Actually, the Swedes contracted the Germans only when they couldn't build as many as they needed in Sweden. They even shipped Swedish steel to Germany because they didn't trust the quality of the German steel.The first M96 I Purchased was the 1900. I got it at Wanenmacher's. When I took it to my friends to function fire and safety test, we cleaned the cosmoline from the bore, chamber and bolt only. The gun was weeping protectant from the wood and seams as the sun struck it on the shooting bench. With sticky fingers and hands we took turns shooting a box or Rem 140 corelocks. We were impressed. On one of the 5 shot groups at 100yds I punched a 1-5/16" group. Hell, that's better than a bunch of so called MOA new guns with pretty good scopes can do with factory ammo. I believe the Germans made them for Sweden in 1898-1899 and then Sweden had acquired the machinery to continue. I was tickled to find a first year run gun off new equipment. It didn't take long for the fever to hit me. I had to start my search for a HQ German made gun. It was probably 2 years later I seen the M38 on Gun Broker and had to pony up. I had missed one earlier and wasn't gunna ( catch pun ) let that happen again. I have had a Secret Lust to acquire the Ljungman. I've only seen a couple that I had interest in and those will double tap the bank account. But to my understanding, they are worth it. This will probably hurt a lot of feelings out there, but it's been said they will outperform a good Garand. Every time. If you can confirm this DLBLEAK, than I will need you to testify at my divorce for my frivolous actions to come.
Yes - that sounds odd, but the late 1800s was a period of development in steel/hardness/composition.