Husqvarna Model 640 and the "strengthened" Mauser 96 action

[333_okh]

Has anyone here used one of the Husqvarna "strengthened" versions of the Mauser Model 1896 [96] action for a custom rifle? These would be the Husqvarna Model 640 that do not have the thumbcut for the stripper clips. They were in a few models such as the 640 in 8x57mm

I am considering using one for a custom rifle to fit my very long build. Since I loved the military action so much on the Swede 96, and I have seen excellent custom jobs on that action I was considering the commercial version.

333

[ringo]

There is nothing wrong with the '96, it is what it doesn't have that makes the '98 desireable. Use the '96 as a custom base up to pressures of 45,000cup. After that, use a '98 as they are cheap, plentiful, and have more safety features built in. Can you afford to lose an eye?

[333_okh]

The rifle would be regulated to just those calibers it was produced for such as 6.5x55 7x57 8x57 and 9.3x57. I do not believe in hot loading a caliber. If the caliber was intented to go 300 fps and produce 4000 fpe then it would have been a bigger gun, not an 8mm Mauser. Under regualr pressure loads I cannot see that the 96 will explode, otherwise there must be a lot of Swedish, Finnish, and even a few Norway residence that have one eye.

[ringo]

You have obviously done your research and with the calibers you mention you will have no problems. I have a 640, FN built '98 action with a 30.06 husqvarna barrel, it is extremely accurate and one of my favorites. I also have some sporterized '96's in 6.5x55 and they too are incredibly accurate, the Swede's certainly know how build quality, accurate rifles. The M-38 actions and barrels are very nice size (barrel length) and make wonderful hunting rifles.

[333_okh]

I have a few that I have been looking at that are in 8x57mm, and although I know this is very popular in a lot of the world, it is a new caliber to me. Very similar to our 30'06 which I love. I am looking to have at least a 24 inch barrel if not up to a 26' to balance out for my size. The stock will be similarly long in the length of pull.

Any additional information you can provide is great. I am glad to hear of good quality and accurate rifles.

333

[Critch]

I have a sporterized Swede in 7mm-08. The only mod I did to it besides tapping for a scope was to replace the bolt handle with one that is more scope friendly. I do not shoot hot loads in it, on the other hand, I don't shoot hot loads in any of my rifles.

It's a very accurate rifle, somewhat heavy with the Fajen walnut stock, but still one of my favorites. I started to leave it in 6.5x55, but some Gomer had chopped the barrel to 20 inches, and I had a Shilen 7mm blank.

[Cal Sibley]

I have 3 of the older Swedish M96 mausers and am quite satisfied with them and feel very secure behind them. It's not the weak action you hear about so often. The 6.5x55 is an ideal cartridge for them and pressures are relatively mild, certainly no worse than many cartridges of their day. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal