rm-
Very ineteresting points you raise! Thanks.
From what I make of it, then, this would be a late 1951 gun? Not transitional in the traditional sense, but more of an intra-transitional carbine?
The matching stock was the deciding factor behind this purchase, as I absolutely would have passed on it had it been force-matched-- especially for what I paid ($750 +55 tax/PICS).
I had also considered the 'as-issued' potential, but three traits in particular nudged me initially into the "lite refurb" camp: the blued bayo (at first I thought it was painted), the crown in-the-black, and what looks like the remnants of black paint (not bbq kind) on the butt plate.
Refurb or not? With the points you raise I can't say for certain. (I have often wondered if any of the Soviet Guns went through a non-arsenal "commercial refurb" --kind of like a MOLOT lite -- prior to export)
As impressed as I was with the condition of the matching stock (on what I thought was a refurb), I was less moved by the matching metal parts...that is until I got the rifle home and had a chance to disassemble it.
The stiffness/tightness of the safety, cover, and rsb levers struck me as very peculiar and possible indications of very limited to zero service use. The edges of the bolt, cover, and receiver interior are VERY VERY SHARP and un-beveled-- (cut my thumb just putting the bolt back in place). Given that the barrel and the piston head were only modestly pitted, my educated guesswork leads me to believe that this carbine may have been unissued when it came into the US. The absence of any arc-shaped lever wear on the RSB or right side receiver and near 100% bluing intact contribute to the sense that this carbine may have been unissued. Trigger is also very tight/heavy. Sear-to-hammer engagement is neutral as far as I can tell-- which is difficult becuase there is virtually NO take-up before breaking.
Are blued bayos original issue? I was under the impression that they were replacements just like the bbq blades, No?
Thanks, again.
When do we get a peek at the database?
EDIT: Yes. It's non-chrome plated.