Remington 1903A3 - USMC issue?

[Joe W]

Just send me the pics and I'll post them here on this thread for you. Check your PM for my email address.

Thanks Jim. Email with photo attached sent. Joe

[browningautorifle]

Here's the pic Joe sent me, an MP in the Ardenne in late '44 early '45.

[Joe W]

This rifle has the SN engraved on the bolt. I've heard that this could have been done by a USMC armorer. Is there any way to know for sure?

http://www.milsurps.com/images/impor...03A3bolt-1.jpg

Thanks, Neal

I know this post is almost 2 months old but thought it worth mentioning. Recently there was a discussion on the CMP forum regarding serial numbers electro penciled or scribed on M1 Garand bolts. It was mentioned that some ROTC units did this as they removed the M1 bolts and stored them separate from the rifles when not in use. As ROTC units also had 03's and 03A3's I guess this practice could have held true for the 03's also. Not sure how wide spread this was but just another possibility. Matching Numbers M1 - CMP Forums

[browningautorifle]

It was mentioned that some ROTC units did this as they removed the M1 bolts and stored them separate from the rifles when not in use.

That would make sense, they weren't the only ones in history to do that.

[mrclark303]

I often wondered why Springfield bolts weren't numbered to the rifle from the factory?