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USMC built Springfield ??????????????
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markings on the stock are not G.I., rifle has no USMC rebuild signs..
punch mark on the barrel is not G.I.
should be a shooter
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I wouldn't dismiss it just yet, the AHA stamp has shown up before. Not sure who's it was and years ago someone published that it was a USMC stamp, but that is totaly out of character for the USMC and there is no supporting documentation, I would be shocked if it actually was. Brophy mentioned the stamp and simply listed it as unknown.
John Beard would be the best bet on this one, see what he has to offer. My opinion of the rifle, I agree with Chuck there's no sign at all that it's been through a USMC shop. Also, the stock is a Springfield (the "S" you mentioned in the cutoff recess).
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And, your rifle is a Springfield Armory Model 1903 Mark I, manufactured 1918-1920. The slot in the receiver & other minor changes were to accommodate the use of the Pedersen device, which was to fire a pistol cartridge in semi-auto mode.
The 1933 barrel was installed during a rebuild.
Neal
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My understanding is that the Mark I rifles sat in war reserve until about 1938, when they were pulled out, the Mark I specific parts were replaced with standard M1903 parts, and they were issued as standard M1903s. I also understand they were primarily issued to National Guard units that were being built up.
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Devices destroyed in 1931. The rifles were re-built 1937-38 timeframe, but many not re-built at all. Lots went to China in the 1942-44 timeframe. It is tough to find a nice, correct model these days. This particular rifle looks like an odd duck, real Springfield made C-stock? Odd stampings, need John Beard to jump in.
