MINT 1903-A3 Springfield question

[Brian Dick]

Thanks Chuck. I'd heard that they just degreased them and dipped them but didn't know for sure. It looks good either way and changing it would alter the interesting history of the rifles.

[John Beard]

John,

Did you note the matching last four digits scribed on the top of the bolt handle? As Brian stated it appears to be a Greek return albeit with a nice as rebuilt finish.

Those are not Greek numbers atop the bolt handle. And the numbers don't match. The numbers may have originated from Bubba. The rifle, as pictured, exhibits no characteristics of Greek issuance.



J.B.

[Brian Dick]

That's a definitive answer John but I just looked at all of my CMP purchase '03 and '03A3 rifles again as described earlier. All are Greek returns purchased in 2001-2002. They all have four numbers engraved on the top of the bolt handles exactly as the op's rifle. Only one of them is matching to the last four of the serial numbers. I don't accept that the engraved numbers are done by "Bubba". It's simply impossible because they came from CMP. Of course, I'm no expert on Springfields either although I've handled quite a few, (hundred?), in the last 30 years or so. I don't remember seeing the engraved numbers on the tops of the bolt handles on any other than Greek returns. So just what are the "characteristics" of Greek issuance? Please enlighten me/us. The '03's all have the "B" marked floorplates which is distinctly Greek and some have the British/Commonwealth style stock patches and repairs also mentioned earlier. Having imported, examined and sold 200 or so Long Branch No.4Mk.1* and C No.4Mk.1* rifles from Greek war reserves, I'll tell you that they had no distinct Greek characteristics either other than the few that also sported the black, hot blue finish which is notably different than the original LB Dulite blue or later Parkerized finish. I mentioned earlier the paper stickers that were on the butts of some but that was it.

[John Beard]

That's a definitive answer John but I just looked at all of my CMP purchase '03 and '03A3 rifles again as described earlier. All are Greek returns purchased in 2001-2002. They all have four numbers engraved on the top of the bolt handles exactly as the op's rifle. Only one of them is matching to the last four of the serial numbers. I don't accept that the engraved numbers are done by "Bubba". It's simply impossible because they came from CMP. Of course, I'm no expert on Springfields either although I've handled quite a few, (hundred?), in the last 30 years or so. I don't remember seeing the engraved numbers on the tops of the bolt handles on any other than Greek returns. So just what are the "characteristics" of Greek issuance? Please enlighten me/us. The '03's all have the "B" marked floorplates which is distinctly Greek and some have the British/Commonwealth style stock patches and repairs also mentioned earlier. Having imported, examined and sold 200 or so Long Branch No.4Mk.1* and C No.4Mk.1* rifles from Greek war reserves, I'll tell you that they had no distinct Greek characteristics either other than the few that also sported the black, hot blue finish which is notably different than the original LB Dulite blue or later Parkerized finish. I mentioned earlier the paper stickers that were on the butts of some but that was it.

I concur that, if you bought CMP Greek rifles, then the numbers atop the handle were indeed applied by the Greeks. If you think the Greeks had a monopoly on serializing bolts atop the handle, however, then you have another thought coming.

If you have a collection of CMP Greek rifles, then I invite you to take the lead on describing their unique Greek characteristics. And I'll add to your description if you miss anything noteworthy. I worked at the CMP and inspected literally thousands of Greek rifles.

J.B.

[Brian Dick]

OK, I can accept that other legit military organizations may have numbered the tops of the bolt handles with an electric hand engraving tool. I don't accept the "Bubba" analogy though.

I've already described the features unique to the Greek return Springfields in my posts here on this thread. Did I miss anything?

Brian