New 1941 Lithgow! Did I get Fleeced?

[Bruce_in_Oz]

Assembly numbers and "serial" numbers.

Actual "serial" numbers are normally on all the major / "matched" parts. Barrel, Body, rear-sight leaf, nose-cap, etc.

These things were originally assembled in stages, with various gauging, proofing, etc. tests along the way. Parts that were "hand-matched" like body and bolt, for example, had assembly numbers applied. Serial numbers in the approved places were added much further along the chain. Interestingly, bolt-heads were not numbered in the normal course of assembly, however, they were proofed when supplied as spares. The copper bedding blocks are an Australian "fix" for the dubious nature of Coachwood. See also the threaded brass rod pieces reinforcing the fore-end and hand-guard.

The copper blocks are to reinforce the "draws", not so much against recoil, but against "slipping" of the fore-end. Unlike a Mauser, the actual recoil is transmitted from the locking surfaces to the firer's shoulder via the "socket" / ferrule at the rear of the body. That is one of the reasons the extended trigger-guard sits at an angle to bore alignment; it acts as a "wedge" to stop the for-end moving "forwards" during recoil.

It may all sound a bit cheesy, but Commonwealth shooters posted some pretty good scores at 900 yds with these rifles and standard-issued Mk7 ammo over the years.

That also points to the "catch" with these rifles: They were originally BUILT around Mk 7 Ball ammo; not slinky boat-tails or other bullets of different weights, muzzle velocities and profiles.

Not only that, but they were, first and foremost BATTLE implements, essentially bayonet extension poles that could also be used for other work., NOT bench-rest rifles. Grouping acceptance was about 3.5 MOA. Interestingly enough, your basic M-16A2 /A3 has a "factory acceptance" in a similar range. That is the worst -case scenario, but it is "close enough for government work".