Joe,
The Surkamer has two pins on the bottom of the sleeve ground for a tight fit. When the bolt is closed and in the cocked position it’s very solid. If I remember correctly there is no longer a two-stage trigger on this rifle. The Kirkwood has two pins and I believe that the Gibbs has two screws to keep things tight.
Regarding your “Early” Jaeger would this be a Philadelphia marked rifle or a Jenkintown marked one?
Kutter,
You are right, I would say that about 99% of the pre-war American custom makers inletted the tang tight and 80% of them are chipped or cracked. On the other hand look at the Gibbs they relieved the back a bit.
It’s my understanding that firearms did not require a serial number before the 1968 gun control act.
Laurie,
Don’t tell anybody but Osa Johnson has been my pin-up girl for some time now ;-).
