All the numbers on the gun match. #7
That is not so unusual. There is probably a number "1" gun somewhere. I'm assuming that one is not from the current batch. The stock repairs I've seen on this current batch, when present, are usually very minor.
All the numbers on the gun match. #7
My "Assembly #" is different than the Serial #, but the assembly # matches on the action and under the bolt handle.
My experiences with the BO rifles differs from yours substantially. For example, there were multiple production runs of the BO rifles, this is pretty clear. Roughly half are M48's and the other half are M48B's. No M48A BO rifles has yet surfaced that were not obvious refurbs.
That's cool. Your gun likely is not a refurb then, which is actually pretty uncommon and in my eyes, a desirable trait.
I notice your stock also still has the pencil number above the serial stamp on the stock, I would suggest that one example may actually be "unissued". In use, the field cleaning products would have erased that marking pretty rapidly.
In reference to your suggestions of Assembly numbers on my M48BO, every single part is matched with the same number. Receiver, all bolt parts, stock, trigger guard, sights, barrel bands, buttplate, center screw, mag follower, band retainer spring, floorplate, and bolt release. However I cannot find any descriptive/readable marks on the cleaning rod, and the bayonet is not matched to the rifle.
I used to have an M48, the bolt was matching, but I believe that the bolt had come off an older rifle.
I have a M48 here with all serial numbers that match.
The assembly numbers also match (4 digits) with a single punch mark.
The punch mark is on the bolt, receiver and barrel after each assembly number.
I'd suggest the gun was likely rebuilt, but that the original bolt stayed with the gun.
That's cool. Your gun likely is not a refurb then, which is actually pretty uncommon and in my eyes, a desirable trait.
I notice your stock also still has the pencil number above the serial stamp on the stock, I would suggest that one example may actually be "unissued". In use, the field cleaning products would have erased that marking pretty rapidly.
If I understand you correctly, all your bolt parts are serialized? Your trigger guard is serialized? Your sights are serialized? As well as your buttplate, mag follower, etc.?
That would be very unusual indeed. Can we see pics?
I would not worry a lot about it, but that is the original factory temporary marking to ensure the guy with the number stamps punched the right number into the stock. A cool thing to see, but as a shooting rifle, it doesn't add much
I tend to shoot my rifles, it's rare I keep one unfired "just because".
Assembly numbers on my M48BO, every single part is matched with the same number
You misunderstood Assembly numbers for Serial numbers. The serial numbers are also all matching in the appropriate locations.
Not that anyone is claiming the M48BO has any significant collector value whether issued or otherwise, not only is there is substantial and obvious newness , this rifle is very different in markings, scrubbings, and feel to my rebuilt m48 rifles. I don't have any pictures but maybe the next gunny pig roast/Battle Rifle Night coming up I'll get a few old boys to look at it again a snap a few pics.
I have a M48 here with all serial numbers that match.
The assembly numbers also match (4 digits) with a single punch mark.
The punch mark is on the bolt, receiver and barrel after each assembly number.
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That's cool. Look at the bottom of the "9" digits on the receiver. The "9's" on the bolt and barrel are rounder, less linear. I'd say the barre land bolt were marked separately from the receiver. Either a different punch was used, or the receiver was re-used at a refurbishment and the factory was still matching up assembly numbers. The "dot" may mean the gun got a new bbl at some point. Definitely a nice find.
You said you bought 4 rifles from Weimarjack's inventory of M48/M48A rifles this time? When you get to disassembling each one, I'd be very curious to see how many have matching assembly numbers.
I do know Weimarjack handpicked them with Anthony, in Hawkesbury personally. Assuming Jacques has a good eye for rifles that have not been rebuilt, his guns might have a higher rate of matching assembly numbers than at dealers elsewhere. I can tell you from personal experience, Jacques' yugo rifles are NOT representative of the whole batch. They are well above average.
Some of the random guns shipped from Tradex to my buddy's shop were definitely not "excellent". As I mentioned in another post, some had lined out serial numbers with new ones stamped, a mix of M48B parts on M48 rifles, cracked stocks, repaired stocks, lined out and re-numbered stocks with heavy wear/use on them, etc.
I have yet to see someone post one here on CGN that was anything less than Very Good or Excellent, but the ugly ones are definitely out there at dealers, and some were probably shipped direct to customers from Tradex themselves.