Serial Numbers on bolts

[mark1]

Was the USMC only branch of the service to etch the s/n on the bolts or did other branches of the service etch their bolts with the s/n? Not talking about the Greek returns. I have seen several M1903's with s/n's etched on the bolts that match the receiver. These are low numbered receivers and not in the National Match s/n range.

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[John Beard]

Was the USMC only branch of the service to etch the s/n on the bolts or did other branches of the service etch their bolts with the s/n? Not talking about the Greek returns. I have seen several M1903's with s/n's etched on the bolts that match the receiver. These are low numbered receivers and not in the National Match s/n range.

The USMC serialized their bolts to match their rifles during the early WWII period. Other serialized bolts are known. But, who serialized them remains unknown. Non-USMC serialized bolts are not very common.

Hope this helps.

J.B.