Question about a 1.34M NM 1903 bolt

[RBruce]

The rifle I have is a 1.34M receiver (1930) in NM configuration with a 3-38 barrel, a D1836 marked stock with heavy checked buttplate with trap, and USMC front and rear sights. My question is which style NS bolt would be appropriate, the single gas relief or two gas relief model? Question two, did the Marine Corps polish their match rifle bolts? --TIA

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Jeff L]

According to the charts on vishooter's page, singe hole would be correct. Not sure on the bolt polish, I suspect yes for competition purposes just to make it glide more smoothly.

-Jeff L

[RBruce]

Yes, Vishooter's page lists a 1930 rifle as having the single relief hole N.S. bolt, but what if this was a spare receiver assembled in 1938? Would it have been assembled with the newer two relief hole N.S. bolt?

[Jeff L]

It may be a replacement barrel. Any evidence of a rebuild? If it was assembled in 38, I would think it would have the newer bolt.

I was thinking about the Marines polishing a bolt, I speculate they would only polish the areas which would improve performance, not for show.

-Jeff L

[John Beard]

The rifle I have is a 1.34M receiver (1930) in NM configuration with a 3-38 barrel, a D1836 marked stock with heavy checked buttplate with trap, and USMC front and rear sights. My question is which style NS bolt would be appropriate, the single gas relief or two gas relief model? Question two, did the Marine Corps polish their match rifle bolts? --TIA

(1) Since your rifle has a 1930 receiver and a 1938 barrel, it could be considered correct with either bolt.

(2) Marine Corps National Match rifles had polished serialized bolts.

Hope this helps.

J.B.

[RBruce]

Thank you Jeff and John.

[sniper188]

I have a 1903NM that sort of dropped in my lap with no papers. Its a 1931 sn. 1371539 with Hacher hole. Barrel is a 1932 star gauged. Wood is NM with Dwg # SA dated 1938. Bolt is NS full polished with single hole but no s/n engraved on it. It was a Greek return that ended up at Anniston years ago and was sold with the 1903's. The floor plate was pinned, bolt was parked, and the rear sights were replaced. It has the orig finish and not the Greek black oxide finish. Where it has been the last 70 years and why was it treated so well who knows? Last week I loaned it to a guy who hasn't shot in the last 3 years to shoot in the Springfield Match at Camp Perry and he almost medaled with it.
If I can find a T-4 Butt plate it will be as close to correct as I am going to make it. Good luck with your project.