Husqvarna Model 46 and Model 46A rifles in 9.3x57 Mauser   A while back, I got a call from my friend Bob about a couple of rifles that he had found at the Allan's Armory web site.  Knowing that I have a small collection of Swedish military rifles, he thought I might be interested in a Swedish sporting rifle.  We are both fans of the 9.3x62 cartridge, and Bob had taken an interest in the slightly older 9.3x57 cartridge.  He wondered if I might also be interested in a rifle chambered for the 9.3x57.  After discussing it, and looking over the rifles on Allan’s web site, we each decided to get one! The rifle I purchased is a Husqvarna Model 46A manufactured in 1942.  Bob’s rifle is a Husqvarna Model 46 manufactured in 1930.  The rifles are built on the Swedish small ring Mauser (Model 94/96) action and both have walnut stocks. Both rifles were refurbished and slightly modified. The stocks were stripped of their finish, dents were raised, oil damaged wood was repaired, and the stocks received a new hand-rubbed oil finish.  They were both converted to cock on opening with a Dayton Traister speed lock kit which includes a Mark II trigger, custom striker spring, and cocking piece. Precise Metalsmithing (Wisner) two-position safeties were installed.  The actions were glass bedded.

Below are photos of the rifles as received from Allan's Armory and before any work was begun on the rifles by Lone Star Armory. The photos are from the Allan's Armory web site.

Todd's Husqvarna Model 46A in 9.3x57 Mauser as received.

Bob's Husqvarna Model 46 in 9.3x57 Mauser as received.

The completed rifles:

Bob's Husqvarna Model 46 in 9.3x57 Mauser

Todd's Husqvarna Model 46A in 9.3x57 Mauser

Some info about the 9.3x57 from Norma’s web site: Interestingly, no one seems to be able to determine exactly when or by whom the 9.3x57 cartridge was designed but it dates back to around 1900. This is nothing more or less than the 8x57J with the neck opened up to accept the then widely popular .366-inch diameter bullets. This chambering is obviously similar in performance potential and range of applications as the 9x57 Mauser.  Performance and design are also similar to the 9.5x57 Mannlicher, which has a differently shaped case. Several similar chamberings were common at the turn of the last century.  Of these, only the 9.3x57 survives in common use. This chambering is still used all over Scandinavia for hunting driven Moose and lesser species. The most common gun chambered for this round is the Husqvarna bolt action. This chambering has been nicknamed "The Potato Thrower" due to the fact that it launches a heavy bullet at moderate velocity.  With such popularity and such a good track record on game at typical driven ranges, it is likely to be with us for a good many years, despite the fact that no mainstream manufacturer now chambers it.

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