Midway 6 digit Inland G/VG original

I picked up a 833,xxx 9-43 Inland last week from Midway. It appears mostly original, although I am not an expert. The low stock has no marks except for a faint slingwell impression. The rear sight is irco 7160060. Stock has some mildew and dinged up, but appears period to the rifle. Butt plate is in exceptional condition and appears original Inland. The bore is very good and measures well with an .06 round. Does anyone have any input on the stock? Shouldn't it be low cut? The sights are supposed to be flip sights too?

Thanks and any comments or questions are welcome. 'Also own a '68 Plainfield M1A1 and had a Universal that is long gone.

John

Might be a poorly struck M-U in the slingwell.

It is hard telling what was done with the Italian M1s. There are threads over on the CMP site where they are mixmasters, and articles here where they show heavy use with replacement stocks and worn or replaced butt plates. This rifle looks like very little use with the butt plate and bore condition.

I cannot find a trace of an M and I agree that it looks like most of a U there. The butt plate screw made a crack noise when it broke free and the plate was stuck on pretty good. Three holes in the stock under the plate. I tried looking it up, but sometimes it is better to ask and get the help of those more knowledgeable.

Thank you very much for the information on the sight field replacements. It is all very fascinating. I have a degree in history and always love to learn more.

Thanks! I have read that post on the Italian carbines and found it quite informative.

That faint well mark does not look like that in regular light. It almost looks like an I with another number or digit beside it. I tried to get a picture of how it appears in natural light to the naked eye.

I looked long and hard for any other marks and have not found any.

WWII Era stocks with 3 holes under the plate were:

Would have to look thru notes for dates. Do recall they are I cuts and Oval High woods.

Thank you for all the information. I wonder how the Marlin stock got on there? I saw that it was listed both as a replacement stock and a Underwood original stock. Maybe the stock and sights were replaced together in the field. It certainly was well used with many small dings and scratches. I should be thankful; the stock condition likely resulted in the NRA grading reduction from fine, to very good. I am very happy with the rifle overall and feel I got a lucky ticket from the Midway Gun Lottery.

I could look around for a "correct" stock to throw in the collection beside it, but the stock and sight on it will likely stay on it. The rifle may have left the war in this configuration. Correcting it will likely diminish the value in my eyes. My Plainfield M1A1 needs a stock and sights more anyway.

Charlie, I am just down I-96 in Milford township right by Kensington Metro Park/Kent Lake/Island Lake.

The '68 Plainfield that needs a stock and sights to be a better shooter. My SG sight lost its aperture and is loose in the stake: