1903 Remington SN4295

[sakorick]

Hello from the past! After a number of computer crashes and other problems, I'm back with some questions about my Remington 03 SN 3004295. I have spent 5 years restoring this rifle and have all the correct R marked parts and RLB stock but have questions about the bolt. The bolt is the original that came with the rifle which at the time had a scant stock indicating rebuild at some point in time. It is my understanding that the original configuration in November, 1941, it would have been issued with a blued or black bolt. The bolt body I have is a Remington with all marked R parts but the bolt looks like it was grey parked. Should I be looking for a blued bolt? What about the bolt parts? I have read that the original contract was to duplicate the 03 rifles using RI tooling from 1919. It is my understanding that Parkerization started late in WWI. My goal is to make this correct as when it was issued. Any help appreciated. Regards, Rick.

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[John Beard]

Hello from the past! After a number of computer crashes and other problems, I'm back with some questions about my Remington 03 SN 3004295. I have spent 5 years restoring this rifle and have all the correct R marked parts and RLB stock but have questions about the bolt. The bolt is the original that came with the rifle which at the time had a scant stock indicating rebuild at some point in time. It is my understanding that the original configuration in November, 1941, it would have been issued with a blued or black bolt. The bolt body I have is a Remington with all marked R parts but the bolt looks like it was grey parked. Should I be looking for a blued bolt? What about the bolt parts? I have read that the original contract was to duplicate the 03 rifles using RI tooling from 1919. It is my understanding that Parkerization started late in WWI. My goal is to make this correct as when it was issued. Any help appreciated. Regards, Rick.

The original finish on the bolt body and extractor was rust blue, technically called "browning." The cocking piece was also blued. The bolt sleeve and safety lock could be either blued or medium olive parkerized. Either is correct. I also cannot rule out the possibility that some cocking pieces may have been medium olive parkerized. I would have to check my notes.

Hope this helps.

J.B.

[sakorick]

I'm afraid mine is parked....but I'm not sure. Here are some pics. Since I don't really know what one looks like I'm afraid I'm at sea. The cocking piece and sleeve are blued. Regards, Rick.

[John Beard]

I'm afraid mine is parked....but I'm not sure. Here are some pics. Since I don't really know what one looks like I'm afraid I'm at sea. The cocking piece and sleeve are blued. Regards, Rick.

Your bolt appears to have a parkerized finish. And, if I had to guess, I'd say that it's from a little later rifle.

The bolt sleeve, safety lock, and cocking piece are from a much later rifle, perhaps an '03-A3.

The original rust blue finish on your bolt is easily restored. And you are very fortunate to have a bolt from an early Remington rifle, even if it's not quite correct for your rifle.

Finding the correct bolt sleeve, safety lock, and cocking piece will be a challenge.

Good Luck!

J.B.

[Mike D]

I was recently looking at JGaynors post on GB and realized I had a couple different cocking pieces.

The one on the top is smooth and might be a reblue. Its got a purplish blue tint.

Bottom one looks like the one in JG's pic.

Knobs are different though. Is there a time frame for these two different cocking pieces?

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[sakorick]

Hello Mike. I would say the top striker is older and the one I'm looking for. The milling looks very smooth and near perfect. I would say the bottom one is exactly like the one I have from the newer contract. From my limited experience, the original contract was for rifles to be built using the same standards of 1919. Then we went to war, the contract was modified which enabled Remington to build them faster and cheaper. The first 30,000 or so had the more precision milling, grasping groove stock, handguard etc. Once the modified contract was approved, Remington started stamping parts and switched to a easier to build stock. It has been quite a challenge rounding up all the correct parts for 4295 and the bolt is my last project to restore. I would have started years ago but until recently, didn't know there was a difference. Regards, Rick.

[Harlan (Deceased)]

... has an excellent site with photos of firing pins and photos of bolts and original finishes, etc.
His site is an outstanding resource for visual references; with contributions of photos and info from many knowledgeable members in addition to his own archives.
He's very helpful answering specific questions.

http://www.vishooter.net/m1903.html