New 'Gunshow Inland' - need opinions and comments

[USGI]

You guys aren't so easy to stump. "Made in Japan" is close enough! I thought the sling was through the buckle wrong, so I changed it - can't remember but I think it was before I took the pictures. The buckle is completely flat on one side and only slightly rounded on the other. I now have the flat side toward the stock. I think the "JAPAN" marked sling probably dates to the 60's or 70's, but not sure. For a time, you didn't want JAPAN on stuff, then when they started turning out quality items, it wasn't so bad. I called that sling a "repro" but I guess if it came on a Japanese built carbine, that wouldn't be accurate. Does anyone know (maybe TR?) the origin of those slings? I checked the headspace at the gun show - and it just barely starts to close on a "NO-GO." I read some threads last night that show the books are wrong about the rear sight - it's correct. Seems like I read the same thing about the bolt - I'll have to look again. I too, am thinking it just went through a depot update. Maybe just the bayonet lug, safety, and mag catch were all that were changed. Right now I'm kind of nervous about looking inside. I might need you guys' help on the hammer - I just can't make out Inland hammer markings. From the outside, the blue or black (shiny) trigger looks just like an almost new spare I have that's marked R.I. I've been debating about the checkering - could look worse after I try sanding. Actually the stock looks pretty good the way it is - just not military. I do have an "AI" marked Type 3 barrel band that I could put on, but haven't changed out parts on any of my carbines other than small internal parts because of wear or breakage. When I do open it up, I'm hoping to find a "two tone receiver" and lighter spot on the barrel where Type 2 band was located during the parkerizing. I just cleaned the muzzle and checked with an M2 Ball cartridge and got 7/32" - I think that's better than any other carbine I own. Thanks a lot for all the interest and positive comments! - Bob

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