I have inherited a project - the restoration of a Mossberg 46 M (b) for my Grandson. It is a rifle that belonged to his Grandfather. His Dad is wanting to pass the rifle down to him but it needs quite a bit of work.
All that to say ... I know that the 46 M (b) or Model 46 b {same gun} was manufactured from 1938-1949.
What I was wondering is there any way to be more specific on the Born Date. Any specific characteristics to the 46 (b) models through the years ? Stock differences, stamp differences or any physical differences that can date ID a year model.
The only difference I have been able to discern on the rifle in hand is the fore stock seems to be a little different. Most pictures of 46 (b)'s I have seen have shown the fore stock to get noticeably smaller the last 2 inches or so. There is a definite noticeable curve where it gets smaller. The one I have in hand does not. The one I have is just a taper to the end. I have not seen any pictures of one that has the kind of stock this one does. Picture of my stock below:
Is there a year associated with type of stock design ?
Thanks in advance for any and all help ...
All that to say ... I know that the 46 M (b) or Model 46 b {same gun} was manufactured from 1938-1949.
What I was wondering is there any way to be more specific on the Born Date. Any specific characteristics to the 46 (b) models through the years ? Stock differences, stamp differences or any physical differences that can date ID a year model.
The only difference I have been able to discern on the rifle in hand is the fore stock seems to be a little different. Most pictures of 46 (b)'s I have seen have shown the fore stock to get noticeably smaller the last 2 inches or so. There is a definite noticeable curve where it gets smaller. The one I have in hand does not. The one I have is just a taper to the end. I have not seen any pictures of one that has the kind of stock this one does. Picture of my stock below:
Is there a year associated with type of stock design ?
Thanks in advance for any and all help ...