My M84 rifle

[Major Tom]

As I have said before, I own a pristine condition M84, made in 1889. I have been doing alot of research on it lately. I have found that the barrel bands should have the 'U' on the right side. On my rifle, only the front band has this stamp, the rear does not. Any comments?

[Dick Hosmer]

VERY strange - but, just to be completely clear, are you saying the lower band has no stamp at all, or the band has been reversed, leaving the mark on the lower left side?

If no mark at all, I guess "good old Joe" was dozing that Monday (or Friday)! To say nothing of the inspector!

All joking aside, while noting PLENTY of reversals, I do not believe I have ever encountered an unmarked band, at least never on a pristine rifle. But (almost) anything is at least theoretically possible.

[Major Tom]

Dick, the lower band has no stamp at all. It is blued. I bought this rifle from Al Frasca and I trust him explictly as to his description of the rifle when I bought it. Serial number is: 472632, SWP 1889 cartouch, M1884 stamped on receiver. This rifle is definitely 'as new'. So, I must surmise that a lower band made thru to shipment without anyone noticing. And, I assume, this rifle must have been in storage for all it's life, albiet, very good storage too.

[Dan Shapiro]

Monday morning hangovers weren't exactly unknown, even back in '89.