Un-modified rear handguard, what does it mean?

[paul1440]

Thanks for the compliments. I hope you all realize those aren't my words but rather Mr. Kuleck's.

As for field stripping... I've heard the same thing. No need to field strip but once a year because it can take up to 50 rounds for the receiver to re-settle in the stock and repeated opening and closing of the trigger guard wears out the trigger guard lugs. So I don't field strip but once a year and give the rifle a thorough once over then store it until spring. After each time at the range I clean the bore, chamber, and bolt face. Give it a wipe down with a silicon cloth and put it away for next time.

[Beginner]

Hope this helps a little bit.

VERY useful post Bodyman, thank you! To be honest it seems that the stock as a whole has been sanded on the Winchester. But whoever did it at least spared the cartouche (GHD). The stock is in very nice shape; a bit too nice for a rifle its age.
I will have to look closer at the rear handguard to assess how much is has been sanded/tampered with. What I am most interested in is of course if the handguards(s) are original, and also if the stock is original. Is there much for me to gain by trying to remove the rear handguard? I am afraid the rear handguard is already cracked (not badly but it is definately cracked on top), so I am really reluctant to remove it.

Also I promise not to be afraid of uncut oprods

[paul1440]

"Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering." - Yoda

[Sabre223]

By no means am I close to having expert knowledge. Shown below are 2 Collector Grade CMP rifles. Clearance cuts are clearly seen, even from the distance of the photo. But, ref the clip height to the wood line has puzzled me for a few years now.

The SA has very proud wood. And appears to be a heal stamp error (with how low it was stamped toward the heal). The HRA has the clip showing well above the wood. I am positive to say that wood has never been touched. This HRA is from at least 3 yrs ago before the CMP got the latest batch, and it has an LMR barrel. Both look like they left the factory, went to Greece, and made their way back (still unfired other than factory testing) with only the addition of the packing axle grease.

Now in response to Bodyman. You will remember when I purchased my WRA (the GB auction for the museum quality WRA) a year or so ago. I have studied and drooled all over this thing and believe the guy I bought it from was 100% honest about it being all original (meaning with no help to be corrected). In this case (the WRA) the rear handguard clip sits real high giving the sanded heavily appearance. I think otherwise, it looks original this way. And the pic shown a page back looks very similar (in color and wood grain structure). We all know wierd stuff had exited those factories, I just think we are blaming on the norm (meaning the people who like to dork stuff up).

Believe me, Im not just trying to justify my rifle. Look at the chamfered edge where it meets the front of the receiver ring, its perfect. It also looks like a chunk is missing from where the HG clip curves in (just below my AM mark). I carefully slid it off the barrel and looks like it was made that way. Mysteries?

Enjoy the pics.

Side angle showing wood height and clearance cut.


Wood height at front of receiver. (and receiver stamp error)


WRA view.


Just for fun! (below pics)





Find the peen mark?