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powdr Offline OP
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I have been looking at the Husqvarna rifles at Simpson LTD. I am confused as I have seen the 8x57, which is what I want, in a Mauser action, an FN action, the 640, 1600, and 1640. Can anyone tell me which one is the lightweight version and describe what the quality of the others are? What's the major difference between the 1600 and 1640? powdr

Last edited by powdr; 11/29/13.
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Here is some info gleaned from the "Fire" and and other forums. It does appear to be short of some of the calibres available for each model. But rest assured, if you buy a 1600/1640 you will be buying one of the nicest, smoothest 98 actions available - period. And in a rifle that may be over 50 years old! They shoot, the triggers are easily worked, and if you get the 1600, are very lightweight. The FN action you are looking at is probably a 640 rather than a 1600 or 1640. The basic difference between the 1600 and 1640 is barrel length and the 1640 is usually slightly heavier.

"Husqvarna basically used only four different mauser-type actions.

The Swedish Mauser model 94 -
Used from 1927 to 1949
After WW2 it was called model 38, it also lost the thumb cut-out.

The German Mauser model 98 -
Used from 1937 to 1956
Made by FN in Belgium in two types, the main difference is that
the new type doesn't have the thumb cut-out and that the bolt
handle is swept slightly back.

Husqvarna model 1640/1640 -
Husqvarna was not comfortable with the fact that they were
depending on one of there competitors. So they developed an
action that in some ways resembles the German Mauser model 98.
It uses a long mauser 98 type extractor and mechanical ejector
but got a sliding safety catch.
It was released in 1953 and discontinued in 1967.

Husqvarna model 1900 -
In 1967 Husqvarna released a new action. It uses short modern
extractor and ejector. It got a small extra guiding-lug on
the lower locking-lug. The cocking-piece got a new shape and
looks like the one on the present Carl Gustaf 2000 rifles.

Since 1950 Husqvarna have mainly used cold-hammer forged barrels.

A very crude and simplified list of Husqvarna rifle models

Model 46
Swedish m/94 action
Approximately 25000 made
Calibre 9,3x57 9,3x62 6,5x55

Model 146, 246
FN made M98 action (old type)
Approximately 12000 made
Calibre 9,3x57 9,3x62

Model 646, 648, 649
FN made M98 action (old and new type), and Swedish m/38 action
Approximately 64000 made
Calibre 6,5x55 8x57JS 9,3x62
220Swift 270Win 30-06

Model 1000, 1100, 2104F
FN made M98 action (new type)
Calibre 220Swift 270Win 30-06

Model 1640, 1740, 2100, 1600
Husqvarna 1640 action
Calibre 270Win 6,5x55 30-06 8x57JS 9,3x62

Model 6000, 3000, 7000
Husqvarna 1640 action
Calibre 7mmRemM 308Win 270Win 30-06 243Win 9,3x62

Model 1651
Husqvarna 1640 action
Calibre 358NM

Model 1970
Husqvarna 1900 action
Calibre 22-250 243Win 6,5x55 270Win 7mmRemM 300WinM
308Win 30-06 9,3x62 222Rem"

Husqvarna's rifle production was sold to FFV Carl Gustaf in 1970,
and the production of the model 1900 continued in Eskilstuna until the end of the seventies."

"There's nothing such as a "short HVA action". All the 1600/1640/1651 are made on the same action.

There is a lot of confusion on what is what, but basically, the 1600 is the short barreled action (520mm), the 1640 is the "standard" barreled action (600mm, including the "Husky" with it's 560mm barrel) and the 1651 is the 650mm barreled action, officially only made in .358 NM.

The HVA "Improved Mauser" is NOT a short action, it's a "US standard length" action, which uses the same trigger guard bolt pattern as the standard Mauser 98, but it's a Small Ring action.

The Model 1651 Special is not common at all.

Husqvarna stamped the serial numbers on the left side of the barrels just ahead of the receiver. This holds true for the bolt action rifles from the M46 through the 1900 series of rifles. This method was due to Swedish regulations for civilian rifles.

All factory barreled actions had the serial number stamped on the barrel as noted above along with the Husqvarna logo as a proof mark, and at least "Husqvarna Vapenfabrics Aktiebolag" along the top of the barrel. If your rifle does not have these then it is not a factory installed barrel. A serial number on the action was not required in the US until the Gun Control Act of 1968, well after most of the Husqvarna rifles were made.

Serial Numbers � 1600/1640 Models
- 1881xx 1950
- 1854xx 1955
- 2471xx 1959
- 2537xx 1961
- 2571xx 1962
- 6283xx 1971

Leupold only makes one base to fit the action and it's their only "standard" base for the 1640/1600/1651 familly. They call it "Husqvarna, Carl Gustav and Crown Grade" and the base model is STD-HC 49989. Redfield are just the same by now as they're the same company. One can also buy "blank bases" and have it machined to fit receiver.

Husqvarna manufactured the Model 1900 in the HVA Gunworks, serial numbers 350000 � 378607

Then FFV/Carl Gustaf bought the Gunworks and continued to manufacture the 1900 under the FFV designation. Approx 60000 were made from 1970 -1979, serial numbers 381000 � 652000, missing out large chunks of the numbering system.

Then economic�s forced the closure and subsequent sale to the Italian Co, Zoli, who then manufactured the 1900 under the Zoli brand. All machining etc was sold to Zoli and many parts are interchangeable.

Husqvarna made several rifles under the Smith and Wesson name. They were simply known as models A, B, C and D. The D&E model prior to 1972 are meant to be the same as the Husky 1900"


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thank you for that information backcountry.

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JC Higgins 51-L rifles are also built on the HVA action. They were barreled and stocked by High Standard for Sears in the late 50's/early 60's time period. I have one chambered in 308 that weighs under 7 1/2 lbs with a 3200 Elite 3-9x44 scope mounted. The bedding was generally very poor on these rifles and mine was no different. When I traded for it the recoil block was broken loose with a crack extending from there clear back into the pistol grip. I used pins and epoxy to put it back together and bed the rifle. Now it shoots way better than I can. Still needs a trigger job.

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I have a 51-L .30-06 that, aside from some scratches on one side of the buttstock, is in very good shape. I bedded it with Acra-Glas Gel and worked over the trigger, and it shoots very well. Weight is 7 pounds on the nose with a 6x36 Leupold in Weaver mounts.


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With the newer actions, they use a button type ejector. The difference between short and long cases is where on the action they milled the slot for the button ejector. Same action, long and short cases.

Here's the link to a thread that explains it with pictures.

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/7722726/1

DF


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