Regarding the basic barreled action and excluding stock or sight comparisons, my understanding is that the M96 converted to M38 specs was basically a rather simple conversion where the most dramatic alteration was the barrel being cut to shorter length; it retained the straight, horizontal bolt handle and for those whom this is important, the original Swede's superior external finish was left unblemished. The 'pure' M38 was made under the same or equivalent metallurgy requirements to the same exacting fit specifications but with the 'bent' bolt handle and less emphasis on the external finish.
