Need help with value of a Swede

[Red Tornado]

I've got a 1900 Carl Gustafs Swedish mauser that I'm trying to figure a price for. It's mostly matching...I just noticed today that the top handguard is a forced match, and the firing pin's been replaced, but the original is included. I couldn't find a S/N on the stock

The disk is marked 6.49 and 3. The rifling is strong, I can't tell there's any wear, but there may be some slight pitting. I can't tell for sure, but it shoots to the limit of my eyes w/ the issue sights...that is, an inch or so at 50 yds. The bluing is good (I really don't know how to estimate, maybe 90%) and the wood looks great. It's missing the cleaning rod.

I've added a cover to protect the barrel threads and will be including a boresnake and 80 pieces of once-fired brass. (Fire formed to the rifle, of course.) I've also got it in a cheap soft case worth about $5, but it functions nicely.

Sorry this got so long. I've got my ideas of what it's worth, but would like some opinions and try to reach a consensus on a fair price.
TIA,
RT

 

[iamkris]

Really nice 96's run $400-500. Average ones are in the $250-300 range.

I'd peg it in the $300 area based on what you've said.

 

[pinstripe]

value

It sounds like to me that you either have a M96 or a M38 carbine. It is chambered for the 6.5x55 Swedish round. The disk that is in the right side of the butt of the stock tells you of the condition of the riflings in the barrel. If this is your original stock, the barrel is a 3. (they rate the bore from 0-3, 0 being new and 3 meaning a well worn bore). The 6.49 is the barrel diameter.
The importers had imported a bunch of the Swedish mauser into the U.S. in the late 60's and early 70's. Here recently there have been quite a few more on the market. It is a great shooting weapon (even with a 3 bore), but their value are not all that great. If it is a 96 or a 38, then the value will be between $200-300 ( according to wear and such). If it the sniper version, the value is greater. The sniper version is a model M41B, and will have a scope mountes to it. Look underneath the end of the barrel and that is where alot of importers put their import mark. That way you can tell who imported it into the country.
Sorry if I sound like a know-it-all. I don't intend to come across that way. I just do not know how much you know about Swedish mausers.
See Ya!

 

[Trebor]

I'd pay $250 for it in a private sale. I think at that price you wouldn't have any problems finding a buyer.

At $300 bucks you'd probably sell it eventually, but you'd probably have to advertise further out and may need to mail it out to someone.

I wouldn't try for more then that for the rifle in that condition. There are a lot of nice Swedes out there so there is nothing particularlly special about this one.

 

[HorseSoldier]

$300-500 is the tag price I mostly see on them a gun shows now.

 

[Float Pilot]

Is it still a M-96 with the 29 inch barrel, or was it converted to an M-38 version (96/38) with a 24 inch barrel?

It the bolt straight or was it replaced with a turned down bolt?

Did you look inside the barrel channel on the main stock and inside the upper handguard for serial numbers?

Is the butt plate straight up and down or does it sweep downward at an angle?

Does the barrel have a matching serial number on the left side of the barrel chamber area about "an inch forward of the action" (This is under the stock so the barrel and action must be removed)

What stamp marks can you see on the stock and underside of the barrel?

 

[cracked butt]

A mostly matching M96b with the cleaning rod missing? Probably $300-350.
It would be worth less due to the threaded muzzle, but 1900 Carl Gustav is worth more to collectots because of its relative rarity.

 

[Red Tornado]

Yes, it's an M96, of all the details to forget. :banghead:

Float Pilot,
It's got the straight bolt.

The S/N on the upper handguard is a forced match. (ie. there are 2 numbers, and the original doesn't match the rifle.) I couldn't find any numbers in the barrel channel. I believe the barrel has a matching number. I remember seeing a s/n that would be covered by the stock, and I think it was the barrel, buy my memory is sketchy.

As far as the butt plate angle, I don't know exactly what to look for. I'll attach a picture if you can tell from that. I didn't see any marks on the stock, and I didn't look for stamps under the barrel, I'll get a complete picture set before I list it. My camera's on the fritz right now, and I'm just waiting for it to get back. The pictures I do have are with my old camera, and they're not too high quality. (Plus my photo skills aren't too high quality.)
Thanks,
RT

 

[cracked butt]

The force matched handguard was done at an arsenal, it won't detract from the value.

Q: does it have a walnut stock?

 

[Red Tornado]

CB,
I can't identify wood unless it still has leaves and bark on in, so I really don't know. I added the picture above that I forgot to include after I said I would, but I don't know if the quality is high enough to tell from that.

I guess I'll have to find someone who can tell.
RT

 

[Red Tornado]

I found a couple of closer pictures, can anyone ID the wood from these?
Thanks
RT

 

[cracked butt]

That looks like walnut which would be correct for that year- and it looks to be in really nice shape

 

[Father Knows Best]

I agree with most of the assessments above. At $250-275, you'll sell it quickly. With some advertising in the right places and some patience, you will get $300, and you might get as much as $350-375. I think it is unlikely you'll get much more than that, but you never know. It's all a matter of what someone is willing to pay.

 

[Red Tornado]

Thanks for all the help guys. That's about what I was thinking, maybe $350 with the 'extras', possibly less, but surely no more. When I get my camera working again, I'll get some better pics and put it up for sale here. If nobody wants it then, I'll try a few more boards, but THR will get first crack.
Thanks again,
RT

 

[iamkris]

Couldn't hurt to try it at $350 then be willing to come down to get it moving. I'd say $300 should move it for sure.

 

[jacobhh]

I've been perusing GunBroker for some time because I want a
38 Swede and they seem to have the most quality offerings.
You may want to do the same. I can't add too much to the
numbers the others have mentioned. They're certainly in the
ballpark. I have some observations though.

The way the gun is hyped seems to make a difference in the final
price paid, good flattering pics and an extensive positive write up.

I personally don't believe what the armory said about the bore 25
years and three owners ago means much but other buyers do from
what I've seen, ie. 6.49 = 'nice tight bore'= good. They won't say
1" at 50 yds., 'I've shot it and it's very accurate'= good. Matching
numbers are always mentioned, never headspace or anything that
could leave the seller liable. etc. etc. You'd think a more sophisticated
buyer would not be swayed by this, but that doesn't seem to be the
case. I may buy from someone on THR but otherwise I've decided to
try the gun shows and examine the rifle myself. My guess is you're
in the $250 to $400 range on line. I'm a shooter, a collector will look
for different things. I can say that Swede's are on the rise, for what
that's worth.