I have been shooting a shortened rifle with a 23.5" barrel. The remaining fore stock and accompanying parts have been moved back so that when viewed from the front they are apparently equidistant an uncut rifle.

The rifle is wearing a 1902 rear sight, a m1903 band with an uncrowned muzzle. The stock grip at one time appears to have worn an additional wood or steel grip that has been removed long ago with a screw hole remaining. There is also what appears to be some marks that were applied outside of the grip prior to when it was installed. They read R.I.A-11 or something to that effect. The wood is also marked JFC on the port side.

Interestingly enough the rear sight base and leaf have apparently been faked at some point having a small C imprinted on both parts. At any rate, with a less than stellar bore and frosted muzzle the rifle will drop them in all day long with a 03 f/s blade at 100 and 200yds to p.o.a. with the sight graduations provided. I am using 4064 and 180 Hornady spitzers.

I always wondered why someone would have shortened the rifle to mimic a correct one by leaving all the other parts in place unless it was damaged or they just wanted a handier version to suit their own needs. It's a very pleasant shooter.