Make: Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori, Sweden

Model: Automatgevär m/42B

Serial Number: 23739

Year of Manufacture: 1945

Caliber: 6.5x55 Swedish

Action Type: Semi-Auto, Tilting Breech Direct Impingement Gas System, Magazine Fed.

Markings: The receiver is marked, “S.S.” on the right side and, “1945 / 23739B” with a crown over “C”. All serialized parts are matched. The barrel is marked with an import mark. There are various small crown proofs throughout. The bottom metal, safety block, and other various parts are marked with Husqvarna proofs. There is an import mark on the barrel.

Barrel Length: 25.5” Ported

Sights / Optics: The front sight is an adjustable hooded blade post set on a raised block. The rear sight is a dial adjustable u-notch sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece wood set with a forend cap/cleaning rod, barrel band w/ sling bar, finger grooves, through bolt, semi-pistol grip, straight comb, stock marking disk, sling loop, and steel buttplate. There are scratches and pressure dents throughout. The wrist has a small crack in the top forend. There are several minor chips throughout. The LOP is 13.5”. Overall, the stock is in Very Good Condition as arsenal refurbished.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: One x 10rd magazine in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original to Arsenal Rework

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore but there is some stubborn fouling throughout. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates at a 9/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 70% of its metal finish. There is light thinning and wear marks throughout. The leading edges are worn. The action is smooth. There are some light spots of rust throughout. The markings are clear. The rubber case deflector is in good condition. The screw heads are light to moderately tooled. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Magazine.

Our Assessment: The Swedish AG m/42B Ljungman is one of the more fascinating semi-automatic rifles to emerge from the World War II era, blending unique mechanical design with Swedish craftsmanship. Developed during wartime neutrality, it represents Sweden’s independent approach to military small arms, employing a direct impingement gas system that predates and influenced the design of later rifles such as the French MAS-49 and even the U.S. AR-15. Chambered in 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser, the m/42B offers an incredibly soft-shooting and flat trajectory, paired with precision-oriented long-range iron sights and a 25.5” ported barrel. The rifle was refined from the earlier m/42 with improvements like a rubber case deflector and strengthened receiver components, making the “B” variant the most desirable version for collectors and shooters alike. This example, manufactured in 1945 by Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori, remains in very good condition and appears to have undergone standard Swedish arsenal refurbishment. It retains matching serialized components, sharp Swedish crown proofs, and markings from both Carl Gustafs and Husqvarna. The rifle shows honest wear consistent with age and service, but the bore remains bright with strong rifling, rating a 9/10. The wood stock has expected pressure marks and a few cracks typical of military rifles from this era, but remains solid and complete with its steel buttplate, sling hardware, and intact stock disc. Its rubber case deflector, often missing or damaged, is still present and serviceable, which is a rarity in itself.

As a collectible, the AG m/42B occupies a special place among mid-century military rifles, offering a balance of innovation, performance, and historical value. Its unique gas system, rarely seen outside of Sweden, gives it a mechanical novelty that’s both educational and fun to shoot for enthusiasts. With a smooth-recoiling 6.5x55 cartridge, it’s also one of the more pleasant surplus semi-autos to operate. Whether added to a WWII small arms collection or taken to the range for practical vintage shooting, this Ljungman AG m/42B is a standout example of Sweden’s arms ingenuity and postwar durability.