Swiss Arsenal replaced barrel?

[Calfed]

Recently I won two 96/11's and a K31 on an on-line auction. The rifles arrived at my FFL today and I stopped by to start the paperwork and get the 10 day "cooling off" period started. All of the rifles have excellent bores (as expected for a Swiss rifle) but I noticed that the numbering on the barrel of one of the 96/11's seemed to be a little different script than the serial number on the receiver. Further, it appeared to be slightly out of line form the receiver numbering


For comparison, here is the other 96/11 that I received



The difference is subtle but definite. Does this indicate that the barrel was changed and the serial number stamped on the new barrel, or is it a normal variation on an original barrel?

Thanks

[Uncle Ray]

A replaced barrel for sure. Looks like its original user took ownership in 1960. have you taken the butt-plate off yet to see if there is a tag?

[diopter]

Guisan had this to say on another forum:

" Every 96/11 barrel is a replaced one as they changed out the 3-groove 89/96 barrels for new 4-groove 1911 ones between 1912 and 1920 to make these 96/11's.

Guisan."

[Calfed]

Guisan had this to say on another forum:

" Every 96/11 barrel is a replaced one as they changed out the 3-groove 89/96 barrels for new 4-groove 1911 ones between 1912 and 1920 to make these 96/11's.

Guisan."

Yes, but that begs the question. I have eight other 96/11's and none of them have have an apparently hand-stamped serial number on the barrel. Also, 96/11 #229113 has no "M+" acceptance stamp on the barrel shank.

In a later post, Guisan also had this to say:

"It could be a second replacement and if so it was done in the military as the barrel is a military one and it has the BeschussProbe stamp. The reason for the different script could be because it was done by a local arsenal and not at W+F. What I noticed in the pics is that the surface wear of that barrel is much less as the wear on the receiver.

Guisan."

He also posted this:

"No there is not much you can look for, the gun shows no refurbishing markings so maybe the barrel was shot out or not properly cleaned by the soldier (rust ?) and was it replaced on his expenses.

The M+ is a gun acceptance stamp by inspector Major Mühlemann and he was located at W+F Bern, a barrel exchange in for example an arsenal in Zürich was no reason for him to come over with his stamp."

Guisan.

Swiss arsenal barrel replacement in Straight-Pull Rifles Forum

So, it appears that he is saying that the barrel is a second replacement possibly done at an arsenal and possibly done at the owner's own expense.

---------- Post added at 05:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:46 PM ----------

A replaced barrel for sure. Looks like its original user took ownership in 1960. have you taken the butt-plate off yet to see if there is a tag?

Thanks, Uncle Ray.

Unfortunately, my state, California, has a 10 day "cooling off" period for firearms purchases, so the 96/11's are safely locked up in my FFL's safe awaiting the expiration of the 10 days. I'll look under the butt plate as soon as I can.

I tried to convince him that I was sufficiently dispassionate to take them immediately, but no dice.

[Calfed]

Here is a picture of this same rifle that seems to show some type of stamping on the tang.





I know it is a poor picture and will post better when I can pick it up from my FFL, but I'm wondering if anyone can identify it.

[Calfed]

I was able to pick up my new Swiss rifles this morning and got a couple of close ups of the metal and wood.

Here is a better shot of the serial number on the barrel:


Appears to be a handstamping.

Here is a stamping on the tang:


It appears to be an "H" or something similar

There is a large circle "B" on the butt of the stock


Bore is excellent!