Determining the exact model of your rifle is one of the key factors when it comes to choosing the correct scope mounting solution. With the ever-growing number of collectors chasing down the most valuable firearm pieces history has to offer, hoping that one day they might pass them on to their children and grandchildren, many manufacturers now offer various scope mounts for rifles that are sometimes well over 100 years old.
This might often lead to some naming ambiguities though, as numerous firearm manufacturers still rely on the ‘dependable’ method of marking their rifle models with numerals – which was also a common practice a century ago. Carl Gustaf can, akin to Mauser, cause an average Joe quite a headache when it comes to determining the exact model of the rifle based on the receiver markings. You should be able to understand the reasons behind the perplexing branding of various rifle models after reading this article.
Mauser M96 vs. Carl Gustaf 1896
The M96 long variant rifle, designed for infantry use, was introduced by Mauser after the M94 carbine was adopted. The Carl Gustaf factory in Sweden carried on the production that had begun in Germany and named the model Carl Gustaf 1896. The rifles are essentially the same except for different markings on the receiver.
Carl Gustaf 1900 (1967-1979)
Carl Gustaf 1900 is a bolt-action model produced between 1967 and 1979. However certain CG 1896 rifles produced in 1900 have the 1900 markings stamped into the receiver which could cause some confusion among users. The two rifles should not be muddled up though. 1900 marking on the CG 1896 model refers to the year of production – i.e., Carl Gustaf model 1896, made in 1900 – contrary to the Carl Gustaf 1900 which is the actual name of the model that was succeeded by the CG 2000.
Some scope mount manufacturers mark their products as compatible with Carl Gustaf 1896/1900. This does, however, not mean that the mounts are suitable for CG 1896 and CG 1900 (1967-1979) but rather that they can be fitted onto the CG 1896 models made in the year 1900.
M1896 Receiver Types
There were three different types of receivers produced by Mauser, Carl Gustaf, and Husqvarna, but other than for the markings, all are identical. The clip guide notch is what distinguishes the Type 1 from the Type 2 and Type 3 models. It was included in types 2 and 3; however, it was later added to many Type 1 receivers as well.
The serial number and markings were roll-stamped into the receiver during the manufacturing process before the final polishing and hardening. The firearms produced by Carl Gustaf had numbers stamped into the receiver starting in 1898 and ending in 1925. The manufacturing factory name was marked on the top of the receiver ring, followed by the production year.
Receiver Markings
Each rifle bears the manufacturer’s marks which are stamped into the front end of the receiver ring.
M94 carbines and M96 rifles, made at Germany’s Oberndorf Mauser factory between 1894 and 1900, have the following markings on their receivers:
- WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER OBERNDORF A/N + Year
Rifles manufactured from 1941-1944 by Husqvarna in Sweden, have the following markings on their receivers:
- HUSQVARNA VAPENFABRIKS AKTIEBOLAG + Year
Rifles manufactured from 1898-1925 at the Carl Gustaf factory in Eskilstuna, Sweden, have the following marks on the receiver:
- CARL GUSFTAFS STADS GEVARSFAKTORI + Year
What Exactly is a Swedish Mauser?
Bolt-action rifles known as “Swedish Mausers” are bolt-action rifles chambered for 6.5×55mm caliber, based on an enhanced version of the model 1893 and manufactured in Carl Gustaf’s factory in Sweden (e.g., M38 short rifle, M41 sniper rifle and the M94 carbine).
Carl Gustaf models produced from 1898 to 1925 are referred to either as the Swedish Mausers, M1896s or M96s since they are based on the original Mauser 1896 design. The number on the receiver denotes the year of manufacture, not the assembly or the specific model of the finished rifle or carbine. The markings on the rifle can therefore vary from 1898 to 1925, including – of course – the 1900 designation which some might, at least in terms of model denomination, confuse with the ‘newer’ CG 1900 model (1967-1979).
It is important to note that the scope mounts between the CG 1900 and CG 1896 are not interchangeable as they feature completely different mounting surfaces.
Scope Mounts Suitable for Carl Gustaf 1896
The M96 infantry rifle was unveiled by Mauser in 1896, and production continued in Germany until the Swedish facilities were prepared to begin the manufacturing process. At that point, the markings on the receivers had changed as well. Now that you are familiar with the differences in receiver markings, choosing the correct scope mount should not be an issue. You can find suitable scope mounting solutions for your Carl Gustaf 1896 rifle here:
Scope Mounts Suitable for Carl Gustaf 1900
Various Carl Gustaf 1900 copies and variations can be found on the market such as Antonio Zoli 1900 or Viking Arms 1900 which are both based on the original Husqvarna action design. All of them have interchangeable one-piece and two-piece scope mounts. If you are looking for a suitable mounting solution for your CG 1900 rifle, you can find it here:
