15 November 2004, 11:04
Eric AnsgarM-96 Swedish clean up
Just got back from the Houston gunshow where I picked an all matching (pretty sure, but I haven't taken action out of the stock yet) M-96 Swede w/ barrel rated #1 and chamber 6.49 mm. Stock is beech. Bluing is ~80-90% and stock is good shape with only 1 bad gouge. It has barrel thread protector, but no number on the cleaning rod. I thought at the time it was a mixed parts "cutter" type rifle I could have some refinishing fun with, but if its all matching it will absolutely stay as it is, as they are becoming progressively more rare. It appears to have come out of the cosmoline (or whatever the swedes used) only a short time ago. I paid $150 for the rifle and figure it wasn't too bad a price - they seem to have come down in price in the last 6 months as they used to be $225+ for cutters and all matching were $275 and up. Question(s).....
1) What do I use to clean the stock and action? Gunscrub- or some such solvent?
2) What can I do to enhance the value of this firearm?
3) Any suggestions on refinishing?
Thanks is advance and I will check out the Swedish Mauser boards on the web.
17 November 2004, 16:13
exercionWell the obvious answer to enhancing the value is to sell it to me for $175, thus adding 25 bucks to it
But seriously, to enhance the value, just keep it. They aren't making any more of these wonderful rifles, and everytime "Bubba the backyard gunsmith" hacks one the ones left original go up. To truly make sure it does so, just shoot it, care for it and enjoy it. It'll become more valuable. Don't "refinish", reblue, scope, etc.
Eric
17 November 2004, 18:26
Cal SibleyI've got 3 of the old Swedish M96s in 6.5x55 and think they are terrific. I restored all three as winter projects in our miserably long winters. I'm still impressed by how well they shoot. The Swedes didn't abuse these rifles so most are in very good shape. Best wishes.
Cal - Montreal
18 November 2004, 10:31
Eric AnsgarI took the rifle apart (turns out the rifle is ALL matching, as the stock and hanguard numbers are the same as the rest of the gun)and used some gunscrub and mineral spirits to clean up what grease residue was present. I also very lightly brushed the metal parts with 00 steel wool to get a bit of rust off and also VERY lightly brushed the stock to get the last of the crud off it. I plan to put a very thin coat of boiled linseed oil on the stock before I reassemble and put the rifle in the safe. Don't worry I will not cut this old Swede up or "refinish" it. I was not so lucky with another Swede (a 96/38 all parts but one barrel band matching)I bought already "refinished" - stock had been sanded, restained and refinished with some good urethane, and the metal parts had been parkerized - at least the receiver hadn't been drilled. It also had a Timney trigger added and is a darned fine open sight hunter which I've used for Oryx, white tail, fallow, and red deer, plus a few hogs.
28 November 2004, 12:02
stepchild 2Navaho,
Welcome to the board. Paleface Too.
Stepchild
29 November 2004, 01:18
NavajoNPaleFaceWell, thank ya, stepchild 2. 'Preciate that!