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Thread: MINT 1903-A3 Springfield question

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  1. #21
    Advisory Panel Brian Dick's Avatar
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    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.

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    A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered.  Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping.  In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail.  I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!).  CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping. Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles. Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components. Your source for the finest in High Power Competition Gear. Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.
     

  3. #22
    Advisory Panel John Beard's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by twh View Post
    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.

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  5. #23
    Advisory Panel Brian Dick's Avatar
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    That's a definitive answer John but I just looked at all of my CMPicon 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 Britishicon/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.

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  7. #24
    Advisory Panel John Beard's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Brian Dickicon View Post
    That's a definitive answer John but I just looked at all of my CMPicon 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 Britishicon/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.

  8. #25
    Advisory Panel Brian Dick's Avatar
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    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

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    Legacy Member MJ1's Avatar
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    It's a good looker for sure.

    A few profile pictures would be nice.



    ..................................
    MJ, don't take this personally, but that's crap.
    muffett.2008

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