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M1867 & M1885 Swedish Remington Carbines

  For a complete exposition of the M1867 New-Built Swedish Remington Rifles and 1867 & 1868 Swedish Remington Conversions, including Historical Context, Development, Operation, Markings, Cartridge, Manufacturing Data and Distribution, please see:   

M1867 Swedish Remington Rifles

and

M1867 & 1886 Swedish Remington Conversions

  Over the course of Swedish Remington production, in addition to large numbers of infantry rifles, both new-built and conversions, the Swedes also built two patterns of carbines; a newly-manufactured m/1870 cavalry carbine (1870 års karbin) and a second pattern converted from an earlier M1864 chamberloader which had already been converted to a Swedish Remington (m/1864-68-85 års karbin). 

  Note that both versions of Swedish carbines, the cavalry carbine and the fortress carbine, were fitted with the same Half Moon screw-retained hammer and breech block pins.

CARBINES

M1870 Cavalry Carbine (1870 års karbin, sometimes Karbin m/70)

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M1870 Swedish Cavalry Carbine - Carl Gustaf-Right.jpg

M1870 Swedish Cavalry Carbine  -  (1870 års karbin)

   On November 25, 1870 the Swedish army adopted a Remington pattern carbine for its cavalry.  Carbines would be chambered for the same 12.17 mm rifle cartridge even though they were built on the Remington No. 1½  receiver.  This receiver is somewhat narrower than the receiver of the m/1867 rifle, which is a full Remington No.1 receiver.  Carbines were produced without sling swivels as when in use they were to be kept at the ready on the horse's right side in a designated leather scabbard, but were fitted with a saddle ring on the left side of the receiver for use with a lanyard..

 

   In 1871 Husqvarna built 984 carbines utilizing the Remington No 1½ action and applying a full length forestock.  In 1877 Husqvarna produced another 2,000 and Carl Gustaf made 2,460.   The next year Carl Gustaf delivered 1,540 more.  Eventually 6,984 cavalry carbines would be delivered to the Swedish army.

 

   In 1880, 4,178 of the m/1870 carbines were upgraded by Carl Gustaf and the next year the remaining 2,806 were likewise upgraded.

 

   Sources indicate that these were used by The Royal Hussar Regiment,  Jämtlands Cavalry Hunter Battalion and the Royal Horse Lifeguard

 

  Between 1877 and 1879 Husqvarna also manufactured a small number of the m/1870 carbine for the civilian market, denominated Remingtongevär Nr. 9.

M1870 Swedish Cavalry Carbine - Carl Gustaf-Right.jpg
M1870 Swedish Cavalry Carbine - Carl Gustaf-Left.jpg
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M1870 Swedish Cavalry Carbine - Left Receiver.jpg

Specifications, Statistics and Data of the M1870 Cavalry Carbine (1870 års karbin, sometimes Karbin m/70)

Receiver:  Moon locking screws.

Top of receiver chamfered 1,5 mm.

Gas escape channels in the receiver walls.

Barrel Length:  460 mm.

Barrel-bands:  No barrel-bands, only nose cap.

Stock:  Dark birch.

Butt plate:  Steel, grey.

Rear Sight:  A short, simple ramp and leaf with protective ears.  (Note that the rear sight pivots at the rear just as all Swedish Remingtons do.  The rear sight on this particular carbine has been poorly re-attached facing backwards).

Bayonet:  No bayonet.

Miscellaneous:  The receiver is not as wide as other models.

No sling swivels but a saddle ring on the left side.

Remington no. 1 ½.

            This carbine was not fitted with a cleaning rod.

M1864-68-85 Swedish Carbine (m/1864-68-85 års karbin , or karbin m/1864-68-85):  

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 M1864/67/85 Swedish Fortress & Artillery Carbine - (m/1864-67-85 års karbin)

  Beginning in 1885 the derision was made to issue carbines to fortress and auxiliary units, so a re-conversion (yet again!) of m/1864-68 rifles to artillery musketoons was undertaken.  These were rebuilt from surviving previously converted m/1864-68 infantry rifles, the new carbines being designated the m/1864-67-85 (1864-67-85 års karbin).

 

   This series of carbines carbines were produced specifically for auxiliary troops including those of artillery and fortress units.  During conversion, those deemed requiring new barrels were fitted with new barrels, thus markings may differ.

 

   These were musketoons with near full-stocks and conventional sling swivels, although some sources note that some versions were equipped with saddle rings as the m/1870 cavalry carbines.  Regardless, all re-converted carbines had their original trigger guard mounted sling swivel removed and the swivel hole filled as part of the re-conversion process.

 

  8,135 m/1864-68-85 artillery carbines were produced by Carl Gustafs stads gevärsfaktori and to a limited extent by Stockholms gevärsverkstad  in1886.  Another additional 1,470 were similarly re-converted in 1887, converting most of the existing stocks of the m/1864-68 infantry rifles.

 

   The m/64-68-85 carbines were chambered for the same 12,17 mm copper case rimfire cartridge as all Swedish Rolling-block rifles.

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This carbine appears to have been issued for use by a pontoneer batallion, one of a number of auxiliary units equipped with this carbine.
[Photos generously provided by Dutchman, @ http://dutchman.rebooty.com/]

Specifications, Statistics and Data of the M1864-68-85 Carbine (m/1864-68-85 års karbin , or karbin m/1864-68-85)

Receiver Moon locking screws. Top of receiver chamfered 3 mm.

Gas escape channels in the receiver walls.

Length:    33 7/8 in  (860mm)

Barrel Length:  18¼ in (460 mm)  Round. 

Weight:  7lbs 1oz  (3.2 kilos) 

Barrel-bands:   One, retained by spring but also secured by a screw.

Stock:   Dark birch.

Butt plate:  Brass.

Rear Sight: A short, simple ramp-and-leaf type with protective ears

Bayonet:   No provision for a bayonet.

            Continues to carry its early, original m/1864 rod from before both conversions, except that the rod has been shortened to fit the carbine

REFERENCES

Page built Feb 6th, 2022

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