Stupid Question?

[twh]

US manufactured arms were made with completely interchangeable parts so no need to serial number everything. The serial number being stamped on everything is more of a European thing. Special rifles like National match and target rifles initially had no numbered parts either but on later production when special modifications to parts began to be allowed the bolts, stocks and even trigger groups on the Garands were numbered because the parts were specially gauged and fitted to each rifle. Very simplistic answer to an involved question but gives you the gist anyway.

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[mrclark303]

Thanks for the responses guys, I guess the same is true of your current issue M4, only numbered on the lower receiver?

Come to think of it, of all the US military firearms that have passed my way in the past, its only been the M1 Thompson that had S/N numbered upper and lower receivers.

[emmagee1917]

Thanks for the responses guys, I guess the same is true of your current issue M4, only numbered on the lower receiver?

Come to think of it, of all the US military firearms that have passed my way in the past, its only been the M1 Thompson that had S/N numbered upper and lower receivers.

And the only reason for that was because they were fitted together then parted ways for final finishing . Strictly for good looks . Same as fitting a buttplate , then sending the stock to be stained and the plate to be finished , then mating them back together .
Chris

[Ridolpho]

US manufactured arms were made with completely interchangeable parts so no need to serial number everything. The serial number being stamped on everything is more of a European thing.

So, how did that work out? Are M1917 and m1903/03A3 bolts generally interchangeable between rifles from same or different manufacturers? Mosins are an interesting case as the bolts are numbered but the easily removed/ lost bolt heads which control headspace, are not. However, I've measured a great many Mosin boltheads with a micrometer and they are very, very close in dimension unless visibly worn on the locking surfaces.

Ridolpho