1903 with New Zealand cartouche?

[Promo]

Looking at the polishing around the rear locking lug, this is a NM or NRA sporter bolt (or in other words, factory polished).

[bfrantz]

More pictures of the bolt. Not sure what is is. Any additional help figuring out more about this rifle would be greatly appreciated. I still have to determine if I should use this as a shooter or start looking for another 1903 and put this one in the safe.

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[Roy]

Looks to me the striker rod is 03A3 and the mid band certainly is, the bolt sleeve does not look original either. The polished bold could well be original to the rifle though does the bolt have a 'small' or 'large' gas escape hole, it was probably supplied with a 'small' gas escape hole, however in a bunch of bolts which were part of the NZ army's Remington spare parts I saw both large and small hole bolts. nice to see it still has the Remington 'high bump' handguard. Here is my NZ Remington '954' the original GG stock is cut down but still bears the faint NZ markings.

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[Rick the Librarian]

Rifle appears to be correct, except obviously the bolt - a polished example.

[bfrantz]

Rifle appears to be correct, except obviously the bolt - a polished example.

I thank all of you for your wonderful words of wisdom. From what I've read, the upper sling swivel is stamped and does not appear to be correct along with the bolt. Other than that, the rifle looks almost new. My question is should I use it as a shooter for Camp Perry matches or hunt for a correct bolt and upper sling swivel and start looking for another 1903 to use as a shooter? I really value your opinions. Thanks a bunch in advance.

[Rick the Librarian]

If it were me, I'd find another M1903 to shoot.

There were no R-marked bolts used on NRA Sporters or NM rifles - the bolt currently on the rifle has been polished or plated.

[bfrantz]

If it were me, I'd find another M1903 to shoot.

There were no R-marked bolts used on NRA Sporters or NM rifles - the bolt currently on the rifle has been polished or plated.

Thanks Rick, I appreciate your opinion. To be quite honest, that is what I was thinking but just needed confirmation. Any suggestions where I could find a correct bolt and sling swivel? And a good shooter?

[Rick the Librarian]

As you probably need one of the earlier bolts, they aren't common or cheap.