1903 with Sedgely USMC 9-41 barrel

[RCS]

This rifle was purchased in 1962 for $34.95, rifle was not used since that time. Note the marks on the barrel in front of the rear sight base and the Hatcher hole. This is the bolt that came with the rifle too.

Information

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[Jeff L]

Looks like a nice one. Do you know any history of the rifle? The stippled buttplate and the Hatcher hole may indicate USMC rifle. The USMC on the barrel is not necessarily USMC. It also looks alike an oversized sight cover also used by the USMC. Could you please post another of the sight cover? I'm sure others will chime in.

-Jeff L

[RCS]

The front sight cover is normal issue with a circled s stamp, it is not the USMC front sight cover. Nor are there any USMC sights on this rifle. This
rifle was purchased in Chicago at Klein's Sporting Goods (1962). There were about 50 or 60 rifles all 1903 or 1903A1's which were on sale at $34.95 ea.

Only two rifles in this group had USMC stamped Sedgely 1941 barrels and both were purchased.

[Chuckindenver]

rifle may be a USMC, barrel however wasnt installed by the military,
they didnt use a pipe wrench.

[m1903rifle]

I have a LN M1903 with the same marks on the 1942 Sedgely barrel. I have been told by others that the barrel marks indicate USMC build and usage. Mine came from the CMP with a C stock , the Hatcher hole ,and a NS RIA bolt.

[Lancebear]

Hey RCS,

Does your stock have any markings besides maybe an "S" in the cut off recess? If the stock has no markings then your rifle has four USMC characteristics (Grasping groove stock devoid of markings is one).

Sedgely 9-41 barrel, dinked flat buttplate, Hatcher hole and if unmarked stock = four USMC points.

The Marines had lots of WWI period and earlier rifles in their inventory during the time when they assembled their WWII '03's. The presence of old parts on a suspected Marine '03 is not a Marine rifle characteristic (Such as your late 1918 receiver?, stock, striker and rear sight assembly) but to me it adds a bit.

Your bolt code is from late 1940 to early 1941 and barrel 9-41 (The time frame when the USMC was assembling their rifles). I'd say you have a decent case for having a Marine '03 if the marks on the barrel pass muster with professor J.B. Congrats...please let us know if the stock is unmarked.

Would strip the rifle down and scrub the metal with a nylon brush and Hoppe's. Wipe it down and apply Break-Free with a shaving brush. Looks like you have some rust and crud. Maybe wipe the wood with lemon oil, nothing else...cept shoot it. How's the bore? Nice rifle.

Death to tyrants,

Lancebear

[RCS]

The stock is without any sign of a P firing proof or a cartouche, behind the rear trigger guard is a small number 56 (not a rack number) and in the cut-off recess is a small o stamp.

sometime ago I sent this s/n to Frank Mallory and received a letter back stating that the serial number was among other known USMC rifles and there was a good chance that this was also a USMC rifle - but still no "hit".

The bore is like new and the rifle is not rusted - old cosmolene

[Lancebear]

Hey RCS,

Thanks. If it looks like a duck. Think Jim T's vise info clinches it. Ya' got a USMC. Hit would be nice and a serialized bolt but...I think you have a strong case for a USMC. Four characteristics is very good. Mine is not a hit either but like your rifle falls in with good company on the hit list. Love those old GG stocks on a Marine rifle. Congrats. Hope professor J.B. gets time to comment. I learn something new whenever he catches one of my screw ups.

Ya' got some good input from the guys. Find another one

Think there are a few Marine rifle owners here and on our other favorite haunt. Wish we could see and discuss them all. Bolt info is courtesy of J.B. on Vishooter's site. Wonder about the "O" in the recess. Maybe an RIA mark, anybody?

Lancebear

[Calif-Steve]

Pipe wrench bites from a US Depot/Arsenal? Oh my. BF bolt, interesting rifle. Could well be USMC. This one warrants study.

[Griff Murphey]

Stippled Buttplate gives it high provenance to be Marine Corps. Question is, is the story real ...?