Husqvarna Rifle Serial Numbers: How to Date and Identify Your Swedish Mauser
Husqvarna Rifle Serial Numbers: A Guide for Collectors and Shooters
Introduction
If you are a collector or a shooter of vintage firearms, you may have come across a Husqvarna rifle. These rifles were made by the famous Swedish company Husqvarna Vapenfabriks AB, which started as a royal armory in the 17th century and later diversified into various products such as motorcycles, chainsaws and sewing machines. Husqvarna rifles are known for their quality, accuracy and craftsmanship, and they have a loyal following among enthusiasts around the world.
Husqvarna Rifle Serial Numbers
One of the most important things to know about your Husqvarna rifle is its serial number. The serial number is a unique identifier that can tell you a lot about your rifle's history, model, caliber, date of manufacture and more. Knowing your serial number can help you verify the authenticity, value and condition of your rifle, as well as find parts, accessories and manuals for it.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of finding the serial number, model name and other product data on your Husqvarna rifle. We will also show you how to use this information to date your rifle and learn more about its features and specifications. Whether you are a novice or an expert, this article will help you appreciate your Husqvarna rifle even more.
Husqvarna Rifle Models and Serial Numbers
Bolt Action Rifles
Husqvarna made several models of bolt action rifles from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century. These rifles were based on various Mauser actions and were chambered in different calibers ranging from .22 to 9.3x62. Some of the most popular models were:
Model 46 and its variants
The Model 46 was introduced in 1927 as a sporting rifle based on the Mauser M98 action. It was available in several calibers such as 6.5x55, .270 Win, .30-06 and more. It had a walnut stock with checkering, a steel buttplate, a barrel band sling swivel and a hooded front sight. The serial numbers for this model ranged from 501 to 197000 between 1927 and 1959.
The Model 46 also had several variants such as the Model 46A (with a half stock), the Model 46AN (with a half stock and a nickel steel bolt), the Model 46B (with a Mannlicher-style stock) and the Model 646 (with a half stock and chambered in .30-06 only).
Model 146
The Model 146 was introduced in 1936 as a lightweight version of the Model 46. It had a shorter barrel (51 cm), a lighter stock (without checkering) and a plastic buttplate. It was chambered in calibers such as .22 Hornet, .222 Rem, .243 Win and more. The serial numbers for this model ranged from 20001 to 31440 between 1936 and 1957.
Model 246
The Model 246 was introduced in 1948 as an improved version of the Model 146. It had a shorter and lighter barrel (51 cm), a lighter stock (without checkering) and a plastic buttplate. It was chambered in calibers such as .22 Hornet, .222 Rem, .243 Win and more. The serial numbers for this model ranged from 20001 to 31440 between 1936 and 1957.
Model 246
The Model 246 was introduced in 1948 as an improved version of the Model 146. It had a longer and heavier barrel (60 cm), a checkered stock with a cheekpiece and a rubber recoil pad. It was chambered in calibers such as .270 Win, .30-06, .308 Win and more. The serial numbers for this model ranged from 60001 to 97600 between 1948 and 1951.
Model 640 and its variants
The Model 640 was introduced in 1949 as a high-end sporting rifle based on the FN Mauser M98 action. It had a walnut stock with checkering, a steel buttplate, a barrel band sling swivel and a hooded front sight. It was available in several calibers such as 6.5x55, .270 Win, .30-06 and more. The serial numbers for this model ranged from 48001 to 97736 between 1949 and 1951.
The Model 640 also had several variants such as the Model 648 (chambered in 8x57JS), the Model 649 (chambered in 9.3x62) and the Model 650 (chambered in .375 H&H Magnum).
Miniature Rifles (.22 caliber)
Husqvarna also made several models of miniature rifles chambered in .22 caliber for target shooting and small game hunting. These rifles were based on various actions such as Martini, rolling block and bolt action. Some of the most popular models were:
Model 55, 155 and 255
The Model 55 was introduced in 1925 as a single shot bolt action rifle with a Martini-style action. It had a walnut stock with checkering, a steel buttplate, a barrel band sling swivel and an adjustable rear sight. The serial numbers for this model ranged from 22047 to 74255 between 1925 and 1948.
The Model 155 was introduced in 1936 as an improved version of the Model 55. It had a longer barrel (60 cm), a heavier stock with a cheekpiece and a rubber recoil pad. It was chambered in calibers such as .22 Hornet, .222 Rem, .243 Win and more. The serial numbers for this model ranged from 15000 to 16400 between 1936 and 1958.
The Model 255 was introduced in 1959 as an improved version of the Model 155. It had a shorter barrel (51 cm), a lighter stock with a plastic buttplate and a detachable magazine. It was chambered in calibers such as .22 LR, .22 WMR and .17 HMR. The serial numbers for this model ranged from 16500 to 28734 between 1959 and 1963.
Model 355
The Model 355 was introduced in 1955 as a single shot bolt action rifle with a rolling block action. It had a walnut stock with checkering, a steel buttplate, a barrel band sling swivel and an adjustable rear sight. It was chambered in .22 LR only. The serial numbers for this model ranged from 27281 to 28700 between 1955 and 1969.
Model 622
The Model 622 was introduced in 1949 as a single shot bolt action rifle with a Martini-style action. It had a beechwood stock with checkering, a plastic buttplate, a barrel band sling swivel and an adjustable rear sight. It was chambered in .22 LR only. The serial numbers for this model ranged from 200 to 14900 between 1949 and 1957.
Model 1622 and 1722
The Model 1622 was introduced in 1957 as an improved version of the Model 622. It had a longer barrel (60 cm), a heavier stock with a cheekpiece and a rubber recoil pad. It was chambered in .22 LR only. The serial numbers for this model ranged from 15000 to 16400 between 1957 and 1963.
The Model 1722 was introduced in 1963 as an improved version of the Model 1622. It had a shorter barrel (51 cm), a lighter stock with a plastic buttplate and a detachable magazine. It was chambered in .22 LR, .22 WMR and .17 HMR. The serial numbers for this model ranged from 16500 to 28734 between 1963 and 1970.
How to Date Your Husqvarna Rifle Using Serial Numbers
The general pattern of serial number ranges and year of manufacture for Husqvarna rifles
As you can see from the previous section, Husqvarna rifles have different serial number ranges depending on the model and the caliber. However, there is a general pattern that can help you date your rifle using the serial number. The pattern is as follows:
- The first digit or two digits of the serial number indicate the model number. For example, if the serial number starts with 46, it is a Model 46 rifle. If it starts with 622, it is a Model 622 rifle. - The next digit or two digits of the serial number indicate the caliber. For example, if the serial number is 462701, it is a Model 46 rifle chambered in .270 Win. If it is 622200, it is a Model 622 rifle chambered in .22 LR. - The last three or four digits of the serial number indicate the production number within that model and caliber. For example, if the serial number is 462701, it is the first Model 46 rifle chambered in .270 Win made by Husqvarna. If it is 622200, it is the 200th Model 622 rifle chambered in .22 LR made by Husqvarna. - The year of manufacture can be estimated by comparing the serial number with the known serial number ranges for each model and caliber. For example, if the serial number is 462701, it was made between 1948 and 1951, when Husqvarna produced Model 46 rifles chambered in .270 Win with serial numbers from 60001 to 97600. If it is 622200, it was made between 1949 and 1957, when Husqvarna produced Model 622 rifles chambered in .22 LR with serial numbers from 200 to 14900. If it is 162200, it was made between 1957 and 1963, when Husqvarna produced Model 1622 rifles chambered in .22 LR with serial numbers from 15000 to 16400.
How to use online resources to verify the date of your Husqvarna rifle
If you want to verify the date of your Husqvarna rifle using the serial number, you can use some online resources that have compiled the serial number ranges and year of manufacture for various Husqvarna rifle models. Here are some of the most useful websites that you can visit:
- [Husqvarna Firearms Serial Numbers](http://www.rex.gl/serials.html): This website has a comprehensive list of serial number ranges and year of manufacture for Husqvarna bolt action rifles, miniature rifles and shotguns. It also has some pictures and descriptions of different Husqvarna rifle models. - [Simpson Ltd](https://simpsonltd.com/husqvarna-rifles/): This website is an online store that sells vintage firearms, including Husqvarna rifles. You can browse their inventory and see the pictures, specifications and prices of different Husqvarna rifle models. You can also search by serial number and see if they have your rifle in stock or sold previously. - [Guns International](https://www.gunsinternational.com/guns-for-sale-online/rifles/husqvarna-rifles.cfm?cat_id=406): This website is another online marketplace that sells vintage firearms, including Husqvarna rifles. You can browse their listings and see the pictures, specifications and prices of different Husqvarna rifle models. You can also search by serial number and see if they have your rifle for sale or sold previously. - [Gunboards Forums](https://www.gunboards.com/forums/scandinavian-firearms.12/): This website is a forum where firearm enthusiasts can discuss various topics related to Scandinavian firearms, including Husqvarna rifles. You can join the forum and ask questions, share stories or seek advice from other members who may have more knowledge or experience with Husqvarna rifles. How to identify special orders, exceptions and anomalies in Husqvarna serial numbers
While the general pattern of serial number ranges and year of manufacture for Husqvarna rifles is useful, it is not always accurate or complete. There are some cases where the serial number does not match the expected model, caliber or date of manufacture. This can be due to several reasons, such as:
- Special orders: Some customers may have ordered custom-made Husqvarna rifles with specific features, calibers or markings that are not standard for that model. For example, some Model 46 rifles were ordered with a Mannlicher-style stock instead of a half stock, or with a nickel steel bolt instead of a blued steel bolt. These special orders may have different serial numbers than the regular production. - Exceptions: Some Husqvarna rifles may have been made with leftover parts from previous models or with experimental parts that were not used in mass production. For example, some Model 46 rifles were made with a Mauser M96 action instead of a Mauser M98 action, or with a three-position safety instead of a two-position safety. These exceptions may have different serial numbers than the regular production. - Anomalies: Some Husqvarna rifles may have been altered, modified or repaired by previous owners or gunsmiths who changed the original features, calibers or markings of the rifle. For example, some Model 46 rifles were rebarreled or rechambered in different calibers than the original ones, or had their stocks refinished or replaced. These anomalies may have different serial numbers than the regular production. To identify these special orders, exceptions and anomalies in Husqvarna serial numbers, you need to examine your rifle carefully and compare it with other examples of the same model and caliber. You also need to do some research and consult reliable sources such as books, magazines, websites or experts who can provide more information about your specific rifle.
Conclusion
Husqvarna rifles are among the finest firearms ever made by Sweden. They have a long and rich history that spans over a century and reflects the craftsmanship, innovation and quality of Husqvarna Vapenfabriks AB. Knowing your Husqvarna rifle's serial number can help you unlock its secrets and learn more about its features, specifications and history.
In this article, we have shown you how to find the serial number, model name and other product data on your Husqvarna rifle. We have also shown you how to use this information to date your rifle and identify its model and caliber. We have also provided some online resources that can help you verify the date of your rifle and learn more about its details. Finally, we have explained how to identify special orders, exceptions and anomalies in Husqvarna serial numbers that may differ from the regular production.
We hope you have enjoyed this article and found it useful. If you have any questions, comments or feedback about your Husqvarna rifle or this article, please feel free to share them with us. We would love to hear from you and help you appreciate your Husqvarna rifle even more.
FAQs
Q1: Where can I find more information about Husqvarna rifles?
A1: There are many sources of information about Husqvarna rifles available online or offline. Some of them are:
- [Husqvarna Vapenfabriks Historia](http://www.husqvapen.se/): This website is dedicated to the history of Husqvarna Vapenfabriks AB and its products. It has a lot of information about Husqvarna rifles, including pictures, descriptions, specifications and manuals. - [Husky Rifles](http://www.huskyrifles.com/): This website is run by a collector and enthusiast of Husqvarna rifles who shares his knowledge and passion for these firearms. It has a lot of information about Husqvarna rifles, including pictures, stories, tips and advice about Husqvarna rifles. - [Bolt Action Rifles, 3rd Expanded Edition](https://www.amazon.com/Bolt-Action-Rifles-3rd-Expanded/dp/0873491688): This book by Frank de Haas is a comprehensive guide to bolt action rifles, including Husqvarna rifles. It has detailed information about 121 turnbolt actions, how they function, takedown/assembly, strengths and weaknesses, and dimensional specs. - [The Swedish Mauser Rifles (For Collectors Only)](https://www.amazon.com/Swedish-Mauser-Rifles-Collectors-Only/dp/1882391268): This book by Steve Kehaya and Joe Poyer is a historical and technical study of the Swedish Mauser rifles, including Husqvarna rifles. It has extensive information about the development, production, variations, markings, accessories and ammunition of the Swedish Mauser rifles. Q2: How can I tell if my Husqvarna rifle is original or modified?
A2: To tell if your Husqvarna rifle is original or modified, you need to examine it carefully and compare it with other examples of the same model and caliber. You also need to do some research and consult reliable sources such as books, magazines, websites or experts who can provide more information about your specific rifle. Here are some things to look for:
- The serial number: The serial number should match the expected model, caliber and date of manufacture for your Husqvarna rifle. If it does not, it may indicate that the rifle has been rebarreled, rechambered or restamped. You can use the online resources mentioned in the previous section to verify the serial number of your rifle. - The markings: The markings should be clear and consistent with the original manufacturer and model of your Husqvarna rifle. If they are not, it may indicate that the rifle has been refinished, reblued or remarked. You can use the online resources mentioned in the previous section to identify the markings of your rifle. - The features: The features should be appropriate and consistent with the original specifications and options of your Husqvarna rifle. If they are not, it may indicate that the rifle has been altered, modified or repaired. For example, if your rifle has a scope mount that was not offered by Husqvarna, or a stock that does not match the original shape or material of your model, it may indicate that the rifle has been modified. You can use the online resources mentioned in the previous section to compare the features of your rifle with other examples.