I just got my Grandpa's Model 31 12 gauge and despite my digging, have a few questions, mostly simple, and wonder if anyone can shed light on them. Much appreciated.
1. It is an early model, 6775, and just says Model 31, not 31A or any other numbers. Is that because it is such an early version? It has a 32 in barrel (firing pin to muzzle, polychoke excluded) and checkered stock at the grip portion and on the forward grip.
2. I've seen the guns valued higher (not that I care) for having a banded barrel. Mine has a band, apparently held in place with a set screw, at the base, where it meets the block and a broader one at the muzzle that the polychoke fits into. Are those the bands referred to?
3. I have a date code of AA but to the right of the letters is a bug--an oval with 8 legs sticking out, same size as the letters--just a proof mark?