Winchester rear sight question for those who know.

[imarangemaster]

After I sold the collectable Inland, I found a Winchester at a local gunshop that I was about to get for $500 from the Inland sale and a case of excess (if there is such a thing) 5.56 ammo.

Serial number is 5,701,XXX. It has the correct unmarked Type II band (it is original, not cut down. front sight has not been pulled that I could see, also) that Winchester used then, but the sight is a Hemphill (H in a shield) Type III. It appears to be just the original staking, and the finish matches. Generally, it lists the type II for that Winchester serial number block ending with 5,800,XXX, and the Type III for the next.

I seem to remember reading here that in actuality, type III rear sights were introduced shorty after Type IIs, and were used interchangeably by Inland and Winchester. Since this is at the end of the Type II block, close to the production date of the Type III sight block, is it likely that his is an original Type III that was put on at the factory?

I'll do pics and a full breakdown when I get it "out of jail."

Thanks in advance.

Information

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[imarangemaster]

I forgot yo mention that it is in the correct Winchester stock, with a WRA over GHD cartouche.

[Hercules Powder]

In Carbine Club newsletter * 237 July 1995: first adjustable stamped rear sight marked I.R.Co. 7160060 was reported at 5,553,489.

For comparison: The pictures are the stamped adjustable rear sight on serial number 5,621,--- also with type 2 barrel band. The wear on the finish of the sight is consistent with the rest of the carbine. I'm not sure of the staking. Hopefully, someone else can identify if it is original from when the sight was installed at the factory or if it was done at a later update.

[ATTACH]Attachment 44916[/ATTACH]Attachment 44917Attachment 44918

[Bruce McAskill]

Both the stamped and milled rear sights were in use at the same time with the vast majority of them being H in a shield stamped on them. The stock may be a bit early for the serial number as the carbine would date to about August 1944 and the type 3 stock oval cut oiler and low wood stock with only the crossed cannons stamp came into use about March 1944.

[imarangemaster]

Thanks guys, I figured my stamped sight was original. I will tear down the rest of the weapon when I get it out. The stock is a type 3 oval cut with the WRA over GHD. Maybe a later change. I will know more when I break it all down. At least the sight and barrel band are original.

[INLAND44]

Nevermind, already answered.

[Bill Hollinger]

My son's is in that same serial number range and sounds the same as yours with one exception; type II milled Hemphill sight.

[imarangemaster]

In Carbine Club newsletter * 237 July 1995: first adjustable stamped rear sight marked I.R.Co. 7160060 was reported at 5,553,489.

For comparison: The pictures are the stamped adjustable rear sight on serial number 5,621,--- also with type 2 barrel band. The wear on the finish of the sight is consistent with the rest of the carbine. I'm not sure of the staking. Hopefully, someone else can identify if it is original from when the sight was installed at the factory or if it was done at a later update.

[ATTACH]Attachment 44916[/ATTACH]Attachment 44917Attachment 44918

I see yours has the flat bolt like mine, also. According to the books a little late for flat instead of round, but I am sure flat were used up. What slide is that? IV or V?

[Hercules Powder]

Slide is a type 4/E-379. Stock only has crossed cannons stamp on right side.

CC newsletter #237..... flat bolt to 5,703,075..... slide E-379 to 5,708,---.

[imarangemaster]

Outstanding! I really wish I had subscribed to the CC newsletter before last year! Now I really can't wait to tear it down and see what I have. Have to wait until I get home and pick it up on the 5th or 6th. Thanks for the info. The stock sounds like it may be a later replacement because of the WRA GHD cartouche, but that's OK.