H&R 65 MC58 Question

[snowbound]

Looking at on-line auction for a very nice H&R 65. Receiver markings are correct for a 65. Almost appears to be an MC 58 with trigger guard safety and mag release. Could these have been modified from 58 spares? Metal finish/park is 100% and same as 58 vice a 65.

Seller states - "There is NO S/N on the gun. NOTE: Serial numbers were not required on guns until 1968 if memory serves me."

I believe it certainly had one originally, but can't say if it was a pre or post 1968 scrub.

[ODCMP]

Originally Posted by snowbound

Looking at on-line auction for a very nice H&R 65. Receiver markings are correct for a 65. Almost appears to be an MC 58 with trigger guard safety and mag release. Could these have been modified from 58 spares? Metal finish/park is 100% and same as 58 vice a 65.

Seller states - "There is NO S/N on the gun. NOTE: Serial numbers were not required on guns until 1968 if memory serves me."

I believe it certainly had one originally, but can't say if it was a pre or post 1968 scrub.

I saw the that rifle too, and found no logical explanation for it's configuration. I believe strongly that if it was completed by Harrington and Richardson it would have received a serial number like all their other rifles.

My best guess would be that it was completed using a surplus incomplete or rejected receiver and an MC-58 stock and parts.

You can look through the MC-58 thread here and the thread linked from it to the gunboards forum and compare features.

http://forums.thecmp.org/showthread.php?t=153730

Making the modification to the safety location would not be easy and would leave evidence of the change.

Dave

[snowbound]

Thanks Dave. What you say makes sense. Still, a nice rifle.