M96 Cleaning Rod Help

[Kleejra]

I recently got a Swedish M96, it did not have a cleaning rod. I purchased a rod from Liberty Tree, when I went to place it into the under barrel slot it only went in about 2 inches. I tested with a coat hanger and it also was stopped. I assume the channel is blocked, but don't know with what. Does anybody have any ideas? If it can be corrected does anybody know a good gunsmith in the Houston area? Thanks in advance for any help.

Information

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[Ernest T]

If the rod is only going in a couple of inches it is probably hitting the front band spring. There should be a hole in both band springs for the rod to pass through. These sometimes get replaced with springs that do not have the hole, so the rod will not be able to pass through. If your spring does not have the hole you could swap it out or drill a hole for the rod to pass through. Other possibility is the band spring is not completely seated or the rod is bent slightly and hitting the edge of the hole. You may need to enlarge the hole or try turning the rod when seating it. I'd take the band springs out and check them as a first step. It is a good idea to strip down a new-to-you 96 anyhow including taking the barrel out of the stock to check for rust, grease, etc.. Very easy to do. No gunsmith required.

Band spring with no hole for cleaning rod for use on M/94 carbine:

Correct band spring with hole for the M96:

[Kleejra]

Thank you for the reply.
Indeed the rod only enters +-2 inches, same with a coat hanger.
I will definately take your advise to breakdown and clean. And check these band springs.
Again, thanks

---------- Post added at 03:31 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:23 PM ----------

A follow up question.
If indeed the spring has no hole, would this original? Or part of a rework?
Thanks

[Ernest T]

A follow up question.
If indeed the spring has no hole, would this original? Or part of a rework?
Thanks

Almost all of these rifles have undergone arsenal rebuilds and in some cases they have been gone over multiple times. It is pretty rare to find a Swedish M96 that has not undergone one or more rebuilds. You can get an idea by the markings on the stock behind the trigger. Typically there will be a crown stamp for each time it underwent an arsenal rebuild. However, the arsenal would have most likely replaced the band spring with the correct type. If you find the band spring does not have a hole, I'd suspect it was replaced by a previous owner. Once you get it apart, check to see if the stock number matches the rifle. It could be a replacement stock. If the band spring does not have a hole it is definitely a replacement part.

[Kleejra]

Thank you.
Very helpful information.

[Kleejra]

thanks for the info.
Indeed needed to be drilled out. Done and now rod fits very well.
Thanks again.