Q: I recently purchased what was supposed to be a Model 98 Mauser action, intending to have it rebarrelled and restocked, as it was bargain priced.
The receiver is marked “Husqvarna Vapenfabriks AktieBolag” and dated 1942. A gunsmith I asked about it told me that the Model 96 does not have the strength of the Model 98 because it lacks the extra bolt lug at the rear.
I was going to build a rifle in .257 Roberts or 7x57mm Mauser. Do you think the action is strong enough to contain these cartridges?
Harry Lawson
A: Back in 1988 I had a Swedish Mauser in 6.5x55mm customised and developed some powerful loads for it. I never had any problems with the action due to lack of strength.
Recently, I bought a Model 96 Mauser that had already been customised, chambered in 7x57mm Mauser, and I have no doubts about working up full-power loads for it.
The strength of the Model 96 is often badly underrated but the steel used in its construction was so good that the formula was never changed and the steel used in a rifle made in 1896 is exactly the same as that of a Model 38 rifle made in 1942.
Receivers were heat treated to 50-55 on the Rockwell scale, and bolts hardened to 60-65 RC.
Husqvarna receivers were even harder than those made by Carl Gustav. Ask any gunsmith who has ever had to drill one for scope bases.
In fact, I believe the Swedish Model 96 is just as good as some early Model 98s. True, the receivers were designed to withstand a working pressure of 44,000psi, but they were proofed to 66,000psi.
Handloaders have been cautioned against developing loads exceeding 44,000psi, but with strong modern brass this seems redundant.
Any argument concerning the lack of a third bolt lug compared with the Model 98 is futile, as this lug doesn’t bear and is a safety lug which could be of value in the almost unheard of event of double simultaneous failure of the head lugs.
Some modifications I would recommend are: turning down the bolt handle, installing a cock-on-opening kit; and an aftermarket Timney adjustable trigger.
If your M96 action appears to be in good condition, I’d have no reservations about sporterising it. Just be content to hold your reloads within sensible limits.
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