42 U.S.M.C. Barrel, How did I do?

[John Beard]

Your additional description is more convincing. There's a very good chance that you now have a USMC-issue rifle.

USMC rifles are more desirable (and hence, more valuable) because the Marines honed their riflery skills moreso than the other services.

Hope this helps.

J.B.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Griff Murphey]

Another perspective; from your "handle" I'd assume you are or were Army airborne - another elite military organization. I would assume if you found an 03 you could link to early 82nd or 101st use, you would be ga-ga over that. As an ex-Navy man who served with the Marines I am not sure which I would go nuts over most; an 03 off of a Pearl Harbor battleship or an ex-USMC one! I think your service has a lot to do with your taste in that matter. But having shot in Army training and with the Marines I agree with John Beard's comment above.

[Rick the Librarian]

Philippine parts?? I DON'T want to hear about it!!!!

WAHHHHHH!!!

[Chuckindenver]

National Ord?? i dont think Fed Ord was around yet in the 80,s

[Calif-Steve]

I bought an '03 receiver off Fed Ord-I think 1985? They had piles of '03 parts. I now understand much of that particular lot of guns were re-capture guns from 1945. It was a fun store, to say the least.

[paratrpr]

On the bolt: top has HO 28; bottom reads A and SA under that... is that the year of the bolt manufacture? further clue to authenticity?

[Lancebear]

Hey Para,

Your bolt was made in late '42-early '43. Only way to identify it as USMC is if it has a serial number arc-engraved on the top of the bolt body visable with the bolt installed in the rifle with the handle down. You should visit Vishooter's site. He and John Beard have generously shared a lot of hard work for us there.

By the way, the USMC marking on your barrel doesn't stand for the Marine Corps. It is the initials of a company called something like the Union Shoe Machine Corporation. Funny thing is that a lot of those barrels were used by the real USMC for rebuilding or assembling rifles, so, one of many Marine '03 rifle characteristics.

Ya' know, if you can post a full right and left side photo of your rifle, and maybe one of the receiver markings, the experts could give you a real estimate of value. The condition of the metal and wood would determine worth, also the bore. Like to see it.

Death to bad guys,

Lancebear

[John Beard]

Hey Para,

By the way, the USMC marking on your barrel doesn't stand for the Marine Corps. It is the initials of a company called something like the Union Shoe Machine Corporation. Funny thing is that a lot of those barrels were used by the real USMC for rebuilding or assembling rifles, so, one of many Marine '03 rifle characteristics.

Death to bad guys,

Lancebear

Lancebear,

What you been smokin'? "USMC" on a barrel does indeed stand for United States Marine Corps. Barrels marked "USMC" were manufactured by Sedgley under direct contract with the Marine Corps.

You've confused the "USMC" marking found on barrels with the "USMC" marking found on Model 1917 rifle bolts. The "USMC" M1917 rifle bolts were indeed made by the United Shoe Machinery Co. and had no connection with the Marine Corps.

J.B.

p.s.,

I was down yo' way again last week.

[Lancebear]

Thanks professor, must be Hoppe's withdrawal...will open a bottle right away. Had a feeling I might have screwed something up, helps keep you employed here though.

Regards and death to bad guys,

Robert Lancebeer

[PeteDavis]

Hey Robert-

If you can ever beat the jones on that Hoppe's, I got some rock dust for you.



I want one of those USMC barrelled M1903's. I am assuming they are as accurate as any other. Seems the tight chamber on the HS barrels gave them an edge.....how does Sedgely compare?

My new job inspector showed up yesterday, he's a tad over 62" and he eats rats, while we peons gotta work.

PD