I just received an m305 (in 7.62x39) from Eagle Hunting Supplies and believe I got a cast receiver with a forged bolt. Would someone mind confirming my rather uninformed suspicions? I do not see the dots on the bottom of the bolt. Appears to be November 2016 manufacture?
I don't know about the receiver numbers, but the numbers & letters after your serial # A161694-16-356-CN 16 CA according to M14 Forum experts represent:
16= year of manufacturing
356= Manufacturer (state Arsenal 356) Kunming Yunan Province
CN= China
16= Year of Import
CA= Imported legally to Canada
I hope that helps a bit.