JB and others: What were the original finishes applied to M1903 rear sight components up through , say 1920? TIA Steve McGeorge
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JB and others: What were the original finishes applied to M1903 rear sight components up through , say 1920? TIA Steve McGeorge
Niter blue.
J.B.
Mr Beard: many thanks.... Steve McG
IIRC,Quote:
Originally Posted by scmcgeorge
Color case-hardening is correct for RIA leaf sights. I can't locate the source but, I seem to recall that being right.
*Yes, this thread is a little dated; just hope this might still help.
here is a photo of the rear sight on Rock Island s/n 64145 with RIA 3-07 barrel. The rear sight is without the rib on the back of the leaf, also note the early rear sight base
Thanks, RCS.Quote:
Originally Posted by RCS
That appears to be niter blue -not color case-hardened.
Now that I think about it, maybe I'm confusing the finish with the fact that RIA rear sight bases have an "H" for "Hardened" stamped into them.
in my observations over the years..the first 1903,s {rod bayonet} has a mix of color case hardened parts,..bolt. cutoff, trigger, some pins ect..as production really got going heat treat blue {niter} or oil quench blue finish was the norm on most small parts, sights, pins, triggers ect.. WW2 and post war production blue was standard black oxide.
Chuck,Quote:
Originally Posted by chuckindenver
In your estimation, would a color case-hardened sight be from a rod bayonet rifle, then?
TIA, Bill
hard to say for sure, the only unmolested Rod bayonet rifle iv looked at is in the RIA museum, sits to high to see the sight closely...it does have a color case hardened bolt handle though, as well as guard screws and the rod bayonet tip..been a long time since i looked at it.
id have to dig out the pictures...and with my work load...that may be a while.
Well, I just realized the sight leaf I had in mind doesn't have the volley notch...Quote:
Originally Posted by chuckindenver
So much for wishful thinking!
Thanks just the same.