First Swedish M96 - Think receiver is cracked
I picked up this Swedish M96, a Carl Gustaf 1918. I think it's been rearsenaled a few times as there are 2 crowns on the wrist, one much more faint than the other. Some of the bolt pieces have been renumbered to match. Nice stock. What really got me excited was the bore appears like new with nice sharp rifling.
What I failed to notice was what appears to be a crack on the inside of the receiver adjacent to the receiver lugs (if that is the correct terminology). I can feel a ridge at this spot. Running a straightened paper clip across this spot also catches. Not sure what the reddish-brown color is, it doesn't wipe off with Hoppes #9.
This crack does not appear on the outside of the receiver, but I can't get the action screws loosened to take the stock off. Also cannot get the floor plate open. Someone may have used Locktite or something on them.
I thought I was getting a great price but now it may be an expensive lesson and wall hanger.
What say you? I have seen de-milled receivers cut apart with a torch and welded back together into a functional weapon. Can this be safely repaired?
The first pic is with an iPhone. The rest are with a cheap borescope.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...946be784-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...c566bpng-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...b3286png-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...e4170png-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...c566bpng-1.jpg
Danger! A cracked and de-tempered receiver - bin it!
"What say you? I have seen de-milled receivers cut apart with a torch and welded back together into a functional weapon. Can this be safely repaired?"
NO !!!
I regret having to condemn any rifle, and have refurbished some pretty desperate examples, but in this case idealistic ambition must admit defeat.
Yes, it does seem to have a crack.
You cannot wipe off the colour because it is the steel that is discolored - it looks as if Bubba tried to hard-solder or braze the crack. And the steel is now completely de-tempered in the discolored region.
You may be able to find a replacement receiver. Otherwise it is, regretfully, a wall-hanger.