Printable View
The two handguards in the picture both have the milled and grooved handguard clip. The top handguard does not have the op-rod relief cut, and also where the forward cut is for the op-rod, there is no bevel on the angle cut. When was the bevel added?
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../2lik9ow-1.jpg
Ah.... early to mid 1941?
Has to be earlier than that. This is 56745 that was found in original condition, and it has the bevel.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../302tg6f-1.jpg
I have seen them with the following:
op rod notch and bevel
op rod notch without bevel
without op rod notch with or without bevel
early Winchester numbered with small bevel without op rod notch
That same bevel started on the later SPG butt stocks as they were trying to make a minor change before the channel was shortened. Some early stocks cracked in this area and the relief cut was put on both the stock and the guard for relief.
John, do you see any remnants of drawing numbers on the side of that guard? Also email me and I will tell you of another thing to look for. Rick B