Originally Posted by
dokcop
I have #1502353, a 90%+ gun, SA 3-36 star gauged barrel, type S finger groove stock, Hatcher hole, SA/SPG cartouche, punch marked receiver bulge, NS bolt with punch mark, D128179 handguard. Split lower band swivel and prewar checkered buttplate
She has a rack number of 65 in half inch letters on heel, circle block P firing proof behind number 7 rear of the TG and has a muzzle of about 0.5 and a throat of 2. I believe this gun to be a completely original SA build.
There are apparently many guns of similar description around. I've seen several for sale recently, and have heard various speculations that they were manufactured for prisons; the Coast Guard; Coast Artillery units; the Post Office and other institutions. I wonder if one of the eminent authorities who preside in these '03 forums (CMP, Culver, Milsurps) would be interesting in compiling data about these beautifully fitted and attractive prewar rifles?