And here are the follow-up comments to the previous photo posting:
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USMCsean
Posted - 05/27/2006 : 11:55:45 AM
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Forgive my limited knowledge on the subject, but I'll pass along some of the info that I have by reading Dana Jones' book Crown Jewels.
His book doesn't show any with bolts grooved such as yours. This might be a modification done by civilians as these were sold off to them around 1884. Maybe they did that to provide a better sight picture that suited them. Pure speculation on my part.
Your rifle is one of 1,ooo that were produced. There were originally 500 produced, from 1881-82, that were two banded, where as yours, is the 3 banded version. This might also answer another of your questions. This book describes the two banded version was adopted by the Norwegians, while the Swedes were uncommitted and wanted further tests. Whic led to the model in which you have. Which were the adoption of the three bands and the brass cleaning plate which could be removed to aid in cleaning the action.
RP
Posted - 05/27/2006 : 1:10:04 PM
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Thanks for the book tip...odering it today...
Probably my bad comparing them to site grooves. It clearly has no advantage as the rear site is positioned high enough. Shouldering the rifle easily demonstates this. I just didn't know what to call them. Additionally, in looking at the pics more closely, if it were done by a civilian it's likely they would not have restamped the serial number below the groove. The serial number on the other variants are right in line with where the goove is on this one. Perhaps they were originally machined that way to prevent sun glare. The bolts were likely gleaming when new. If this is 812 of 1000 then it would be interesting to see what the lower serial number range bolts look like versus later production. Just a thought, but interesting none the less.
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Working on a website for my personal collection...any/all comments welcome.
www.militaryboltactions.com
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Edited by - RP on 05/27/2006 1:17:23 PM
Tom in Pittsburgh
Posted - 05/27/2006 : 5:35:48 PM
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Nice acquisition -- I'm jealous.
The groove is not unusual -- it is the way the Swedish models were made.
There are distinct differences between the Swedish and Norwegian models.
The first 500 Swedish pieces were two-band, as are all of the Norwegian. The last 1,000 Swedish rifles were three-band. Sweden never adopted the Jarmann, but Norway did.
The Norwegian models had band retaining springs.
The sights on the Norwegian ones were different than the Swedes.
Best resource that I know about is unfortunately in Norwegian, but you can still pick through some of the info, and it's loaded with pictures. The book also has extensive info on the Norwegian rolling blocks and Krags.
Norske Militaergevaerer Etter 1867 by Karl Egil Hanevik
ISBN 82-993143-1-3
I don't know of a source for cleaning rods.
I recently posted some Jarmann material on my website (click on "Longarms," then scroll down and click on "M1881 Swedish Jarmann.")
www.vintage-gunlore.com
