Nucmedman wrote on Oct 7^th, 2010 at 2:52pm:

This is a VERY nice carbine.  Look at the thread "1st US Vol Cavalry" to compare with my 1896 carbine.  Mine has a serial # that matches RR issue, but there were a few issues that Mr. Hosmer pointed out (which I am grateful for). Anyway, to answer the question about the cleaning rods, my carbine still had the rods, three of them, and my serial number is much lower than yours.  therefor, your carbine should require three rods.  Shine a light down in the butt trap and see if there are holes drilled to hold the rods.  There should be three present as mine has.  I hope this helps.

Thanks! And good info on the cleaning rods. I will look tonight. I will also search for your thread. I had no idea this was going to become such a fun hobby! I would have "unwrapped" the gun a few years ago! :D