New to 1903, is this bolt safe?

[Joefin18]

Very interested in buying an 1903, would this specific rifle be safe to shoot? It’s serial number is in the 950,000’s but do not know for certain if the bolt is double heat treated or not. Anyway to tell from these photos? Thanks.

Information

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[Joefin18]

More photos attached if anyone wanted to tell me more about this potential buy. Thank you so much. This would be my second milsurp, a CMP Garand being my first.

[m1903rifle]

Check the safety lug for any markings as well as the top of the bolt handle. There are some double heat treat bolts with straight ( non-swept back ) bolt handles. There are some Navy and USMC rifles in this serial range, so check for USMC rifle traits such as stippled butt plate, wrench marks on the barrel under the hand guard, and a serialized bolt.

[ArtPahl]

As you probably know, the barrel is a replacement made by Sedgley. It does not necessarily mean that the rifle was issued to the Marine Corps. Since the barrel is a replacement, other parts of the rifle are, no doubt, also not original. The bolt looks to me like an early one but I would not be corncerned about it in a high numbered receiver. If you don't care about originality, the bore looks good, headspace is good, and the price is right, go for it. Under those conditions, I'd buy it. I don't own a 1903 with a Sedgley USMC barrel and I wouldn't mind having one.

But always remember: Buy the rifle, not the story! Make up your own story.

Good luck!

[Joefin18]

Thanks guys, the 1903 is such a beautiful rifle. I noticed on this one there were not traditional inspection stamps or anything, so clearly the wood is not original. However, I did notice marks such as RIA and others, would it be common to stamp a rebuilt rifle/stock? Is there anyway to date it with that information once I get a better look at it? Thank you.

[Joefin18]

Also, in your opinion, what’s the worth of this rifle?

[Chuckindenver]

J6? if so, its a good bolt.. id check headspace and enjoy

[Joefin18]

J6? if so, its a good bolt.. id check headspace and enjoy

Couldn’t find any letter markings but did find a “5”

[1563621]

Also, in your opinion, what’s the worth of this rifle?

depending on barrel cond. they are running 800-1200. Prices have been going up recently.

[El Woodman]

Barrel not likely put on by USMC- by 1944 the Corps was catering primarily to M1 Garands...But...Stranger things have happened. I've shot several SHT bolts in DHT receivers w/o problems...Corps tended to leave traces-Stippled butt plate, Hatcher Hole (LHS of rec.), and the vise marks; slightly forward of the rear sight base, the barrel will look like somebody torqued it down hard in a plumber's vise, and then torqued the rec. on to that. I have #400,204 with a 12-43 (S) USMC barrel...Not a Marine rifle, and not a shooter. SHT receiver w/ SHT bolt...I've fired it, but with reduced pressure loads...J5 bolt (marked bottom of safety lug) would be current w/ your receiver...I'd say $700 a decent deal; over $1,000 not so much...Depending on your location