There were many versions of the mauser 96 in Swedish service, most of them made in 3 arsenals in Sweden (Carl Gustav, Husqvarna and Göteborg royal navy arsenal [3 crowns over an anchor] too, large numbers of Oberndorf Mausers and Kongsberg rifles were imported)

Most carbines were made from rifles, but carbines were never widely used (only horse cavalry and later armoured car troops were issued them) Special forces, marines and mountain-troops were issued either the short rifle (equal in appearance to the CG M38) or used a full sized battle-rifle. Basically, the 96 action is not a weak action, neither is the 94. compared to a 98 action ANYTHING is weak and then again, most of these rifles are well passed into retirement age.

Any load deemed safe by commercial manufacturers can safely be fired in a properly functioning m94/96.m38 because these rifles are not the minimum standard for this caliber, the Krag-Jorgensen & Krag-Petersen rifles are. And compared to the Mauser action, the Krag is weaker, but still a very strong action in all respects.

There is however one issue to take to heart, and that is if your barrel is being tested for "Torped pryttskytte / VT" (the old pre 1909 torpedo style long bullets) if so, your barrel is also usable for spitzers, but could be very inaccurate. Some barrels don't like them, due to the twistrate, which is apparantly too slow for short bullets.

One other thing is the issue of fast follow up shots, don't overdo it, the barrelcrown is easily burned out. Allow the barrel to cool, after all, the bullet is a pretty fast one.

The Swedish army prided itself in the marksmanship of the troops and the choice of rifle is because of that, more a precision rifle than a fast operating one. The side mount works great, but some Carl Gustav actions were fitted with tapped holes for the mounting of a scope. Again, a great multitude of models were in use, If I recall correctly a 3.5 power scope was somewhat of a "standard"


Good luck,

Vesi