Been toying with the idea of an old school 6.5 Swede on a Swedish m96 for a bit. Anything I should be looking for in a Swede action? I have seen a few nice Carl Gustaf's around, some low number and some high. Bunches of converted 30-06 sporters in Husky stocks, etc.

Looking to do a lightweight sporter, 22" barrel, decent bottom metal, checkered butt plate and grip cap. Old style (maybe Oberndorf) stock with a thin profile and a schnabel. Fixed sights, maybe a peep rear. maybe find an old Hensoldt scope or somesuch on a QD mount.

Anyone got any old iron lying about for inspiration?

Well one of the easiest ways to get close to what you want is to find a used Husqvarna sporter. It's pretty much as you described.

If you want to start from a military m96 try to find one of the Kimber sporterized 96's like mine.