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I purchased a low number Springfield from CMP a while back. It has "Hatcher" hole, barrel marked USMC 8-41 and then the S in a circle. The barrel also had curious marks that Lynn Meredith told me were caused by a barrel vise peculilar to the Marine Corps. I asked John Beard about it and he confirmed what Lynn said and that it was a Marine Corps rifle.
I bought a RIA 1903 from the CMP with several USMC characteristics, among them wrench marks on the barrel.
The marks on my barrel are not cut-in like a pipe wrench. They appear pressed in. They are also too far apart to be pipe wrench.
The Marines did indeed mount barrels with a 3-jaw vise that left those marks. Dead on indicator of a true Marine rifle with barrel replacement in the 1941-42 range. They were in a hurry, and took a few shortcuts in rebuilding the rifles.
That rifle shows every indication of being a true Marine Corps rifle and I would bet the farm on it's Marine Corps provenance. Ditto for the second rifle.
Nice rifles, Bob. I wish I owned them.
Jim
Hey RCS,
Does your stock have any markings besides maybe an "S" in the cut off recess? If the stock has no markings then your rifle has four USMC characteristics (Grasping groove stock devoid of markings is one).
Sedgely 9-41 barrel, dinked flat buttplate, Hatcher hole and if unmarked stock = four USMC points.
The Marines had lots of WWI period and earlier rifles in their inventory during the time when they assembled their WWII '03's. The presence of old parts on a suspected Marine '03 is not a Marine rifle characteristic (Such as your late 1918 receiver?, stock, striker and rear sight assembly) but to me it adds a bit.
Your bolt code is from late 1940 to early 1941 and barrel 9-41 (The time frame when the USMC was assembling their rifles). I'd say you have a decent case for having a Marine '03 if the marks on the barrel pass muster with professor J.B. Congrats...please let us know if the stock is unmarked.
Would strip the rifle down and scrub the metal with a nylon brush and Hoppe's. Wipe it down and apply Break-Free with a shaving brush. Looks like you have some rust and crud. Maybe wipe the wood with lemon oil, nothing else...cept shoot it. How's the bore? Nice rifle.
Death to tyrants,
Lancebear
The stock is without any sign of a P firing proof or a cartouche, behind the rear trigger guard is a small number 56 (not a rack number) and in the cut-off recess is a small o stamp.
sometime ago I sent this s/n to Frank Mallory and received a letter back stating that the serial number was among other known USMC rifles and there was a good chance that this was also a USMC rifle - but still no "hit".
The bore is like new and the rifle is not rusted - old cosmolene
thats what i love about this forum....learn something every day..
Hey RCS,
Thanks. If it looks like a duck. Think Jim T's vise info clinches it. Ya' got a USMC. Hit would be nice and a serialized bolt but...I think you have a strong case for a USMC. Four characteristics is very good. Mine is not a hit either but like your rifle falls in with good company on the hit list. Love those old GG stocks on a Marine rifle. Congrats. Hope professor J.B. gets time to comment. I learn something new whenever he catches one of my screw ups.
Ya' got some good input from the guys. Find another one:)
Think there are a few Marine rifle owners here and on our other favorite haunt. Wish we could see and discuss them all. Bolt info is courtesy of J.B. on Vishooter's site. Wonder about the "O" in the recess. Maybe an RIA mark, anybody?
Lancebear
There are a number of SA stocks with the 0 stamp in the recess such as: CCV no-bolt stock, DAL stocks and SA SPG stocks
RCS-
I want to see the rifle attached to that CCV stock. Can ya'?
PD