Just bought 1st M96 and have question about the safety

bumnote · July 19, 2011, 05:23 AM

Last week I picked up a '02 Gustaf M96 and have a question about the safety. When it's decocked, I can flip the safety up into the 12 & 3 o'clock positions and each position locks bolt in place. In the 9 o'clock position bolt is unlocked. When cocked, it functions like my 98GEW action. Is this normal for the M96? I've also noticed (as I type this) when dry firing the safety lever 'bounces' a little, every so often not returning to the 9 o'clock position.
I did have to disassemble the the 96's bolt when I got the rifle because I couldn't get the safety to function at all, but found a posting on a Mauser board and followed the instructions and got it to engage, but I didn't notice if I could flip the safety on and off then when it was decocked. If it matters, the main spring might be new.

On a side note...I love this rifle...especially the round! What an absolute pleasure the 6.5 is to shoot. I loaded up some low pressure rounds and I swear the recoil was just a bit stronger than a 223...and as accurate as I've read. I've become a Mauser addict recently...but this round may become my favorite. I have a Brazilian M1908 action I was going to build a custom off of...and if it's not going to require a ton of work I think I'll have it chambered in 6.5.

Jo6pak · July 19, 2011, 05:46 PM

Welcome to the 6.5 Swede cult. They are great rifles with a great round.
I have an all original Carl Gustaf M96 marked 1912, and my deer rifle is a Sporter M96 built off a Kimber modified barrelled action marked 1918. Love em both

You safety sounds fine.
This is also how mine works, and I've had it for nearly 20yrs.
Decocked, both the 12 and 3 oclock should lock the bolt

Cocked, 3 is locked trigger and bolt. 12 oclock safes just the rigger, bolt should move. and 9 oclock is fire.

I just checked and my safety lever bounces a bit when dry firing too, just ever so slightly.

Have fun

bumnote · July 19, 2011, 06:25 PM

Thanks Jo6pak! It's a relief to know I don't have to replace any parts, everything matches on this one.
I can see how this cult suck you in...I'm already eyeing another one.

SurplusShooter · July 19, 2011, 06:30 PM

Welcome to the cult I have a 1915 Carl Gustav in as issued condition your safty is fine as stated and enjoy the rifle they are very accurate rifles.

July 19, 2011, 05:23 AM	#1
bumnote Senior Member Join Date: October 13, 2008 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 407	Just bought 1st M96 and have question about the safety Last week I picked up a '02 Gustaf M96 and have a question about the safety. When it's decocked, I can flip the safety up into the 12 & 3 o'clock positions and each position locks bolt in place. In the 9 o'clock position bolt is unlocked. When cocked, it functions like my 98GEW action. Is this normal for the M96? I've also noticed (as I type this) when dry firing the safety lever 'bounces' a little, every so often not returning to the 9 o'clock position. I did have to disassemble the the 96's bolt when I got the rifle because I couldn't get the safety to function at all, but found a posting on a Mauser board and followed the instructions and got it to engage, but I didn't notice if I could flip the safety on and off then when it was decocked. If it matters, the main spring might be new. On a side note...I love this rifle...especially the round! What an absolute pleasure the 6.5 is to shoot. I loaded up some low pressure rounds and I swear the recoil was just a bit stronger than a 223...and as accurate as I've read. I've become a Mauser addict recently...but this round may become my favorite. I have a Brazilian M1908 action I was going to build a custom off of...and if it's not going to require a ton of work I think I'll have it chambered in 6.5. __________________ "And remember, Abraham Lincoln didn't die in vain, he died in Washington D.C." - Firesign Theatre

July 19, 2011, 05:46 PM	#2
Jo6pak Senior Member Join Date: August 5, 2010 Location: West Coast...of WI Posts: 1,663	Welcome to the 6.5 Swede cult. They are great rifles with a great round. I have an all original Carl Gustaf M96 marked 1912, and my deer rifle is a Sporter M96 built off a Kimber modified barrelled action marked 1918. Love em both You safety sounds fine. This is also how mine works, and I've had it for nearly 20yrs. Decocked, both the 12 and 3 oclock should lock the bolt Cocked, 3 is locked trigger and bolt. 12 oclock safes just the rigger, bolt should move. and 9 oclock is fire. I just checked and my safety lever bounces a bit when dry firing too, just ever so slightly. Have fun __________________ NRA Life Member, SAF contributor.

July 19, 2011, 06:25 PM	#3
bumnote Senior Member Join Date: October 13, 2008 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 407	Thanks Jo6pak! It's a relief to know I don't have to replace any parts, everything matches on this one. I can see how this cult suck you in...I'm already eyeing another one. __________________ "And remember, Abraham Lincoln didn't die in vain, he died in Washington D.C." - Firesign Theatre

July 19, 2011, 06:30 PM	#4
SurplusShooter Senior Member Join Date: July 3, 2011 Location: Upstate,New york Posts: 308	Welcome to the cult I have a 1915 Carl Gustav in as issued condition your safty is fine as stated and enjoy the rifle they are very accurate rifles.