DF: I doubt the cut out is OEM, never seen it.
probably
just another M70 Trick Move.
It's a curiosity for sure.
Redneck said that should never be done.
But, someone must have thought it was the thing to do, seems well executed with a milling machine.
Ed's report of his M-70's feeding empty cases full speed without a glitch makes one wonder if this cut out adds anything.
Oh well, as long as it works...
Here on the Fire, we have "stunt shooters" and "trick moves"...
Something for everybody...
DF