Stoeger would be an importer mark not maker mark. Just think of all the rebarreled Winchester and Remingtons out there that have the model number removed as the barrel is no longer on the gun.Lots of stainless Ruger handgun have the safety warning removed to inprove looks of the gun. Think of the thousand of 98's out there built by smiths sence the war will most all but the serial number removed. Of course I wouldn't put it past our goverment if they wanted you.Kinda like how much cash you can keep at home and food in the pantry.
