Thunderbox, interesting about the FR! Now if I can just figure out what the little 'boat' or whatever it is, is. Jmoore, I saw the A suffix right after I read your post, it's very faint, but it's there alright. I understand that meant that the rifle was fitted with 'nonstandard' parts, or something along those lines? Also, you mentioned the welded charger bridge..is that a good feature? Rare?
That's why I love these things, history in your hands!