Swedish Military Rifles 1963 - 1989

Text O. Janson

up dated 2024-04-20

 

 

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Post WW2 rifles

FSR CG63 (Frivilliga Skytte Rorelsen)
 

Organization of the civilian rifle shooters in Sweden.

1) 1860 Sharpshooter organization - An organization of civilians was founded in Sweden, like in many other countries. These civilians considered the defense of Sweden too inferior and this organization was founded. 

2) 1893 Volunteer Shooting Association - this organization became Frivilliga Skytte Rorelsen (FSR).

3) 2009 FSR was joined with Swedish Sporting Organization

 

All Swedish FSR rifles were based on the Swedish Mauser system m/1896,
except one (the Sauer 200STR)

You can see this old m/1896 system cut open here below.

Carbine m/1894 with bent down bolt and Rifle 1896 system with straight bolt
for faster operation.

A very early CG 63.  The action is from a rifle m/1896 carbine,
as could be seen on the bolt handle.

The action is from a m/94 carbine, as could be seen on the bolt handle.

 

A CG 63 with an Elit sight.

 

The CG63 match rifle was used by members of the rifle organisation 'Frivilliga Skytterörelsen' (FSR).
 

The CG 63 were built by Carl Gustaf, from surplus m/94 carbines and m/96 rifles. It featured a new free-floating heavy barrel, a new pistol-grip stock and a micrometer aperture sight. The cocking piece was modified to reduce mass and stroke. Length of stroke for firing pin was shortened from 25,4 mm to 18 mm. The trigger was ribbed, the trigger guard was serrated and on m/94 actions the handle was straighted out. The sights could be of different designs; Elit, Söderin, GF, Fäldt, Pramm, Hellqvist, Lyman etc.

Many changed their barrels for Schultz & Larsen barrels instead.

Data for the CG 63

Weight  4,5 - 4,7 kg
Length over all  1245 mm
Length of stock 314 mm
Barrel length 740 mm
Barrel twist of rifles 220 mm
Barrel diameter 19 mm
Trigger pull 1,8 ±0,2 kp

The Swedish Army used this rifle as the Gevär 6.
The only difference was that Gevär 6 had a short cleaning rod beneath the barrel.

CG 63 Junior

CG63 Junior rifle in .22LR

Wooden stock for CG63 Junior rifle in .22LR

 

A rifle for young shooters also exist called CG63 Junior in .22LR with the same look alike and basic specifications  CG 63 rifle in 6,5x55 mm or 7,62x51 mm.

 

CG73

1973 came an improved stock for CG 63. The rifle was then designated CG 73. This rifle was never considered to be really different model from CG63

CG73 with long stroke of firing pin

CG73 with with Carl Gustaf Stads stamping.


FSR CG80

The later CG 80 uses the same Mauser action, but got a better stock and an even heavier barrel.

There were made several tests with different variations on the same theme.

A test rifle built on the stronger receiver without recess for thumb in 7.62x51 NATO.
The scope is not original.

CG80 bolt with altered safety


The last of the FSR rifles based on the Swedish Mauser system m/1896 was called FSR-89

FSR-89

Wooden stock left FSR 89

FSR was introduced the same year as SAUER 200STR was accepted for competition by FSR.

SAUER 200STR 6,5x55 mm (STR = Scandinavian Target Rifle)
 

 

Data for SAUER 200 STR

Mass

5,428 g (11.967 lb) (700 mm barrel)

Length

1,185 mm (46.7 in) (700 mm barrel)

Barrel length

670 mm (26.4 in) (6.5×55mm)
700 mm (27.6 in) (6.5×55mm)
740 mm (29.1 in) (6.5×55mm)

Width

102 mm (4.0 in)

Height

223 mm (8.8 in)

 

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Top of the line in Swedish 6.5x55 ammunition during 1960s.

 

For many years the most popular NORMA 6.5x55 ammunition was "SILVERTORPED"

 

Today 2019 these nice old-timers by Norma have been changed for these 2 cartridges below.

 

"Bana" (= Range) for Shooting on 300 meters range

"Falt" (= Field) for Long Range Shooting between 100 - 800 meters.

 

Here are the bullets used for these two Norma cartridges.

 

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FAQ about Swedish Mausers.

References:

Sven Nyberg

Mats Persson

Karl-Olof Björsell

Members of Gothia Arms Historical Society

Soldier Instruction manuals 1939-1943

Lt Colonel Axel Ekfeldt

Vapenmuseet

Claes-Göran Roos EVhS

Lt Colonel Stellan Bojerud

Krigsarkivet

Anders Arvidsson, Swedish Homeguard

Ulving, S. Arvidsson, P. ;Ett skott en träff.

Hunts, Stockholm

FMV