I Guess I Collect Underwoods Now!!

[Dave-In-Maine]

Daily lurker, never posted on this forum before, although I did on "the old" one a few times.

The reason I am breaking my silence is that I am so excited by a new addition to my family, and I have to share!!!!

I have been the proud owner of a beautiful 1943 Underwood (266****-all original, all early features) since I received it for my 13th birthday in 1976. I love it, and consider myself very fortunate to have such a nice rifle in such great condition.

Well, I am now also the proud owner of a beautiful 1943 (or 44) Underwood (287****-all original, all arsenal rebuild features) that I got over the weekend.

On my list of "carbines I want" the top spot was held by "Underwood, late features, arsenal rebuild, not import." Well, be careful what you wish for--you may get it!!!!

What is interesting to me is that while most of the parts are what I expected (post-war rebuild/mixmaster), the receiver, barrel and stock match. The receiver and stock could be twins of my older one (right down to the very faint, almost invisible cartouche).

The barrel appears to be a replacement, although with an Underwood stamp and date. The barrel and barrel band have a pretty dark grey finish, but the portions of the barrel inside the stock and under the barrel band are somewhat lighter.

The markings all appear to be right, with the exception of the barrel--I cannot find a proof mark. Would a replacement barrel have a proof mark?

I didn't realize how much I had wanted another one until I saw this one!!

I'll fully disassemble and post photos when I can--the ones I took of a partial disassembly did not come out all that great.

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