stamped on the receiver ring or on the left side of the receiver. The most common manufacturers of the Swedish Mauser rifles were Waffenfabrik Mauser AG in Oberndorf, Germany; Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori in Eskilstuna, Sweden; and Husqvarna Vapenfabriks Aktiebolag in Huskvarna, Sweden. The model designation is usually stamped on the left side of the receiver or on the barrel shank. The most common models of the Swedish Mauser rifles were m/94 (carbine), m/96 (long rifle), m/38 (short rifle), and m/41 (sniper rifle). The inspection stamps are usually found on various parts of the rifle, such as the barrel, the stock, and the bolt. They indicate the acceptance and quality control of the rifle by different authorities, such as the Swedish Army, the Swedish Navy, or the Civil Guard.
Some Swedish Mauser rifles have unique or unusual serial numbers that indicate a special history or origin. For example, some rifles have serial numbers prefixed by K, which means that they were part of a contract for King Chulalongkorn of Siam (now Thailand) in 1897. These rifles were never delivered to Siam due to political reasons, and were instead sold to Sweden in 1899. They are rare and highly sought after by collectors.
Another example is some rifles that have serial numbers with three or four digits only, without any letter suffix. These rifles are usually made from replacement receivers that were numbered to match the rest of the parts from damaged or defective rifles. These receivers could be from different models or manufacturers than the original ones, and could have different markings or features. These rifles are also uncommon and interesting to collectors.
In conclusion, the serial numbers of the Swedish Mauser rifles can reveal some information about their production and history, but they have to be interpreted with caution and cross-referenced with other markings on the rifle. The Swedish Mauser rifles are known for their high quality and accuracy, and are popular among shooters and collectors alike.