First Swedish M96 - Think receiver is cracked

[rdfact]

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.

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[Patrick Chadwick]

"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.

[vintage hunter]

I agree with Patrick. It does appear to be a crack and the discoloration being some sort of half a$$ed repair attempt. It could be proven with a dye check. Then I'd take it back where I got it(if possible), show the seller the crack and get my money back or swap it for something else...........after looking it over very carefully.

[rdfact]

Thanks for the replies. I pretty much knew what the answer would be but was holding out hope a gun smith would chime in with "I've safely fixed dozens like this". I know, wishful thinking.

This was a PPT so I don't think I can get him to take it back. He seemed like a good and honest guy so not sure if he was aware of this or, more likely, knew it was damaged and did not disclose it. My fault for not thoroughly inspecting it.

I would like to sell or part it out to recoup some money. I would of course inform the buyer of the crack. Is there a way to decommission this so it is no longer considered a firearm and can be transferred without an FFL?

Anyone need some M96 parts?

[Patrick Chadwick]

... I would like to sell or part it out to recoup some money ...

Parting out will bring you more than selling the complete assembly as it is. More bother - but more money.

[Calif-Steve]

That receiver is toast. Toss it. I haven't seen Sweede receivers in years, and they were common years ago. Try to get your money back, the seller knew what he was selling.