serial number on bolt

[Chuckindenver]

bolt is likely an A3 bolt, and not original to your rifle, numbers are not arc engraved, and done by a tool marker.
id bet the extractor is a S marked, and Smith Corona.

[Randy A]

Ithought it was engraved too but after looking closer there are pits that look like arcing (burned) intermittenly, I'd have to have you take a closer look at it. Also, I know I've seen photos comparing the 03 and A3 bolts, I can't find them right now, but I can't find any marks on the extractor. I'll mail you later when I get a minute, sure would like to visit w/ ya, I doon't really know a whole lot on these. Thanks,
Randy

[Calif-Steve]

I have a late BF37 bolt that has serial numbers on it(350,884). Very neatly done. Doesn't look like your bolt's job, at all.

[Emri]

I have a late BF37 bolt that has serial numbers on it(350,884). Very neatly done. Doesn't look like your bolt's job, at all.

Ithought it was engraved too but after looking closer there are pits that look like arcing (burned) intermittenly, I'd have to have you take a closer look at it. Also, I know I've seen photos comparing the 03 and A3 bolts, I can't find them right now, but I can't find any marks on the extractor. I'll mail you later when I get a minute, sure would like to visit w/ ya, I doon't really know a whole lot on these. Thanks,
Randy

Can't say exactly, from the pics, HOW it was done, but the workmanship is quite sloppy. Not at all like the NM rifles I've examined or the USMC rifles I have in my collection. Like Calif-Steve stated, mine are very neatly done.

FWIW,

Emri

[Randy A]

I found a chart on M1903.com that shows the build date of my bolt around 42? if I'm reading it correctly. It has an R4 on the top of the handle. That being the case it could have not been a USMC rifle,,,,,?

[Chuckindenver]

no matter how hard you try, youll not be able to make that the original bolt to the rifle,
should have a NS marked bolt, with 2 holes on the bottom.
the bolt pictured is a replacement, and made for the 1903A3 rifle.

[Randy A]

Oh, yeah, I knew it wasn't the original bolt, I just didn't know if it was an 03 or A3 bolt, I did find the comparison pictures, (so now I know the difference) also I assume now by the conversation that the USMC rifles were engraved when they recieved them "NEW" not used or rebuilt. I'm not trying to "make" it original, I didn't even know what the engraving meant before starting the thread, however, that would have been ginda neat. Thanks for the help.

[Emri]

Oh, yeah, I knew it wasn't the original bolt, I just didn't know if it was an 03 or A3 bolt, I did find the comparison pictures, (so now I know the difference) also I assume now by the conversation that the USMC rifles were engraved when they recieved them "NEW" not used or rebuilt. I'm not trying to "make" it original, I didn't even know what the engraving meant before starting the thread, however, that would have been ginda neat. Thanks for the help.

From a USMC rifle. Notice the difference in the quality of the numbering.

No, not only done when "new". Most all USMC rifles were old army stuff and needed overhaul when recieved. Numbering of bolts was done at overhaul. I have one rifle with 2 numbers on the bolt. (It is impossible to "erase" the old number, it will still show through)

HTH,

Emri

[Chuckindenver]

if you look close at the bolt pictured above, look close at the safety lug, see how its smooth, and nicely made? thats an 03 bolt.
look at the bolt in your rifle,
see how its a tad rougher ? mill marks, and the groove close the safety lug?
thats an A3 bolt.
they didnt spend as much time making the pretty..they just had to work and be safe.

[mark1]

Here are two of mine. I just cannot seem to find the rifles that these go with. Anyone have these rifles???