Punch mark

[Chuckindenver]

ok, ill throw my jest on the subject..
i say the punch or prick mark is more of a acceptance mark then a proof.
iv seen too many examples of unissued parts that have never been proof fired or fitted to a gun with punch marks.
to confuse the matter more.
punch marks on a NM pistol and or rifle, in my opinion, are related to targeting.
example, 60,s NM pistols, NM 1903,s {some} USMC Snipers rifles, and the 1903A4 rifle.
i have had a couple receivers that have not had a bolt fitted to them, with a punch mark on the receiver ridge, one was a 1903A3 and was marked REJECT on the bottom, and no bolt would fit into the rails, the other is a 1901 receiver, thats still unfinished, and has no number or other markings other then the punch on the ridge.
and iv seen a few Remington 03,s with a few punch marks on that ridge, and one Remington 1917..
so,,id say likely a punch mark stands for more then a proof mark.
can stand for Proof fired, targeted, accepted, accepted during rebuild. and hardness testing as well.

[Johnny Peppers]

The T behind the triggerguard of the SA NM pistols is for "Targeted", and all the SA NM's did not have the punch marks. They were all targeted, and all do have the T.
Many of the Winchester small parts for the M1 Rifle have a punch mark, which would have nothing to do with proofing or targeting. It appears they were used in lieu of having the part marked to show Winchester manufacture.

[Chuckindenver]

i have a RIA built NM with a T and punch as well,
i still say the punch stands for something other then proof test.
the reason they stamp that god ol P all over the place, P for Proof.
the punch can stand for, assemebled, Targeted, pass inspection ect, ect..