The Second Hand Firearm - Carl Gustaf HVA Model 25A Nitro .308 Bolt Action Centrefire Rifle is a classic Swedish sporting rifle built around the highly regarded HVA-Carl Gustaf bolt-action system. Chambered in .308 Winchester, it represents the generation of Scandinavian hunting rifles produced around Carl Gustaf's smooth-operating HVA action, a design recognised for its refined bolt travel, strong locking system and traditional sporting-rifle construction.

The HVA-Carl Gustaf action was developed as a modern sporting action rather than simply adapting an older military Mauser pattern. Its design uses opposed front locking lugs with a distinctive guided profile, an approximately 80-degree bolt lift and a tubular receiver arrangement engineered to provide smooth, low-friction bolt movement. Combined with an adjustable trigger, positive safety system and conventional internal magazine configuration, the result is a technically interesting Swedish hunting rifle with a reputation for excellent mechanical feel.

Carl Gustaf HVA Model 25A Nitro .308 Key Features

• Swedish HVA-Carl Gustaf Action: Built around the HVA sporting action developed in Sweden and later produced under the Carl Gustaf name. The action was designed specifically as a modern sporting-rifle system with an emphasis on smooth bolt movement and dependable field operation.
• .308 Winchester Chambering: Chambered in .308 Winchester, one of the factory chamberings offered across the HVA-Carl Gustaf sporting-rifle range. The cartridge remains widely used in sporting and hunting rifles due to its compact case dimensions and broad ammunition availability.
• 80-Degree Bolt Lift: The HVA action uses approximately 80 degrees of bolt rotation rather than a conventional 90-degree lift, reducing the amount of handle movement required to unlock and open the action.
• Opposed Front Locking Lugs: The bolt incorporates two substantial front locking lugs. Period technical evaluations describe the lugs as having a dovetail-style cross section that provides additional lateral guidance as the bolt travels through the receiver.
• Bind-Resistant Bolt Geometry: The locking lug and receiver raceway arrangement was specifically developed to minimise binding during bolt travel, contributing to the notably smooth cycling characteristics for which the HVA action became known.
• Recessed Bolt Face: The bolt uses a recessed face surrounding the cartridge base as part of the action's conventional controlled chamber support arrangement.
• Integral Extractor: The HVA bolt incorporates an integral extractor designed to maintain positive engagement with the cartridge case during extraction.
• Plunger Ejector: A spring-loaded plunger ejector within the bolt face provides case ejection as the bolt is withdrawn.
• Additional Bolt-Handle Locking Support: The bolt handle seats into a corresponding receiver recess when closed, acting as an additional safety lug behind the primary front locking lugs.
• Externally Adjustable Trigger: Period HVA-Carl Gustaf specifications describe an externally adjustable trigger system, allowing trigger characteristics to be set within the manufacturer's intended adjustment range.
• Positive Safety System: The HVA-Carl Gustaf action was promoted with a quiet, positive safety system designed for practical sporting use without excessive mechanical noise.
• Traditional Sporting Rifle Architecture: Rather than adopting a military-style layout, the HVA platform was developed as a dedicated hunting rifle with a conventional sporting stock, internal magazine and streamlined receiver.
• Swedish Sporting-Rifle Heritage: HVA and Carl Gustaf rifles are closely associated with Sweden's long-established sporting-arms industry, with the 1900-family action becoming particularly well regarded for machining quality and smooth operation.

Technical Specifications

• Brand: Carl Gustaf / HVA
• Model: Model 25A Nitro
• Product Type: Bolt action centrefire rifle
• Condition: Second hand / pre-owned
• Calibre: .308 Winchester
• Action: Bolt action
• Bolt Lift: Approximately 80°
• Primary Locking System: Two opposed front locking lugs
• Bolt Face: Recessed
• Extraction: Integral extractor
• Ejection: Plunger ejector
• Additional Locking Support: Bolt handle engages receiver recess as a safety lug
• Trigger: Adjustable HVA sporting trigger system
• Safety: Positive sporting-rifle safety
• Origin: Sweden
• Best Use: Hunting, recreational range shooting and collection use where legally permitted

HVA-Carl Gustaf Action

The engineering of the HVA action is one of the principal features that distinguishes this generation of Carl Gustaf sporting rifles. Contemporary evaluations specifically noted the unusually smooth operation of the bolt. Rather than relying only on conventional rectangular locking lugs moving through broad raceways, the HVA design uses shaped front lugs that provide additional lateral guidance as the bolt moves through the receiver.

The action combines this guided bolt arrangement with a recessed bolt face, substantial extractor engagement and spring-loaded plunger ejector. When the bolt is fully closed, the handle also enters a receiver recess behind the primary locking system, providing an additional mechanical safety feature. The approximately 80-degree opening angle further distinguishes the design from conventional 90-degree two-lug sporting actions of the same period.

Second Hand Firearm

As a pre-owned rifle, the Carl Gustaf HVA Model 25A Nitro .308 should be assessed as an individual firearm. Mechanical condition, bore condition, stock condition, trigger operation, originality, serial markings and any fitted optic or accessories should be confirmed through the licensed dealer before purchase. Older rifles may also have undergone servicing, refinishing or component replacement during their lifetime.

The Second Hand Firearm - Carl Gustaf HVA Model 25A Nitro .308 Bolt Action Centrefire Rifle combines classic Swedish sporting-rifle design with one of the more technically distinctive European bolt actions of its era. Its smooth HVA action, two-lug locking arrangement, 80-degree bolt lift, adjustable trigger and .308 Winchester chambering make it an interesting example of Carl Gustaf's traditional sporting-rifle engineering.