Howa Carbine Question

[Ian]

I have a Royal Thai Police marked Howa Carbine, which I have 2 questions about. First should these stocks be maintained the same as most military rifles (1 to 1 turps and raw linseed)? Second, the carbine is pretty much entirely original (no marks on any parts except for the Howa Proof and RTP marking and SN) but the bolt, which is a correct round bolt has the letter W on the right lug, which manufacturer would this be? I would guess Winchester, but someone told me Winchester didn't make round bolts. Thanks in Advance.

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[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

Winchester made round bolts. Started early 1944 and can be found to the end of production. Marked W

[Bruce McAskill]

Of course Winchester made the type 3 round bolt. They started using the round bolt in the spring of 1944 and continued to use it till the end of porduction in the late summer of 1945. Treat the stock as you would treat any other to keep it in good shape. USGI parts are interchangeable with the Howa and that would be why you have a Winchester bolt in yours as it was changed somewhere a long the line. Over all the Howa is as good or better then the best USGI made carbine. Excdellent quality on them.

[Ian]

Thanks very much, guys - it didn't sound right, so as usual, I came to the source. Now to get myself the correct (late) sling and oiler!

[Mizzouboy]

I too have a nice Howa, looks like new except for a missing bayonet lug, which I understand the ATF required to be removed when they were imported. Raw linseed oil worked fine on mine. It is my best shooter out of the other 10 GI's I have!

[Tired Retired]

As far as round bolts, Winchester did make round bolts and marked them with a "w". However, I recall a post-war round bolt producer who marked their bolts with a "w" in a circle. One clue is if your bolt has a small hole drilled in the bottom of the bolt in the center.