WW2 Rebuilds

[P-07ShortLee]

A few questions regarding 03's rebuilt during WW2. Not counting rifles with "single heat treat" #s that have replacement barrels or the Sedgely 44 barrels.

Was the "hatcher" hole normally added during rebuild? Or was the addition of the hole limited to the pre-WW2 years?

Were "C" stocks "normal" for rebuild?

Were any of the rebuilds of "battle used" rifles? Or just broken/worn on hand?

And finally, why do some people consider the WW2 rebuilds "junk"?

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[JGaynor]

A few questions regarding 03's rebuilt during WW2. Not counting rifles with "single heat treat" #s that have replacement barrels or the Sedgely 44 barrels.

Was the "hatcher" hole normally added during rebuild? Or was the addition of the hole limited to the pre-WW2 years?

Were "C" stocks "normal" for rebuild?

Were any of the rebuilds of "battle used" rifles? Or just broken/worn on hand?

And finally, why do some people consider the WW2 rebuilds "junk"?

"hatcher Hole" - don't know a lot of wartime rifles A3's etc had a standard issue large left side gas escape which lined up with a hole in the bolt (when the bolt is closed)

C-Stocks Normal ? - i would say No since they tended to be in short supply.

Battle used Rifles - Absolutely ordnance maintained forward salvage and repair units which rebuilt rifles in the theatre. After Belgium was liberated a major rebuild effort was undertaken using the facilites of FN. I do not know if they applied any kind of mark however.

Junk - A rifle that has been through an arsenal or depot rebuild is, as far as the service is concerned, the equivalent of a new weapon. So "junk" is way too strong to describe an authentic rebuild.

Regards,
Jim

[P-07ShortLee]

Thanks for the answers.

I agree about original rebuilds. Many probably saw actual use prior to rebuilding, the same can't always be said of those in their original configuration.
Maybe some dislike them because they are not original or because of the many post WW2 "bubba" rebuilds.

[John Beard]

A few questions regarding 03's rebuilt during WW2. Not counting rifles with "single heat treat" #s that have replacement barrels or the Sedgely 44 barrels.

Was the "hatcher" hole normally added during rebuild? Or was the addition of the hole limited to the pre-WW2 years?

Were "C" stocks "normal" for rebuild?

Were any of the rebuilds of "battle used" rifles? Or just broken/worn on hand?

And finally, why do some people consider the WW2 rebuilds "junk"?

The following statements apply to U.S. Army rebuilds, not Navy or USMC.

(1) Hatcher Holes were not added to rebuilds until after WWII.

(2) No. Scant stocks were normal for rebuilds.

(3) Rebuilds included "battle used" rifles. But most combat troops were armed with M1 Garands, carbines, Thompsons, etc.

(4) Some purists who collect pristine original and/or rare rifles may consider WWII rebuilds as junk. But they are greatly outnumbered.

Hope this helps.

J.B.

[jarrodeu]

When you say scant stocks were normal for rebuilds does that include WWII wartime rebuilds or only postwar rebuilds? Can you tell the difference?

Is there a way to tell rebuilds from the Army, USMC, and Navy apart?

Thanks,
Jarrod

[John Beard]

When you say scant stocks were normal for rebuilds does that include WWII wartime rebuilds or only postwar rebuilds? Can you tell the difference?

Is there a way to tell rebuilds from the Army, USMC, and Navy apart?

Thanks,
Jarrod

(1) Both. Sometimes.

(2) Yes. Army rebuilds have the re-inspection stamp from the U.S. Army Ordnance facility that performed the rebuild.

Hope this helps.

J.B.

[P-07ShortLee]

Is there a way to validate the other non Army rebuilds?

[John Beard]

Is there a way to validate the other non Army rebuilds?

Sometimes. It depends on who rebuilt the rifle and when.

J.B.