03 bolt markings opinions requested

Purchased 2 odd 03 bolts at a local show . 2 complete bolts one marked WL3 which carries a late electro arced number 1511395 under the extractor . The other is a J6 and carries a 1513367 number also under the extractor with CV marked striker knob .The number scribing are from a fine hand . Finish is a dark black blue.. Not Greek oxide . Am I correct the above scribed serial numbers would have been in the 1938 or 39 pre war era ? . According to Vics chart the rifles with mid to late 30s serial numbers should have NS marked bolts .These are small gas hole bolts . Pic of the WL3 enclosed .Wondering which branch would marry old bolts with late rifles ?? Opinions cherished . Thanks LT

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Originally Posted by Lt1

Am I correct the above scribed serial numbers would have been in the 1938 or 39 pre war era ?

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You are correct.

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Originally Posted by Lt1

Wondering which branch would marry old bolts with late rifles ??

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The USMC.

J.B. :wave:

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Originally Posted by John Beard

The USMC.

J.B. :wave:

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When did the USMC begin enlarging the gas escape hole in the bolt? He stated that they were small escape hole bolts. Otherwise, I would have said they were USMC bolts.

Please advise,

Emri

Nevermind, I just figured it out. You were only answering the question, not saying they were USMC bolts. The other difference I noted was the SN under the extractor rather than on top.

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Originally Posted by Emri

When did the USMC begin enlarging the gas escape hole in the bolt? He stated that they were small escape hole bolts. Otherwise, I would have said they were USMC bolts.

Please advise,

Emri

Nevermind, I just figured it out. You were only answering the question, not saying they were USMC bolts. The other difference I noted was the SN under the extractor rather than on top.

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[QUOTE=Emri;107988]When did the USMC begin enlarging the gas escape hole in the bolt? He stated that they were small escape hole bolts. Otherwise, I would have said they were USMC bolts.

Here is an additional early straight handle bolt from the same seller not mentioned earlier Marked BB or 13 Faint in front of the lug obviously a early bolt.Note enlarged gashole . When did the USMC enlarge holes ??? I know many rifles that were reported to be USMC have been passed on due to the absence of a hatcher hole .Question is .When did the USMC enlarge the gas hole ? It would appear some rifles escaped the mod. The receiver hole appears to be standard after late 1936

An old bolt ('1'on lug, around 1909)) with large gas escape hole on a late rifle (1938) as well. These could be Marine '03's, mine came from a friend, a career Marine Officer, who acquired it after the WW11, came with 3 of the larger U.S.M.C. site protectors, spares etc. Semper Fi, Don