[bushmaster1313]

Who put each of the "P" the flaming bomb and the "U.S." On the receivers of WWII military shotguns?

I am pretty sure the "U.S" stood for "Uncle Sam".

What did the "P" stand for?

Thanks

[Tom D]

Most of the WWII Military shotguns had the markings applied at the factory. Some were roll stamped prior to finish while others (such as the Ordnance bomb found on barrels) were hand stamped after finish.

The "P" is a proof mark meaning the gun was test fired usually using a high pressure load.

[ReloaderFred]

The "U.S." stands for United States. It's applied to all military equipment intended for use in wars, even silverware. It denotes that it belongs to the U.S. military (government).

Proof marks are applied after a firearm has been proof fired with ammunition that is loaded to a specific over pressure load for each caliber or gauge. It was general practice to have a military officer in charge of proofing each firearm stationed at the various armories and factories that were producing firearms for the government.

Hope this helps.

Fred