The machined finish on the stock shafts between the bigger splined end and the seal surface absolutely looks like crap. It looks like they machined them as fast as they could. Aftermarket shafts will look a lot smoother. This still don't tell you if they are 4340, but if they where bought from marlin they should be the 4340 shafts. Did he ever sell anything else ? Not sure.
not entirely. i see the same deal on aftermarket shafts all the time.
