Sharing my War Baby. Pic heavy.

I had never owned a vintage firearm before this was offered to me.  I had no idea what it was and from my limited knowledge it looked like an old war relic that could blow up in my face.  I checked the serial number against the one on the buttplate and they didn't match so I didn't think it was original.  Lack of knowledge is a terrible thing.  I didn't know any better.  Didn't really want it but the family friends needed money to move to California where they could not have it.  I thought the folding stock was cool and hoped it would at least make a good "beater" to plink with at the range, plus the asking price was insanely low.  I ponied up to help them with the move.

After I got it home I researched, then disassembled and checked parts markings out of curiosity not expecting much.  My excitement grew as every part checked out, one by one a rush at every step.  Markings missed by my eyes were revealed later in the pics.  I kept expecting to find something that didn't match, something replaced.  Didn't happen.  Still in shock.

Lots of pics, grab a cold one and get comfortable.

Was told these are 70's 30 rnd mags.  Have some legit ones on the way.

Anyone notice the sling was initially on backwards?

Thanks.  The buttplate number check when I first saw it shows how little I knew then.  I've been swimming in info since.  It is a huge amount of fun and the history is interesting.  Just received War Baby vol 1, a treasure trove of info.

I wish I could get to the bottom of the family history on this but the owner had a stroke and already had alzheimer's so he can't help.  The family is asking other family members if anyone can remember anything but it doesn't look good.  It sat in a closet for decades and wasn't a big topic of discussion.  All they can tell me for sure is that it was owned by 2 brothers and in their family since the 40's.  Still digging though.

Mark on the top of barrel might be an off struck 8. Barrels with dates of 5-43 to 6-43 were often seen with the 8. your barrel of 4-43 is right there. later there were other numbers or letters consistently.

you might also find a punch mark near same location.

 

in your range you may also find a flaming bomb on side or barrel near breech.

 

yep, inland log double struck. I played with picture and do not find a 1 under it. looks more like a stray mark. would need better picture to see.

 

sear is RI with serif on I. there may be periods after the letters but cannot tell from pics. your serial is close to the marks with or without periods. If this is an original gun better pics could help nail down the range. If you reduce picture size to upload, try cropping before resizing to maintain quality. Many had the rough finish and do not think there are other intentional marks.

 

the hammer marks appear normal. do not forget the bolt slides over it to re cock it. Look at bolt and it should have wear marks to coincide.

 

If I missed any of your questions please do not hesitate to ask.