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Thread: New to 1903, is this bolt safe?

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    Legacy Member Joefin18's Avatar
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    New to 1903, is this bolt safe?

    Very interested in buying an 1903, would this specific rifle be safe to shoot? It’s serial number is in the 950,000’s but do not know for certain if the bolt is double heat treated or not. Anyway to tell from these photos? Thanks.

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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.
     

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    Legacy Member Joefin18's Avatar
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    More photos attached if anyone wanted to tell me more about this potential buy. Thank you so much. This would be my second milsurp, a CMPicon Garandicon being my first.


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    Legacy Member m1903rifle's Avatar
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    Check the safety lug for any markings as well as the top of the bolt handle. There are some double heat treat bolts with straight ( non-swept back ) bolt handles. There are some Navy and USMC rifles in this serial range, so check for USMC rifle traits such as stippled butt plate, wrench marks on the barrel under the hand guard, and a serialized bolt.

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    Legacy Member ArtPahl's Avatar
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    As you probably know, the barrel is a replacement made by Sedgley. It does not necessarily mean that the rifle was issued to the Marine Corps. Since the barrel is a replacement, other parts of the rifle are, no doubt, also not original. The bolt looks to me like an early one but I would not be corncerned about it in a high numbered receiver. If you don't care about originality, the bore looks good, headspace is good, and the price is right, go for it. Under those conditions, I'd buy it. I don't own a 1903 with a Sedgley USMC barrel and I wouldn't mind having one.

    But always remember: Buy the rifle, not the story! Make up your own story.

    Good luck!

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    Legacy Member Joefin18's Avatar
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    Thanks guys, the 1903 is such a beautiful rifle. I noticed on this one there were not traditional inspection stamps or anything, so clearly the wood is not original. However, I did notice marks such as RIA and others, would it be common to stamp a rebuilt rifle/stock? Is there anyway to date it with that information once I get a better look at it? Thank you.

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    Legacy Member Joefin18's Avatar
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    Also, in your opinion, what’s the worth of this rifle?

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    Advisory Panel Chuckindenver's Avatar
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    J6? if so, its a good bolt.. id check headspace and enjoy
    warpath metal finishing contact info.
    molinenorski@msn.com
    720-841-1399 during normal bus, hours.

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    Legacy Member Joefin18's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by chuckindenver View Post
    J6? if so, its a good bolt.. id check headspace and enjoy
    Couldn’t find any letter markings but did find a “5”

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    Legacy Member 1563621's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Joefin18 View Post
    Also, in your opinion, what’s the worth of this rifle?
    depending on barrel cond. they are running 800-1200. Prices have been going up recently.

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    Legacy Member El Woodman's Avatar
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    11-43 USMC barrel

    Barrel not likely put on by USMC- by 1944 the Corps was catering primarily to M1icon Garands...But...Stranger things have happened. I've shot several SHT bolts in DHT receivers w/o problems...Corps tended to leave traces-Stippled butt plate, Hatcher Hole (LHS of rec.), and the vise marks; slightly forward of the rear sight base, the barrel will look like somebody torqued it down hard in a plumber's vise, and then torqued the rec. on to that. I have #400,204 with a 12-43 (S) USMC barrel...Not a Marine rifle, and not a shooter. SHT receiver w/ SHT bolt...I've fired it, but with reduced pressure loads...J5 bolt (marked bottom of safety lug) would be current w/ your receiver...I'd say $700 a decent deal; over $1,000 not so much...Depending on your location

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