Looking over this thread I thought I'd point out a few changes made over the years. In 1948 there were two, the words "TRADE MARK" were replaced with a circled "R", and the words "Sweet Sixteen" were engraved on the receiver. But evidently not at the same time, as my '48 has the first but not the second change. In 1951 the front safety went away in favor of the cross bolt. I'm indifferent to which style is used except on Sweet Sixteens (and early Light Twelves) as I really like the look of the gold safety paired with a golden trigger.
A while back I had Art’s refinish the stock on the 1948 as the checkering was worn flat. I finally took some pictures. Before: After:
A few weeks ago the ‘48 came out of the display case to the Skeet field. In the middle of the 2nd round the Carrier button stopped working. I had to trip the bolt with my pocket knife. I disassembled the gun at home, thinking I had a bad Carrier Latch. But it turned out the Magazine Follower was poking too far out of the Mag, holding the front of the latch flush against the Receiver. The “skirt” that prevents this had split.
MGW has the part in stock for $9.99, but I asked my jeweler friend if he could weld it. If you didn’t know, it seems that jewelers can make or fix just about anything. Before: After:
My friend keeps impressing me with his abilities. I said he must use the world’s smallest welding rod, and his reply was “Indeed” along with this picture:
I can’t really answer you except to say that I haven’t seen one. Ribs were an option of doubtful utility and I haven’t seen many on Auto-5’s. That said, Sweet Sixteen ribs were narrower than standard at .280” tapering to .260” vs. .335”/.317”.
okay, Thank you. I have one with a solid rib, numbers date it to be 1958. I will post some photos later today or tomorrow. Thanks again.
Beautiful gun. I noticed that the rear corners of the ejection port are square. Supposedly they went to round corners in ‘58. Is yours a low serial number?
I get 1954. A lot of design changes occurred in 1958, but I wasn’t sure that all guns from that year got all the modifications.
Your Jewler buddy has done a nice neat repair on the follower. Very impressive has a good eye and steady hand.