Mark: You are quite welcome! Bill went to work for N.A.S.A. full time in, I believe 1959 as a precision machinist for the Space Program. I recall [I was 7 y.o. at the time] he was still on a little side street off Washington St. in Phoenix right next to another Gunshop called CAPPY'S. His barrel code, if I remember correctly as my gun is in Montana, is a 4 digit setup. The first 2 digits are the barrel number and the third and fourth digits, are the year of manufacture. I believe mine is 0747...seventh barrel [a .270 Win.] made in 1947. He was still using ~MAKER~ on my rifle's barrel as well in 1947. Another reason I believe he might have stocked your rifle is of all the Sukalle stocked rifle's I've seen [probably 10 or more] he seemed to favor stock stain and finish that couid best be described as, red or orange in hue not dark walnut or that chocolate brown walnut like my Alvin Linden or my A.O. Niedner. The color on yours is in that range. You may very well be right about the stock being a restocking! Look for your 4 digit barrel number and look at the last two DIGITS, if the metal is pre-war you have your answer. WARMEST REGARDS and GOOD LUCK! Jerry
