Rear sight component finishes

[scmcgeorge]

JB and others: What were the original finishes applied to M1903 rear sight components up through , say 1920? TIA Steve McGeorge

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[John Beard]

Niter blue.

J.B.

[scmcgeorge]

Mr Beard: many thanks.... Steve McG

[DeputyBill]

JB and others: What were the original finishes applied to M1903 rear sight components up through , say 1920? TIA Steve McGeorge

IIRC,
Color case-hardening is correct for RIA leaf sights. I can't locate the source but, I seem to recall that being right.

*Yes, this thread is a little dated; just hope this might still help.

[RCS]

here is a photo of the rear sight on Rock Island s/n 64145 with RIA 3-07 barrel. The rear sight is without the rib on the back of the leaf, also note the early rear sight base

[DeputyBill]

here is a photo of the rear sight on Rock Island s/n 64145 with RIA 3-07 barrel. The rear sight is without the rib on the back of the leaf, also note the early rear sight base

Thanks, RCS.
That appears to be niter blue -not color case-hardened.
Now that I think about it, maybe I'm confusing the finish with the fact that RIA rear sight bases have an "H" for "Hardened" stamped into them.

[Chuckindenver]

in my observations over the years..the first 1903,s {rod bayonet} has a mix of color case hardened parts,..bolt. cutoff, trigger, some pins ect..as production really got going heat treat blue {niter} or oil quench blue finish was the norm on most small parts, sights, pins, triggers ect.. WW2 and post war production blue was standard black oxide.

[DeputyBill]

...the first 1903,s {rod bayonet} has a mix of color case hardened parts,..bolt. cutoff, trigger, some pins ect..as production really got going heat treat blue {niter} or oil quench blue finish was the norm on most small parts, sights, pins, triggers ect...

Chuck,
In your estimation, would a color case-hardened sight be from a rod bayonet rifle, then?
TIA, Bill

[Chuckindenver]

hard to say for sure, the only unmolested Rod bayonet rifle iv looked at is in the RIA museum, sits to high to see the sight closely...it does have a color case hardened bolt handle though, as well as guard screws and the rod bayonet tip..been a long time since i looked at it.
id have to dig out the pictures...and with my work load...that may be a while.

[DeputyBill]

hard to say for sure, the only unmolested Rod bayonet rifle iv looked at is in the RIA museum, sits to high to see the sight closely...

Well, I just realized the sight leaf I had in mind doesn't have the volley notch...
So much for wishful thinking!

Thanks just the same.