New Member/Owner with Safety Question

[CaptHamster]

Hello all

New member with a new (to me) rifle, and a couple questions...

First and foremost: I do not know the history of this rifle at all. I wish it did, but it appears to have changed hands so many times no one really knows what the deal is. My big question is if this rifle appears fully functional and safe to shoot. The serial number 1462010 shows it is a high number rifle, so I am not concerned about it exploding, but there is some odd damage on the left side of the receiver, as shown in the picture below...

Receiver Damage

Here are some other pics of the receiver/bolt to make sure i'm not crazy in thinking everything looks good to go. Barrel is clean and clear, firing pin has not been cut or altered (I don't think) and other than damage on the receiver I see no reason why it should shoot...

Also trying to figure out the age of the bolt. The serial number on the receiver shows 1934-1935, and the end of the barrel shows a US flaming bomb with a "10/42", so I'm assuming it was re-barreled in 1942, but I'm not sure of the bolt. I see the "R" on the bottom of the bolt handle but not much else...maybe someone can point me in the right direction?

Lastly, anyone able to tell if this is nickel plated or chromed? If either, would it be worth removing the plating/chroming? Not sure how I like the chromed look!

Thanks all in advance...

Receiver
Bolt
Bolt Underside
Firing Pin Assembly

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[m1903rifle]

Nickel plated drill/parade rifle.

[CaptHamster]

Thanks for the reply @m1903rifle

Any idea of the best method to remove nickel plating?

Additionally, would anyone be able to check SRS for a possible history of this rifle?

[Salt Flat]

CH, I'm pretty sure it is chrome. I'm not sure though what is up on the left side of the receiver. Could it be flaking of the chrome plating or corrosion? Chrome can be removed using electrolosis. (Battery charger and salt water.) Do some searches on reverse plating processes and I'm sure you'll find what you,re looking for.
Salt Flat

[Chuckindenver]

this rifle should never be fired.
if you look you can see were they welded the left rail to the receiver ring, also a pin thats been driven into the ring.
this rifle should be welded shut so that nobody else down the road ever fires it.

[Chuckindenver]

see the damage

[Salt Flat]

Yes Chuck-- Good eye. Salt Flat

[Chuckindenver]

I suspect, 2 parts welded or brazed together, remove the rifle from the stock and look at the bottom of the action... was common practice for parade rifles to drill a hole and install a small pin through the breach, so that a live round couldn't be put in. the pins got cut out or removed over time. iv seen these a few times over the years.

[mrclark303]

Agreed, properly deactivate the rifle and keep her as a wall hanger.

Not safe to ever shoot again.

If you want to keep it "cock and click"

Then cut the firing pin, cut back the bolt head at an angle and drill and blind pin the chamber with two hardened steel pins from underneath and drill a few holes in the barrel.

That way, you can go ahead and cosmetically restore her for display without ever having to worry about someone blowing their own head off at some point in the future!