Hi Dick, The cleaning rods holes are three in a triangle configuration in the larger hole. There is an equal sized lightening hole below with a partial barrier section of the stock separating them. I say partial because you can see into the lower chamber, but I believe not enough room for the oiler to pass easily in and out. I conversed with you awhile back regarding the '96's unusual marking in the proof circle. It is SA inside of a C. The '96 is 78544 and the '98 is 127270. I just obtained the '98 about a week ago. John