Ct's firstly ask yourself, where does my theory go?

[Walt Cakebread]

A picture is worth a thousand words...  Thanks for posting the pics....

[Charles Collins]

Thanks for the questions Charles. I was concerned that I hadn't been very clear about the routered "cavities" in the bottom of the barrel channel, but you apparently have been able to understand......

The two cavities are both 3/8 inches wide and 3/8 inches deep.  Using my digital caliper to measure, they are precisely 10.3mm wide and 10.45mm deep.  The 4 inch long cavity midpoint lies 8 inches back from the front of the wood stock.   And the midpoint of the 2 1/8" long cavity lies 4 1/4 inches to the rear of the front of the stock. 


what purpose do these routered cavities serve--- is the one near the muzzle end of the stock for the bayonet lug to slide into?

I'd guess that the cavities serve to allow the wood to expand and contract ( heat from the barrel, and changes in humidity and weather conditions) By allowing the stock to expand and contract the pressure on the barrel is minimized...thus the accuracy
 of the rifle isn't effected as it would be if the barrel were in contact with the stock over the entire length of the barrel.

Thanks Walt, that information is helpful.

[Charles Collins]

Thanks Jerry, Walt already said exactly what I was going to say. Your diagrams and photos are always well done!

[Walt Cakebread]

You are welcome.

When I came across those pictures this morning, I knew Walt hadn't lost his mind.

I will apply those measurements and router grooves to my model. Also note that the slot in the stock for the bayonet lug goes right up to the barrel chamber.

When I came across those pictures this morning, I knew Walt hadn't lost his mind.

Thanks.... for the left handed compliment.   So now you've acknowledged that " I hadn't lost my mind"...  Another way of saying that you know i am not a Loon...

In the past you have not been so candid.....frequently diagnosing me as "crazy'...

[Charles Collins]

You are welcome.

When I came across those pictures this morning, I knew Walt hadn't lost his mind.

I will apply those measurements and router grooves to my model. Also note that the slot in the stock for the bayonet lug goes right up to the barrel chamber.

Yes, that is the slot that I was asking about way earlier in this thread. I attempted to ask whether it extended past the end of the bayonet lug when the barrel is installed properly in it’s slot. But things got confused and I believe that we ended up discussing the slot for the actual bayonet on the under side of the stock. When you apply that slot to your diagram, we should have an answer I believe. Walt could possibly confirm this on an actual rifle also I believe.

[John Iacoletti]

A common rhetorical device of conspiracy theorists ... is to advance speculations and then criticize the authorities for not definitively refuting them. They also rely on an inherently implausible claim of a coverup by government agencies that don't really have a very good record of covering things up.

A common rhetorical device of the "Oswald did it" evangelists is to assume that if a government agent says something it must be true.  Unless of course it doesn't fit the narrative.  Then he's a liar.

[John Iacoletti]

Must have faded away, or Latona thought they were "fragmentary". The print was second-hand (ahem) by time the FBI received the rifle.

Must have!