The Russian Mosin Nagant Forum

So if the receiver is dated 1916 then it is not a real m38 but a m96 cut down to m38 specs right?

I'm thinking your right about that Sonny but not really sure. I'm thinking the first real carbine 38's were the Huskys made at a later date. I'll be watching to see the answer here later on from someone who knows.

Where is OldOutlaw when you need him...lol

I think you have it correct. I wouldn't turn one down.

millman wrote:I think you have it correct. I wouldn't turn one down.

Me either, mine will out shoot both of my M96 rifles and all else in my collection.

I think the bolt is also different on the true m38. It is turned down, whereas the "96/38" is straight. I think both Husqvarna and Carl Gustafs Stads made the carbines in the '40s, but Husqvarna only made them for a few years and in lesser numbers. At least this is how I remember it.

Yes, the cutdown model 96 is called the 96/38 and retains the straight bolt handle. The model 38 was built with a turned downed bolt handle, otherwise they are the same. Both great rifles.

Carl Gustaf never made a true m38 that I know of. About 60,000 m96s were converted by CG to m38s just before WWII. The 1916 in question was one of these. Is the bolt numbered to the receiver? Might have had the bent bolt put on during a rebuild. There should be a crown at the bottom of the bolt knob. I would bet it has a tilted crown indicating manufacture by Husqvarna. If numbered to the receiver it was put on during a later rebuild. With a 1916 you always check the stock. During WWI stocks were made from beech, walnut, elm, maple and mahogany. The last three will bring a premium. Husqvarna made apprx. 88,000 m38s between 1941 and 1944.

Jbob wrote:

millman wrote:I think you have it correct. I wouldn't turn one down.

Me either, mine will out shoot both of my M96 rifles and all else in my collection.

With the longer sight radius my m96s will outshoot any m38 I own. You have an exception.