Letters containing questions for answering by Nick Harvey must be accompanied by a stamped self-addressed envelope. Mail your letters to: The Technical Editor, 3 Reef Street, Hill End, NSW 2850.
LETTER OF THE MONTH
The Carl Gustav saga
Q Recently, I became the proud owner of an FFV Carl Gustav Model 2000 rifle in .270 Winchester, like the one you used to own. I am really happy with this rifle, which appears identical to a Zoli rifle my mate has. Obviously, there’s a story here? What can you tell me about the history of these rifles?
Bill Davis
A The Carl Gustav has an interesting history. It all began with Husqvarna, which introduced a lightweight small-ring Mauser rifle in the early 1950s. In the late 1960s, Husqvarna dropped the traditional Mauser in favour of the Model 1900, which had a unique dovetailed locking lug system.
Later, Husqvarna sold its gun making business to FFV, a state owned enterprise which made military AK4 rifles and Carl Gustav 84mm rocket launchers. After sales of the 1900 stalled, FFV used its modern manufacturing facilities to bring out a new, improved version, the Model 2000, along with the Models 3000 and 4000. The last two were based on the Sauer action.
Swedish hunters preferred the Model 1900 and it was soon being made by Hellenic Arms in Greece and Antonio Zoli in Italy. As a result, FFV found itself competing against its former product, which was now being made by foreign competitors, and
