Originally Posted by
Dick Hosmer
Yep, the naysayers, never want to discuss the proof-marks on those barrels, just to say they are not "right". Been slogging away in that fight since 1970 - still don't have an answer. Other manufacturers are known to have used 5G barrels, and, no records have (yet) been found of their production at SA.
So, the marks are either forgeries, or there are some papers missing. FWIW, they have been found in rifle, carbine, and cadet lengths, as well as with both round and square shanks (which changed at the same time as the front of the breechblock cutout you mentioned. In a way, that is a negative, since if they were THAT widespread, there would HAVE to be some documentation.