Is this a CMP Greek return '03?

[LeagleEagle]

I bought this RIA #294xxxx with a RIA 7-18 barrel at a local gun store about 6 years ago for $400. It was represented as a CMP gun and was in a crappy scant stock. I've always been curious about the shiny black finish and just recently noticed the letter B on the floorplate which I understand shows it's a Greek return. I've changed the bolt and put it in a Mark I stock. The rifling is strong and the bore mirror bright when you shine a light in it. Nice and accurate as well.

Information

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[Chuckindenver]

yes it is

[Fozzybear]

That bolt handle doesn't look swept back.
Doesn't that mean it's an early serial number one and should't be used.

[Rick the Librarian]

That bolt handle doesn't look swept back.
Doesn't that mean it's an early serial number one and should't be used.

The receiver is well into the higher numbered receivers for Rock Island (285,507 and above). If you mean the bolt, could be a earlier case-hardened one, depending on the markings. The jury seems to be "out" on the use of earlier bolts. CMP usually changed them out on their HN rifles. If it were me, I'd invest in a M1903A3 or WWII contract bolt if I was going to shoot it to any extent.

[Fozzybear]

That's what happened to me some time ago, I picked up a tidy Rem 03a3 and posted a pic on Surplus rifle and someone picked up on the straight bolt.

Then as luck would have it I picked up a complete new 03a3 bolt in Australia.

[LeagleEagle]

The (Rock Island) bolt is marked RIo on the underside of the handle. Vi shooters 1903 page indicates these were produced late 1918 and is nickel steel.

[Neal Myers]

The "B" doesn't mean that it is a Greek return. Memory fails, but I think it is an armory mod involving putting a retaining pin in the magazine.

[emmagee1917]

But was not that armory modification done by the Greeks , therefore it has to be a Greek return to be here with it ?
Chris

[Tom in N.J.]

The Greeks marked the floor plates with a "B" to indicate they had pined the floor plate release so that the floor plate could not be removed with out removing the trigger guard assembly and removing the pin. Someone must have lost their floor plate and didn't like paying for it.