1903 Remington question

[coalgeo]

I saw a 1903 Remington arsenal re-build that had three punch marks under the serial number (3million range). Does that mean anything? I think it had the Hatcher hole as well.
Greg

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[John Beard]

The three punch marks indicate that the rifle has been arsenal-overhauled, refinished, and re-assembled from mixed parts.

Hope this helps.

J.B.

[coalgeo]

Thank you, John. I have several 03A3's and 03's, all of which have been through an arsenal re-build (at least once), but this one that my friend has is the only one I have seen with the punch marks.
Greg

[Chuckindenver]

maybe.

[Mike D]

I would think three punch marks on a Rem '03 would mean a little more than an arsenal rebuild.

Maybe some sort of tests, or something. I have a low number SA receiver with three, and it still has an '05 dated barrel. It is not seen often.

Mike

[John Beard]

One can reasonably assume that the three punch marks represent three separate inspections that the rifle underwent as part of the overhaul process. The practice of stamping three separate punch marks is also indicative of who did the overhaul.

Hope this helps.

J.B.

[Leggett71]

On this same line, have a 1928 '03 with an "O" & a punchmark under the serial number. Any comments on what these came from or stand for ?

Leggett

[Rick the Librarian]

Was the serial number in the 1,289,000-1,301,000 range? If so, the small "o" is usually found on receivers made by Rock Island and later finished at Springfield. I do not know the specific meaning of the "o" - possibly JB does.

[Leggett71]

SN is 1,296,857 I had posed antyher question on this rifle asking if it was an NRA sporter. Reply was it was not on the list. Price was right so I bought it. I am confused though reading the SN list in Cambell's & Brophy's books it places this rifle as a 1928 build and lists the rifles built in that year as sporters, NM, or specials. Would love to track the history. Will post some photos when I get it back from my gunsmith.

Leggett

[Chuckindenver]

One can reasonably assume that the three punch marks represent three separate inspections that the rifle underwent as part of the overhaul process. The practice of stamping three separate punch marks is also indicative of who did the overhaul.

Hope this helps.

J.B.

maybe, id say thats a good guess.. personally iv seen a couple unissued 1903A3s that had not had a bolt fit in them yet, with a punchmark on the edge, i posted pics of them as well, i also have seen and had a unfinished 1903 receiver, with no markings, and it had a punch mark as well.
have a 1917 Enfield with a line of punch marks, i can tell you it does take a lot of force to punch mark heat treated steel,
what i am leaning towards, is a rockwell hardness test, done on several types of rifles. iv seen more Remington 1903,s with multiple punch marks then any other, so it could very well be something to do with Remingtons.