Make: Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori, Sweden
Model: Automatgevär m/42B
Serial Number: 11455
Year of Manufacture: 1943
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, “19C43 / 11455 B” with a crown. All serialized parts are matched. The barrel is marked with an import mark. There are various small proofs throughout.
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 cracks forming. There are several minor chips throughout. The LOP is 13.5”. Overall, the stock is in Very Good Condition as refinished.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: None.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original to arsenal refurbishment
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore and no signs of pitting. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates at a 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 92% 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 on the front sight base. 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 to Excellent 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: None.
Our Assessment: This Swedish Carl Gustafs AG m/42B Ljungman, chambered in 6.5x55 Swedish, is a historically significant semi-automatic battle rifle, developed by Sweden during World War II to provide its armed forces with a modern, self-loading service weapon. Manufactured in 1943 at the famed Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori, the AG m/42B is notable for its direct impingement gas system and tilting breech block, a design that predates and likely influenced later rifles such as the French MAS-49 and even the U.S. AR-15. With its 25.5-inch ported barrel, this rifle is capable of excellent long-range accuracy, especially when paired with the flat-shooting, low-recoil 6.5x55mm cartridge, which is widely regarded as one of the finest military calibers of the 20th century. This particular example retains about 92% of its metal finish, showing only light thinning and honest wear along the high edges and contact points. The bore is exceptional, with a bright interior and sharp rifling, rating 9.5/10 in our opinion—indicative of both minimal use and excellent maintenance, likely during its arsenal refurbishment. All serialized components are matching, and the receiver bears clear Swedish markings, including the crown and "S.S." inspector's mark. The two-piece hardwood stock shows typical signs of handling, including scattered pressure dents, scratches, and minor chips, along with some cracks forming at the wrist, but remains structurally sound and retains much of its character. The rubber case deflector, a distinguishing feature of the B variant, is also present and in good condition.
For collectors of WWII and Cold War-era semi-automatic rifles, the AG m/42B Ljungman is an essential and increasingly scarce piece. Its innovative gas system, robust construction, and historical relevance place it among the most desirable C&R-eligible semi-autos on the market. While not as widely known as its contemporaries, the Ljungman is a unique engineering achievement and a cornerstone of Swedish military arms development. Whether added to a collection, used for vintage rifle competition, or simply appreciated for its advanced design, this rifle is a standout example of mid-century European military ingenuity.