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Greetings

Spent another day at NARA and found some good gems and I really like this document. Figured it was worth sharing. (I found it before, but lost it years ago on my first laptop and didn't...

It’s a long shot but you can file a FOIA through TACOM at Redstone.
At least in the interest of being thorough.

usarmy.redstone.ldac.mbx.foia@army.mil

Be sure to include in your request the...

The ordnance department listed all the failures that occurred and the cause. Didn't have time today to post everything but this is from 1918. So I'll post this real quick while I have a free moment...

"Single Heat Treatment" and it's grouped together because of ammunition. Poor ammunition or incorrect ammunition exploits weaknesses in the receiver. One report was of a rifle club using "bullseye"...

This is strictly my opinion. I have nothing to back this up. So feel free to invalidate me, if you have a differing opinion.

But I don’t think this recommendation went beyond the Ordnance...

Just got back from NARA today. This jumped out at me. Lots of great stuff and it just keeps on giving.

This is the earliest I found concerning the Parker Rust Proof Process (or parkerizing).

I...

Not a NM but it is a service rifle hit. Far more rare in my opinion but less "sexy" of a hit among collectors. Congrats I think its great!

If you would like a copy of the documentation send a...

heat treatment of the bolt was never an issue. It's whether the bolt headspaces. That's a bigger concern. Would love to see pictures.

So your sporter is not a hit. However it’s an grouping heavy in NRA sporters.

Glad you enjoyed it. Since I'm getting back into rhythm going to the archives weekly. I'm happy to post stuff that seems interesting. There's always new stuff to find in that place, I love it.
...

Thanks for the kind words guys. I do love it and enjoy sharing to help get more information out there. Even if it's already known, its great to see it on period documentation.



To answer your...

Great day at the archives.

We know the star gauge registry number started before the muzzle stamp. But this is when the Armory began stamping barrels with the registry number.

Thought I'd...

If you're asking about serial number records, such as sales records on specific rifles. They are few and far between. I have one in my collection. I've come across 3 of them (including mine), all...

Not saying it's associated with this test. But the Ordnance Department did a lot of testing for various reasons, especially with the 1903. Stamped triggerguard may help with approx. timeframe.
...

When Neil and I were helping the author, he told me over the phone he did it specifically for his father. He said he had no idea what his father did until his funeral. So he was doing it for his...

Funny I was at NARA yesterday digitizing some files on these...

Couple of things to add...

There are pre-WWI NRA Sales records in the SRS. But they are few and far between.

The program was...

If you're interested in a copy of the document. That's one service I provide through my business.

Congrats very nice rifle. SRS hits to the USMC are downright rare.

Gorgeous rifle, thanks for sharing.

Gorgeous rifle

This sounds like the likely card associated with the rifle. A4 with K4 Scope. Unless there were others. I just pulled the first card that matched your description.

It notes being confiscated but...

Do you have a picture? Probably best. I can explain better with relation to a document I'm referencing.

Depending on where on the barrel, P could mean "proof fired" depending on where on the barrel it's stamped.

This is pretty neat. No historical significance, but thought I'd share. Out of NARA in College Park.

It's interesting how the personnel knowledge on the M1903 at Springfield Armory changes...

Less than 2k produced. There was only one contact to make them for the Air Service rifle.

Few others out there, but not from that contract but most likely just prototypes.

I suppose uncommon...

I got another one, I'll post next week. Gave me a giggle. springfield armory coudldnt answer a M1903A3 question so they referenced a collector book in 1960.

More to follow.