SC 03A3 bolt markings

[604flyer]

Hey guys...I know that SC used bolts marked with an X on the top flat, but are there any other variations on markings that are seen on SCs? What about markings on the other parts of the bolt assembly? Thanks in advance.

Information

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[Chuckindenver]

X or bare, usually has a 1 on the bootom side.
no mark on the cocking rod, and striker, safety sleeve, may have a G on the front face..
safety is unmarked. check Vishooters page for pictures.

[John Beard]

Hey guys...I know that SC used bolts marked with an X on the top flat, but are there any other variations on markings that are seen on SCs? What about markings on the other parts of the bolt assembly? Thanks in advance.

Early SC bolts had no marking atop the handle. Later ones were marked with an "X".

SC bolts were marked with a "1", "2", or "8" beneath the handle.

SC cocking pieces were unmarked.

Early SC bolt sleeves were unmarked. Most later ones were marked with a "G" on the right front face.

Early SC extractors were unmarked. Later ones were marked with a large "S" on the bottom edge of the swell.

SC strikers and striker sleeves were unmarked.

Hope this helps.

J.B.

[604flyer]

John and Chuck....thanks for your input. I've either read or been told that the B&S marked bolts were original on SCs, but had a hard time buying that one since my understanding is they are WW2 replacement bolts. While I have your attention, what reference books do you guys recommend (from a collector standpoint) that covers the M1903 series rifles? Thanks again!

[Rick the Librarian]

I know that Brophy's book had some statements in it that were later proved to be not correct. A B&S bolt is, as you say, incorrect.

There is no M1903 book that is totally correct. From a beginner standpoint, probably Bruce Canfield's 2004 book (not the 1989 ed.) is a good place to start. Most collectors buy several and are aware of the flaws in each. The only two that I would not recommend are Joe Poyer's and Jesse Harrison's books, until you are experienced enough to separate the wheat from the chaff. Brophy and Campbell are also recommended, but both have their limitations, as does Canfield's book.

[604flyer]

I know that Brophy's book had some statements in it that were later proved to be not correct. A B&S bolt is, as you say, incorrect.

There is no M1903 book that is totally correct. From a beginner standpoint, probably Bruce Canfield's 2004 book (not the 1989 ed.) is a good place to start. Most collectors buy several and are aware of the flaws in each. The only two that I would not recommend are Joe Poyer's and Jesse Harrison's books, until you are experienced enough to separate the wheat from the chaff. Brophy and Campbell are also recommended, but both have their limitations, as does Canfield's book.

Thanks Rick. I know what you mean when comes to "garbage in, garbage out". My collecting has centered around M1 Carbines and Garands in the past, and when it comes to carbines, Harrison is considered a joke. Reisch's books are getting better, but still have their share of erroneous info and Canfield's carbine material is nothing more that information pirated from Carbine Club newsletters. Now that the I've developed a thing for the '03 and it's descendants, looks like I have to start building that library!