Picked up a 1943 Izhevsk M38.......taking it apart to look it over.....I find a second serial number stamped on the underside of the barrel....is this fairly common?
The top:
(http://i1263.photobucket.com/albums/ii622/padams88881/20160428_173831.jpg) (http://s1263.photobucket.com/user/padams88881/media/20160428_173831.jpg.html)
The bottom:
(http://i1263.photobucket.com/albums/ii622/padams88881/20160428_173720.jpg) (http://s1263.photobucket.com/user/padams88881/media/20160428_173720.jpg.html)
(http://i1263.photobucket.com/albums/ii622/padams88881/20160428_181432.jpg) (http://s1263.photobucket.com/user/padams88881/media/20160428_181432.jpg.html)
With only the one letter could it be a lot number? I've never seen it on an M38 but I've only had a couple.
I haven't disassembled a Mosin in quite a while but I don't recall seeing a number that looks like a potential SN on the bottom of the barrel shank before. Interesting.
In any case, that's a nice looking M38 in an actual M38 stock! Looks like it might be it's original wood (refurbed of course).
Well... It IS on the barrel, so I would think its likely a lot/heat number.
It's a steel lot number. You'll find a similar number in the same location on any Soviet Mosin.
Or sks.
Quote from: Ol Relic on April 29, 2016, 06:18:21 PM
It's a steel lot number. You'll find a similar number in the same location on any Soviet Mosin.
I'll buy that....the font is just huge.....and there isn't any corresponding numbers on the lug area. But it is what it is....Thanks all....
Quote from: Ol Relic on April 29, 2016, 06:18:21 PM
It's a steel lot number. You'll find a similar number in the same location on any Soviet Mosin.
Sheesh, I need to take apart my Mosins more frequently. Mind like a steel
trap sieve rofl