CO Steve and Ed said:
"gak, any chance that you could post a picture of your '45 NIB carbine? Are you saying that your family got a unissued carbine in the crate? That would be fantastic to see."
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Pics - Keep in mind no longer NIB of course (intervening years, last thing one thought of was to "not use") but still vg condition--only seeing light father's post war and then my personal use over the years. Also, it is 6-44.
Top is the 44, bottom a refit 43. Note anomalous hi-wood on "new" 44 (has a 4 hole handguard), low-wood on 43--with two hole handguard. I apologize for perhaps gilding the lily a bit here, but here you go:
and proof positive of WWII-issue bayo/lug
My father got it out of a junkyard on Guam--still getting potshot at--in 1945 at war's end as he and his crew scrounged for engine parts to make his B-29 flyable for ferrying the long distance home. Took it out of the box and stuck it behind his (pilot) seat. When stateside, they told him to keep it. It is one of very few bayo/lug-fit WWII issued--though never saw action--carbines. (Sadly, bayo long gone now) Contrary to popular myth, a few made it into action late--most if not all in the Pacific Theater. So not all bayo-lug guns (or ramp sights) were post-war or Korea refits. The Ordnance dept order was issued IIRC in mid 44. As most things gubment, it took awhile to make the rounds.
Will try to get to those pics.
Postscript: really make you ill -- ca 1985, NIB (certified/extensive papers/not retrofitted) original Inland M2 at a local store here in Phoenix area - $750. At the time I was particularly cash poor and thought that was a bit much for me to be spending on "superflous" items
Postscript 2: I hadn't handled in awhile. Fore-end fit on the 44 is quite good, only slightly loose. 43 very good too, slightly looser.
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