WW2 Rebuilds

[John Beard]

A few questions regarding 03's rebuilt during WW2. Not counting rifles with "single heat treat" #s that have replacement barrels or the Sedgely 44 barrels.

Was the "hatcher" hole normally added during rebuild? Or was the addition of the hole limited to the pre-WW2 years?

Were "C" stocks "normal" for rebuild?

Were any of the rebuilds of "battle used" rifles? Or just broken/worn on hand?

And finally, why do some people consider the WW2 rebuilds "junk"?

The following statements apply to U.S. Army rebuilds, not Navy or USMC.

(1) Hatcher Holes were not added to rebuilds until after WWII.

(2) No. Scant stocks were normal for rebuilds.

(3) Rebuilds included "battle used" rifles. But most combat troops were armed with M1 Garands, carbines, Thompsons, etc.

(4) Some purists who collect pristine original and/or rare rifles may consider WWII rebuilds as junk. But they are greatly outnumbered.

Hope this helps.

J.B.