Arisaka Type 99, stock in two pieces

I recently acquired an Arisaka Type 99. I haven't tried to figure out the markings. But, the gun has a number of characteristics that make me think it's early production, or at least, not very late - with one exception that puzzles me. Hoping somebody here can elucidate.

The gun has:
- Pear-shaped bolt handle end
- Metal buttplate
- Aircraft sight
- Monopod
- Push-button release for cleaning rod, and full-length rod

However, the finish looks like boiled linseed oil, to me, and the main thing I wanted to ask about is, the stock is cut under the barrel band. If you loosen the barrel band, you can then remove not only the handguard, but also the front portion of the stock.

From research, it seems that some last-ditch guns had this kind of cut in the stock, but my gun has no other hallmarks of being a last-ditch gun that I'm aware of.

Were there duffle cuts in the Pacific? The finish makes me think somebody refinished it, at a minimum. Or, what may I be dealing with? (And would I be struck by lightning if I shimmed it and glued the two pieces together? The shim would be hidden under the barrel band.)

Thanks.

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Arisaka Type 99, stock in two pieces