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I acquired a Howa carbine a while back, in excellent condition. Royal Thai marked. It's now my shooter to keep me from shooting the more collectible ones! I know it's not USGI, but has anyone got an idea what magazines were supplied by Howa for them? I've never seen mention of them. I've seen some Plainfield mags marked "Japan" but I doubt that's what went to the Thais, unless they got GI mags...
They usually say, "Made in Japan".
Those HOWA carbines, are real jewels. Well finished and accurate. I've only seen 2 of them and both were in the US. Both were like yours, Thai marked and excellent.
I would love to have one. I've asked around Canada but most people don't even realilse that Japan built M1 Carbines for their own use and export.
If it were mine, I might shoot it for nostalgic reasons but not much and stick with a Universal or Iver Johnson clone.
Aside from being made in Japan, it's definitely better finished than the other 10 GI ones I have. Being made postwar to GI specs by a reputable manufacturer, I guess they could spend a little more time on the finish machining. It's also very accurate. I just thought it might be nice to have an original mag if I could find out what they were.