Thanks to everyone for the feedback.

Someone planned for this rifle to be configured this way. Whether it was Winchester, G&H or the original customer, someone special ordered the rifle without the Lyman rear sight and the associated cut-out in the stock. We'll never known, but it was ahead of its time. When did sightless rifles first hit the scene with the intention of shooting them only scoped? 1950's, 1960''s?

Art