i just got a 1942 Izzy Mosin, looking at 762x54r.net, the brass fittings in the sling holes are in the " pre-war" category, i am unsure or what that means, and also my stock doesnt seem to have a serial number that i can find, only a backwards R near the large ring.. Any Mosin experts know what this could mean. Also, when i got the rifle home i noticed what appears to be a Russian Star i guess kind of staind into the stock or maybe carved at one point and stained and then refurbed or whatever, it's pretty neat. I like the M44 shorty's but the big ole 91/30 has enamoured me as well. Nice rifle for the cash i spent.