J-5 bolt

[IditarodJoe]

There does indeed seem to be quite a gap in the serial numbers listed on the vishooter chart. I have a 1903 Mk 1, s/n 1099687, that I believe was manufactured in or around May 1919. It has a May 1919 barrel and currently has a J5 bolt (stamped on the safety lug), but I've never been certain that bolt is correct .

Information

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[John Beard]

There does indeed seem to be quite a gap in the serial numbers listed on the vishooter chart. I have a 1903 Mk 1, s/n 1099687, that I believe was manufactured in or around May 1919. It has a May 1919 barrel and currently has a J5 bolt (stamped on the safety lug), but I've never been certain that bolt is correct .

The serial numbers in the vishooter chart are nothing more than representative entries and are NOT intended to signify the end of a usage period. The solid horizontal bars are intended to show the periods of usage and there is no gap.

My chart shows the J 5 bolt ending around May, 1919. So, your rifle has the correct and probably original bolt.

Hope this helps.

J.B.

[Irish Mick]

-John,
Thank you for you comments. I do believe whith what you have said regarding this RIA, tat I will pursue it.
One more question regarding bolts. I checked the web site that you eluded to, but could not find any information on a straight bolt with the letter E,or possibly W stamped on the bottom of the bolt handle. Ideas?
-Mick

[John Beard]

-John,
Thank you for you comments. I do believe whith what you have said regarding this RIA, tat I will pursue it.
One more question regarding bolts. I checked the web site that you eluded to, but could not find any information on a straight bolt with the letter E,or possibly W stamped on the bottom of the bolt handle. Ideas?
-Mick

Unless the bolt is a WWI RIA bolt, the "E" or "W" stamped under the bolt handle is a subinspector mark and is not conclusive with respect to identifying the bolt. In most cases, the steel lot code was stamped on the safety lug. If the safety lug is unmarked and has only a subinspector mark underneath the handle, then you probably have a pre-1910 RIA bolt. Follow the link and note the second line from the top:

http://vishooter.home.att.net/slc15_2008.html

I consulted my bolt steel lot code data base and I show some "E" subinspectors at RIA prior to 1910. So, that appears to be what you have.

Hope this helps.

J.B.

[Irish Mick]

-John,
Thank you for your much appreciated help. Not being a collector myself, the water can get a might murky at times. I cna see now, and I am going after this one! Thanks again. BTW, '03's a not too plentyiful in this neck of the woods.

-Mick