Mystery markings on my M1917

[xb0xisbetter]

I have done some more digging. These characters are definitely not related to Chinese. I searched them all against every Chinese character that exists, at least those compiled on an "exhaustive" list online, and none of them matched. I think you're right about the vertical line still acting as a long vowel mark, as websites I have found have said that it can be written either vertically or horizontally. All translations I have gotten to that effect, other than yours, including online translators, Patrick Chadwick, have come out to AZĀTON or AZAATON in romanji, translated to Atherton in English. The translation of ザin every location I have checked (3 or 4 online) comes to z or za.

ア a
ザ za
ー (acting as a second a)
ト to
ン n



This website does mention the long vowel mark being used interchangeably in either vertical or horizontal form: http://www.japanesewithanime.com/201...ound-mark.html

Additionally, according to C&Rsenal, the 10,000 rifles sent to China as a part of lend-lease were shortened into carbines, with a 22" barrel, because the Chinese were having problems handling the full-length rifle. I have measured my barrel again to be sure, and it is the standard 26".

Although, still, none of this makes me any expert of any kind. Thank you all again for your input thus far.