K98 Cleaning Rod Size

[k9mike]

Hi all, just got a quick question in regards to the 98K cleaning rod. I have heard that there are a couple of different sizes and was wondering which is the appropriate size. My K98 is a byf 43, what size rod should it have? 10" or the 12"? I have been having issues with my bayonet and I was wondering if it could be because the rod is too long. Any help on this would be appreciated. Thanks.

Regards,
Mike

[Bob in OH]

Rod length is determined by the vintage of the stock. If you have matched wood you need the longer ~12". Earlier wood took a ~10.5". If you have a mix-master rifle, then the byf43 doesn't help.

Easiest way to tell... take off the rear band. If there is a small metal nut visible from the outside...it takes the shorter rod.

[U-96]

My Portugse '41 and my BNZ '43 have the short one I believe.

[pitts duncan]

take off the berrel action look to location of barrel nut. a 10 in will require a nut location at the lower band. the 12.5 inch rod requires a nut location about 2 inches below the lower band so it doesnt protrude past the barrel end.looking at various photos on the web will give a good idea of where the end of the rod sahould be whenb installed. note some repro stocks have the nut or nut hole drilled for a 10 inch rod even if the original nut was supposed to be at 12,5 inch location. only recourse is to fill the hole and redrill and put in correct rod or use the wrong rod and look correct but use the incorrect 10 inch rod. but yours may truley take a 10inch. they just screwed a bunch of them together they say when cleaning a gun so a few 10s equal a few 12.5s eventually.