Strange 1903 receiver stamp. Help!

[31pickemup]

Hey Gang
I found a 1903 at the local gun show. It was in a beautiful pre-WW2 NM C-stock with drawing number. Its a 1934 Receiver with a 1939 National match barrel. Sight base is stamped C64112. Bolt is not a NM but is a pre-mid 1918 but it has later holes in it. But the strangest thing is the receiver. It has a A2 stamped after the 1903. I've never seen this before. Has anybody ever seen this? I can't find anything about it. Is this receiver even a NM?

Information

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[topaz]

I think its a match barrel phorum - US Military Firearms - Re: 1903A2

[31pickemup]

Yes I forgot that it is a NM barrel. The A2 is whats throwing me

[Rick the Librarian]

If legitimate, the "M1903A2" indicates the barreled receiver was used as a sub-caliber device for 37mm, 57mm and 75mm artillery pieces.

The "asterisk" in the muzzle crown does not look like a legitimate Star Gauge marking to me. Look about 1/3 of the way from the receiver end of the top of the barrel. Is there a letter and 3-5 numbers stamped there?

[31pickemup]

Yes there is a A 749, and in front of that there used to be two holes for a scope block which were filled in and ground smooth.

[Mike D]

An interesting note - Campbell lists, from ORD 9 SNL B-3, that drawing #C64112 is "Barrel and Receiver, assembly, National Match".

Wouldn't an A2 be "specially selected"?

[31pickemup]

Im curious on what Rick the Librarian says about the A749 on the barrel. If it is legit is it worth anything? I'm going to put the C-stock back on it until I find out more about it.

[Chuckindenver]

iv seen a couple other documented NM barreled actions that were turned into A2, s...

[Cosine26]

The rear sight leaf assembly is assembled incorrectly
The bolt appears to be SHT
The bolt sleeve is S/C
I thought that all rifles after 1936 had the "Hatcher Hole"
I would question that this rifle was arsenal assembled. Perhaps from a replacement receiver during the Low Number replacemnt program.
FWIW

[31pickemup]

Cosine
I would agree its a strange build. But the finish on this thing is consistant. Its been together a long long time. LOL I didn't notice they put the sight on backwards. Good eye! I don't know why they would've put this receiver on a NM barrel, sight base assembly and pre ww2 NM C-stock. Everything is still in its original finish as well. Thin but original. As for the star mark on the edge of the barrel. We compared it to others we have and its the same size and shape. It looks odd I think because it seems to be a double strike or it was hit with a heavier hammer. Its deeper than the ones we compared it to. Deepest we have ever seen.