Sported Swedish Mauser

[Calfed]

A few years ago I got this sported M38 Swedish Mauser. Stock cut down, drilled and tapped for a scope base. Barrel is 24" and appears to be an original barrel, because it has the threads for the BFA.

It is a shame what was done to this rifle...I would never have done this myself. It is an all numbers match (for everything that is still there) Obendorf (s/n57458) that appears to have been converted to an M38 configuration. Bore looks great.

I'm intending to go ahead and mount a scope on this to see how it shoots and if it is a good shooter, to put it into a military stock and shoot it at the vintage military silhouette match in the open category.

The front scope base holes are approximately .875" apart, the rear holes approximately .50" apart. Others have suggested Weaver mounts, but I'm wondering if these Leupolds would work.

http://www.theriflescopestore.com/ma96mafi.html

I like this style of scope mount better than the Weaver style.

[4F4Nam]

Whatever way you decide to go on the mounts, that should make a really good target/hunting rifle.

Ed

[Bill H]

I had a model 38 with an original bent bolt, and it did not look anything like this bolt.

[Calfed]

Thanks, Nam

I had a model 38 with an original bent bolt, and it did not look anything like this bolt.

I have several M38's with the original bent bolt still in military condition...


The one pictured in the OP was converted by the Swede's from a 1900 Obendorf M96 and almost certainly came with a straight bolt handle, which was undoubtedly turned down by a gunsmith when the receiver was drilled and tapped. A scope on a Swedish Mauser with a straight bolt wouldn't be much good.

[dave]

This bolt has been modified for a low mount scope, not original! I would use bases that was on it before, a smith or Brownells should be able to ID it from the hole spacing.

[jon_norstog]

Cal

That is not a bad sporter. It looks like it was made up with a Brownells or similar bolt handle, welded or (better IMO) silver-soldered to the bolt. I would guess it was a "Ye Olde Hunter" or similar chop job from the pre-assassination '60s. And I would guess it is set up for 2-piece mounts. But check, you never know. I put a scope on a Swede long rifle once with the Leupold 1-piece mount, and have used that mount on all my later scoped rifles. Never look back.

The 6.5x55 is pure death for deer, even big muleys on cross-canyon shots. Good luck with it.

jn

PS you probably should get a safety that will clear the scope.

[Calfed]

Thanks, jon and dave.

I bought a set of steel Weaver two-piece bases and will post a range report after I mount a scope and get to the range

[Calfed]

I finally got a scope mounted on the Sported Swede and got a quick range trip in to see how it shoots. The scope is a Weaver Nitrex 3-9x42.


I didn't have time to work up a load for the rifle, so I took a box of 120 grain Prvi Partizan "match" ammo.

5 rounds @ 100 yards off a sand bag front rest.



I think careful load development could do better.

I had decided that if it shot well as is, I would go ahead and put it in a military stock that I have. I think these results are good enough to proceed with that plan.

[Calfed]

Made a quick stop at the range this morning and fired the sported Swede with a cheek riser pad. I pulled the last shot high, but the rifle seemed to shoot better with the cheek pad.

Here are 5 rounds of Prvi 120 gr "match" ammo At 100 yards



I need to get out with some reloads...I think they would be better.

[dave]

I don't think the rifle shoot better with a cheek pad---but you did! hehehe.

[Calfed]

I don't think the rifle shoot better with a cheek pad---but you did! hehehe.

LOL--good point