Model 1896 6.5 x 55 Swedish Mauser

[Montelores]

Hi, all, and Happy New Year!

Our LGS has a 1917 Swedish Mauser in 6.5 x 55.

It seem to be in rather good shape, and the bore appeared fairly bright (using reflected light).

I don't have any experience with military rifles, so I'm curious what you knowledgeable shooters might have to say about this type of rifle.

Thanks to all for any information you might have for me -

Best to all -

Monty

 

[toysoldier]

These are usually beautiful weapons, with a very smooth operation and excellent accuracy. Prices have gone up dramatically as the supply dried up and shooters learned to appreciate them. The 6.5x55 round is legendary for lethality. Check prices on gunbroker, then GO GET IT!

 

[volshooter]

I have one with all matching #'s dated 1900. When I got it, after a 2 year search, I cleaned it and with surplus ammo shot a single hole in a target and put the next two rounds on top of the first. I cleaned it and put it in the safe. I believe this rifle was never carried in conflict of any kind. If the world goes to crap, this rifle will still not be for sale.

I have a couple of pals who have had these sporterized and they still shoot very accurate.

 

[Montelores]

Thank you, toysoldier and volshooter.

I'm guessing that the condition of the bore should be a big concern, so I'll take my glasses if I'm going to look at it again.

There is a Chuck Hawks site which describes the brass disc on the stock and the meaning of the imprints on it.

It also seems to have a threaded muzzle protector - it screws on the muzzle, so the muzzle is set back from the end of the protector.

The stock seems to be in great shape, and there is no rust on the outside of the gun.

I'll give it a closer look tomorrow.

Thanks again -

Monty

 

[flyinfred]

I don't know much but there are 3 of them in my safe.......jmho......

 

[Montelores]

Thanks, flyinfred.

Now, all I can think about is this darn old rifle.

Do you think that my wife will want to shoot it?

Best -

Monty

 

[RICHGCOOP]

Thy are A fine gun. Veary flat shooting. I have two of them. A short barrel and the other is a long barrel.
Go for it.

RICHGCOOP

 

[Montelores]

Thanks, Rich.

I probably will, after all the positive reports.

Monty

 

[mattsbox99]

I think all factory ammunition except for the Hornady Superformance is safe in it. If you reload you need to stick to data for military actions.

 

[Montelores]

Thanks, mattsbox.

I don't reload (yet!) - but this LGS has Prvi Partizan 6.5 x 55 for $16.95 for 20 rounds.

Is that OK for the rifle? What else is safe and available?

Thanks again -

Monty

 

[loiblb]

I bought a bubbaized restocked Carl Gustav M96 Swedish Mauser from a gunshop's used rack.
Had it drilled and tapped for a Weaver V24 scope. Very happy with it. Don't think it will be traded off or sold anytime soon.
I thought about a Boyds stock to put on it.
The 6.5x55 is one sweet shooting round.

I also like the swiss k31's in 7.5x55 too, very nice shooters.

 

[muzzleloader]

I picked up a Carl Gustov from 1928 for $175 (a while ago ) It'll shoot with anything in my safe. Liked the cartridge so much bought an Encore barrel as well. I see no need for a .308 now. Just my 2 cents.

 

[mattsbox99]

Monty, you should be safe with anything but some of the Hornady loads. You may still see some of their 'Light Magnum' out there and you should see the 'Superformance'. Those are the ones to avoid. Any of the Federal, Remington, Winchester, Prvi stuff should be plenty safe.

 

[Buckeye!]

I've owned about a half dozen or so in the past...great firearms....

 

[Montelores]

Thanks for all the advice.

The bore looked great, and the rifle followed me home.

The stock only has a few dings in it, and almost all of the bluing is intact.

It appears that it really wasn't fired much.

The LGS had a "chamber mirror," which one drops into the chamber, and light is reflected back out, and the chamber is smooth and shiny.

The smith at the LGS ran some #9 through the bore at my request, and the bore appeared bright and shiny.

Hard to believe that it is 95 years old.

I purchased a box of Prvi Partizan for $16.95 and a box of Remington for $23.95. Maybe I'll have a chance to shoot it next week.

Thanks again for the help -

Monty

 

[ottsixx]

they are 1 wonderful round and rifle Iv had about a half dozen of them as 1 of them was 1 of the most accurate rifles Ive ever owned it is so stincking accurate its scary.....

 

[RICHGCOOP]

Way to go MONTY. You will love it.


RICHGCOOP

 

[Boxhead]

Fine, fine rifle, action and caliber. Make into a nice 7x57 too...