6.5x55 Swedish mauser

Clint. · 01-30-2005, 06:52 PM

Any gunsmiths on here?
Would it be an expensive proposition to work over a Swedish mauser so that a scope could be mounted with low or medium height rings? It is one of the later models with a downswept bolt handle. (not the straight one)

Clint

8mm/06 · 01-30-2005, 07:47 PM

Easily done by a competent smith. But you will also have to have that bolt turned....either cut and welded or forged. Your cavalry model bent bolt isn't bent enough to clear a low or medium hieght scope mount. But that isn't terribly expensive either.
I had a Swede drilled and tapped for $40.00 recently. I installed the mounts and rings myself and bore-sighted out my back window. With only 8 rounds at the range I had it tuned in beautifully.

James B · 01-31-2005, 01:52 PM

I had the bolt bent on one of mine. On the other we cut the handle off and welded on a new one. Drilling and tapping runs 10.00 a hole around here. They are worth the effort though. Most are great shooters. If you are a good hunter the swede will take everything in NA. It would not be the best choice for the big bears but it will kill them. The sectional density of the 160 grain semi Spitzer gives it penetrating ability that you would't believe.

Slamfire · 01-31-2005, 01:59 PM

I'd shop around for a scope that had enough eye relief to be mounted ahead of the operating range of the existing bolt handle.

James B · 02-01-2005, 04:37 PM

Thats another idea. I tried it though and I couldn't get used to it so I moved it back. There are few better calibers around than the old swede.

Briman · 02-02-2005, 07:14 AM

I'd do what slamfire suggested.

Someday you might kick yourself for drilling and tapping the swede.

halcon · 02-02-2005, 03:47 PM

Briman I have the swede in a husquavarna with a 24" barrel and the bent bolt . I've seen a lot of them around but not this model ,do you know anything about them .

Slamfire · 02-02-2005, 09:30 PM

What you have is a Model 38. Husky won the contract to build these rifles for the weapons race prior to WWII. I think they all have 24" barrels but there are still some with straight bolt handles.

Briman · 02-03-2005, 06:08 AM

Again, what Slamfire said.

Your husky if in its original military configuration is probably woth $300+ right now, mainly because its a collectors item. If you drill it an tap it, its value as a collector will diminish greatly.

A couple weeks ago I was at the range and a guy had his Swedish model M94 with him. This is only about the 4th one I've ever seen. He said it bought it for about $50 a few decades ago and kind of laughed as he said that he wished he knew better before he mounted the scope on it.

One of those in pristine condition can sell for $700-800 right now.

8mm/06 · 02-03-2005, 03:39 PM

I have a M94 that I did drill and tap.....but it was not worth anything more than being a shooter....it had NO matching #'s and had been Jimmied at the rear sight....It had also been restocked with a slightly chopped Fajen when I got it. It shot passably though...so I had it drilled and tapped, the bolt forged to low scope configuration...I swapped out the safety and the trigger and it is one sweet little carbine. I paid $150.00 for it 15 years ago and I was happy to pay that even though it was a bit high for the gun in its condition. I proably could have parted it out for $250.00 but I wanted to keep it to shoot. Some day I may re-barrel it (it's barrel is ok but not great) but for now it is a very nice 18 inch barreled 70 yard gun. aA 100 yards the groups won't stay under 4.5" but I haven't really played with any loads yet. I suspect the crown is to blame.
But I love the Swede round..I have 5 of them..3 sporters and 2 military.