These were the ONLY semi-auto 22lr trainers ever bought by the gov. They were issued ONLY to the USMC durring WW2 as a trainer for the Reising M50 and M55 machine-guns. These are very hard to find in this original condition. The knot in the fore stock gives you an idea of war time production as it would likely not have left the plant without a perfect stock otherwise. Very few found in better condition.... valued at $550 to $600
“Freedom is the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.” George Orwell, English novelist, essayist, and critic, 1903-1950
Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience.
I personally love all three versions.... and would take a civilian "leatherneck" 150 over a 10/22 and day of the week. These do not have your typical charging handle... they have a charging "plunger" under the forestock to simulate the Reising M50, M55, and M60 action. Its so damn neat and easy to operate it will make you giggle like a school girl.
Why take your rught hand away from the trigger?? One flick of your left index finger and its party time.
The original trainer is marked M65... if it says 150, 151, or 165 it is NOT a USMC trainer. If it says "leatherneck"... is is NOT tje trainer. These were also not marked US Property.. ALL rifles marked M65 are trainers.
Furthermore.... there is one other version marked M65 (MC-58). If you see one of these for under $2k..... I wanna know about it!
Leave it as it is. The ages have been at work on it and man can only mar it.
Don't hit at all if it is honorably possible to avoid hitting; but never hit soft.
Theodore Roosevelt