1942 Remington 1903

[Rick the Librarian]

What marking in on the bolt?

[2A-Jay]

There is no stamps on the bolt handle, or the Safety Lug, or the bolt body at all. I was talking with bear on the phone the other day, he said some of the Rock Island bolts were not stamped. I have resigned myself that the bolt is not original to the rifle, but it works well so I am happy with that at least, and the lower band being stamped possibly makes 3 parts not original to the rifle. Seeing as Bear lives less than a mile from me in the same Gated Community we are going to get together and compare rifles.

[2A-Jay]

I hope these pictures are better than my previous ones.

[BEAR]

Jay,
Sorry about not being able to get together today. I do have some days next week and things should be settled a little more since the passing of my wife's aunt. I'll give you a call.

BEAR

[2A-Jay]

Our Condolences to your family.

[BEAR]

Thank you

BEAR

[Calif-Steve]

Try Springfield Sporters for an mint 03-A3 bolt. Looks like you have pre-WWI low number bolt in the rifle.

[2A-Jay]

Met Bear and his lovely wife today for an '03 comparison and lesson today. I had a great time, and Bear gave me a few lessons on the '03 that I needed. I also got to admire is collection of "'03's as well. I am fairly confident after his inspection and instruction that the Bolt Body is a Rock Island. I feel much better about my gun than before our meeting. So far there are still only 3 parts that may or may not be original to the gun, and one part that definitely came from Winchester. After getting to put my fingerprints on his A3 now I want one too. My wife says NO! But I got my birthday coming up soon

BTW we spent as much time telling War Stories as we did handling the guns. GOOD TIMES. Too bad I am moving in a few days.

[BEAR]

Hey Jay,
Really enjoyed meeting with you and seeing your 03. She a really nice rifle. I always enjoy gun talk and war stories ... I got lots of both.
My wife told my son that you and I met and how long we talked. My son's response was " What? My father talked?....to a complete stranger?.... FOR THREE HOURS?"
It was a fun time.
Good luck and traveling mercies on your move.

BEAR

[2A-Jay]

I think the fact that we sort of have common back grounds and interests, helped a lot, I got home and my wife asked if we had a good time. My answer was YUP. And I told her about your dog, and she liked that as well.

Except for the Loading of the truck the move will be easy. After all the long weekend will be over and we have our GPS to help us avoid Traffic and Road Work. Total road time will be about 3 hours with pit stops every hour. I only have a few Heavy things to load and unload, Washer and dryer, a 10 foot Electric reclining couch and a Oak Entertainment center, I pack the boxes so that I can easily lift them and carry them, but I also have my Moving Dolly so I can move 3 or 5 at a time. It is the box packing that has taken the most time for us. Since we have the SUV and My truck, I am leaving the truck at our cousins house in Centralia on Monday, Wife, Daughter and pooch in the SUV me in the U-Haul and a couple walkie talkies to communicate for pit stops. Easy Peazy.