I just picked up a genuine 03A4 stock, well used but solid (SA cartouche in a box on the left side of the stock, serif "P" in a circle on pistol grip - no other markings), and have an A4 bolt that looks correct and very much like your pictures in the mail. But although he had owned if for a number of years as a spare, complete bolt for his personal 03A4 the seller said he could not find any markings on it, and thus sold it as a possible repro. Finish and wear looks close to new. Is it possible that a correct A4 bolt body got out of the factory without markings? (I'm mounting an S&K scope mount setup just to test accuracy on a 1903 rather than relying on old eyes! Originality is not absolutely necessary - not cutting up the original rifle or stock is.)

In looking at the bolt pictures he posted, I noticed that his 03A4 rifle had what appeared to be a slight cutout in the reciever metal, directly beneath the bolt handle, and in line with the stock cut out. Were the issue M1903A4 recievers themselves relieved for the bolt handle? Is this necessary or useful? CC