Identifying a USMC 1903

[RBruce]

I realize that with out proper papers, determining whether a 1903 Springfield was a USMC rifle is near impossible. However, I would like some opinions on the likelyhood that either of two rifles might be original USMC rifles. And, which most closely matches the known profiles of USMC 1903s.

1. Springfield SN 1342xxx with SA 3-38 barrel; D1836-4 numbered C stock marked OGK-K and some undetermined letters with P on the bottom of the grip; USMC front and rear sights with USMC front sight protector; bolt marked N.S. on top of the handle and two punch marks on the root; heavy checked butt plate with trap.

2. Rock Island SN 397xxx with SA 9-27 barrel with punch mark at 12 on crown; finger-grooved S stock marked WJS and FCC over RIA in box and serifed P and regular P on wrist; USMC front and rear sights with USMC front sight protector; bolt with NS on safety lug and bomb 50 on root; smooth butt plate.

Both rifles were purchased ten or more years ago, and were represented as USMC rifles.

Information

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[Lancebear]

Hey R,

The most obvious and known USMC '03 rifle characteristics are a...hand stippled buttplate, Hatcher hole on left front of receiver, full serial number etched on top of bolt barrel and somebody's favorite...a pee colored parkerizing.

Both your rifles went through rework and maybe shouldn't have USMC sights. They were supposed to be removed on any rifle that was rearsenaled after 1928 or so. Don't want to steal Professor J.B.'s thunder or any other expert's so that's all I'll say for now.

Your RIA may have a shot because of the serial number. Seems like a lot of Marine rifles show up in the RIA 300,000 range, maybe you'll get a hit on the SRS list.

Your post is my favorite '03 topic. Hope you get more input. Photos would create a lot more interest. And complete serial numbers are a must, if you want all of the straight dope.

Semper Deliri,

Lancebear

[John Beard]

I realize that with out proper papers, determining whether a 1903 Springfield was a USMC rifle is near impossible. However, I would like some opinions on the likelyhood that either of two rifles might be original USMC rifles. And, which most closely matches the known profiles of USMC 1903s.

1. Springfield SN 1342xxx with SA 3-38 barrel; D1836-4 numbered C stock marked OGK-K and some undetermined letters with P on the bottom of the grip; USMC front and rear sights with USMC front sight protector; bolt marked N.S. on top of the handle and two punch marks on the root; heavy checked butt plate with trap.

2. Rock Island SN 397xxx with SA 9-27 barrel with punch mark at 12 on crown; finger-grooved S stock marked WJS and FCC over RIA in box and serifed P and regular P on wrist; USMC front and rear sights with USMC front sight protector; bolt with NS on safety lug and bomb 50 on root; smooth butt plate.

Both rifles were purchased ten or more years ago, and were represented as USMC rifles.

Neither rifle matches the characteristics of a USMC rifle.

The rifles exhibit unmistakable characteristics of Army issuance and some target shooter installed USMC sights on them.

Hope this helps.

J.B.

[Jim Tarleton]

I realize that with out proper papers, determining whether a 1903 Springfield was a USMC rifle is near impossible. However, I would like some opinions on the likelyhood that either of two rifles might be original USMC rifles. And, which most closely matches the known profiles of USMC 1903s.

1. Springfield SN 1342xxx with SA 3-38 barrel; D1836-4 numbered C stock marked OGK-K and some undetermined letters with P on the bottom of the grip; USMC front and rear sights with USMC front sight protector; bolt marked N.S. on top of the handle and two punch marks on the root; heavy checked butt plate with trap.

2. Rock Island SN 397xxx with SA 9-27 barrel with punch mark at 12 on crown; finger-grooved S stock marked WJS and FCC over RIA in box and serifed P and regular P on wrist; USMC front and rear sights with USMC front sight protector; bolt with NS on safety lug and bomb 50 on root; smooth butt plate.

Both rifles were purchased ten or more years ago, and were represented as USMC rifles.

We need to get tgether. I have an office in Raleigh.

Jim (zevron@intrstar.net)
Burgaw

[RBruce]

I guess you can't make a silk purse out of a sows ear - no disrespect meant to the pig.