Sears Roebuck 1903 Springfield

[Amsdorf]

What happened to Sears? Used to be a retailing powerhouse, but now....I can't even remember the last time I saw a commercial for Sears.

[musketshooter]

It certainly looks correct except for the bolt. It never was a USMC rifle. It has none of the characteristics. My 1909 rifle is serial number 362503 and has a 3-09 barrel. It is still in the original single bolt stock. The bolt is marked I 4 on the safety lug.

[gulliver62]

One of the guys at the range tells a story of the local hardware store with barrels of imports (Enfields, Swedes, etc.) for some silly prices. Nice find, I wish Sear's (or is it K-Mart) was so accommodating today.

[Rick the Librarian]

What happened to Sears? Used to be a retailing powerhouse, but now....I can't even remember the last time I saw a commercial for Sears.

Still there (or at least in the PNW). They were bought out by KMart about five years ago. Still seems weird to see Craftman tools at some other place than Sears!. Shortly after retirement, I worked in their warehouse for a year or so.

[BubbaTheKid]

The stippled but plate and hatcher hole on the passenger side of the receiver indicate USMC to me. Are there any markings on the bolt to indicate it was matched up to the rifle? Nice iron. I'd be proud to own it.

[Calif-Steve]

Army did not stipple any butt plates. Still looks USMC to me.

[crazycossack]

There are no markings on the bolt other than Remington proof marks.

[Harlan (Deceased)]

The old Sears store in the mall near me in Dallas hasn't changed a bit. We don't have K-marts in this area anymore.

I've used Craftsman tools forever. Pretty good tools and Sears would replace any old Craftsman tool with a new one no matter how badly it was abused, no receipt needed.

[skytrooper]

Most of the USMC 1903s had USMC scribed on the receiver and the bolt.They also used the low serial number rifles even until WW2 because the Navy was too stingy to allow them to get some better equipment since they controlled the money for them.I think you have a veteran 1903 Springfield in pretty good shape and seems like everything matches except the bolt,a keeper but not a shooter with that serial number and barrel.Try to find the right bolt,oil em up good and enjoy a piece of American history.

[Rick the Librarian]

No USMC rifle had "USMC" scribed on the bolt. Perhaps you are thinking of the "USMC" which is seen on many M1917 bolts - it was a replacement bolt made by United Shoe Machinery Co. (USMC) and has confused more than a few collectors.