i dissagree...
the most replaced part on an A3 is the bayonet lug, and the trigger guard.
the bayonet lug stripps easy, and or got trashed during training..
every early A3 iv handled has had a blue bayonet lug.
the trigger guards were bent easy, and cracked behind the front guard screw.
how many times do you thing these rfles were taken apart during basic training, or regular service?
how many time have you stripped or found a stripped A3 bayonet lug??
id say a good 50% of the A3,s have buggered screw holes, some worse then others.
anyone who,s tried to install a new bayonet lug on an A3 can tell you what a bear that screw is to get in the hole just right for it to catch.
doesnt it seem od that the rest of your rifle has blued parts and the only part thats parked is the bayonet lug??they were made by the same company in the same plant.