greek return serial numbers

[BEAR]

Does CMP have a list of all serial numbers for the Greek returned 03s and A3s?

[Rick the Librarian]

Beats me - would be an interesting thing to see if they did! :)

[John Beard]

The CMP maintains a master list of all rifles received and sold. But I doubt that it shows where each rifle originated from. The CMP has received rifles from several different sources, including the Greeks and VFW/American Legion posts.

If I can remember, I will ask next time I go there.

J.B.

[BEAR]

John and Rick, thank you for your response.
I was curious about the number of Greek returns that were converted back to all US parts and if they could be tracked by serial number since they have no import stamps.
I just aquired a SA 1903 serial number in the 1.4 range (barrel SA 7-33) with all US parts except the Greek pinned trigger guard and and floor plate. It also has a strange follower that looks like a 1903 milled but has an additional piece that does not allow the bolt to lock open after the last shot.
Thanks again.
BEAR

[PhillipM]

The Greek returns had all US made parts, unless you want to count biscuits and pins for stock repair.

[BEAR]

Yes, I should have said "original parts" instead of "US parts".

[John Beard]

John and Rick, thank you for your response.
I was curious about the number of Greek returns that were converted back to all US parts and if they could be tracked by serial number since they have no import stamps.
I just aquired a SA 1903 serial number in the 1.4 range (barrel SA 7-33) with all US parts except the Greek pinned trigger guard and and floor plate. It also has a strange follower that looks like a 1903 milled but has an additional piece that does not allow the bolt to lock open after the last shot.
Thanks again.
BEAR

Most Greek rifles had been overhauled, refinished, and re-assembled from mixed parts by the Greeks. With rare exception, all parts were original U.S. parts. The CMP inspected the rifles and instigated repairs where necessary. Most rifles, however, passed inspection without repairs. The pinned trigger guards and floorplates are actually original U.S. parts. The Greeks merely drilled and pinned the floorplates to the trigger guards.

J.B.

[BEAR]

Thank you Mr. Beard.

How much of a detraction would be an 03 with a Greek pinned floorplate since they are modified US parts? Would it be similar to an 03 receiver drilled and tapped for a lyman sight?

Thanks
BEAR

[Chris W.]

I'm sure the CMP has sales by SN, but not much more than that. I have one in my safe, and one of the easiest ways to identify one is on the bolt you would find a SN that, most likely does not match the rifle. Also, the stock had SN's stamped into the wood that would be unlikely to match the SN of the rifle. My understanding of what happened was most were rebuilt at one time, parts stripped off and thrown into a parts bin, rifles assembled with no regard to re-matching the SN's. All good, headspaced, but not matching.
Chris

[PhillipM]

Thank you Mr. Beard.

How much of a detraction would be an 03 with a Greek pinned floorplate since they are modified US parts? Would it be similar to an 03 receiver drilled and tapped for a lyman sight?

Thanks
BEAR

It's not as bad as a d&t receiver. The B stamped on the floor plate that is Greek for pinned shut is the biggest problem.

The worst thing, in my humble opinion, is the grease soaked wood.

[John Beard]

Thank you Mr. Beard.

How much of a detraction would be an 03 with a Greek pinned floorplate since they are modified US parts? Would it be similar to an 03 receiver drilled and tapped for a lyman sight?

Thanks
BEAR

In coming years, I do not believe the Greek rifles with "B" pinned floorplates will suffer much detraction in value. The Greek rifles are a well-documented and accepted collection venue within themselves. The rifles have all U.S. parts and, in the long run, should have value competitive with comparable U.S. overhauled rifles.

A drilled and tapped rifle, on the other hand, will never recover much value.

J.B.

[BEAR]

My grateful thanks to Mr. Beard, Rick, PhillipM and Chris W. for your time and replies. After getting over my initial shock at finding out that I had purchased a Greek return 03, I have had my faith restored by your comments. It was a feeling akin to finding out that your newly purchased Rolex has "Made in China" stamped on the back (well, maybe not THAT bad a feeling). At least this rifle doesn't have "Made in China" stamped on the receiver.

BEAR

[John Beard]

Years ago, Lend/Lease or British Remington M1903 rifles with NZ property stamps or red bands were an anathema to collectors. Now they're hot items with premium values. While I do not predict the same for Greek rifles (because there's too many of them and they're not in great condition), the same value-holding principle will apply.

J.B.

[Rick the Librarian]

To me, perhaps a better comparison were the so-called "Blue Sky" imports of the 1980s, at least as far as condition. Like them, I think you judge each rifle on its individual merits or problems.

[Chris W.]

Don't know about the value on mine, but I bought it as a shooter. It looked freshly rebuilt with a almost unfired barrel. Parkerizing was fresh and unblemished, no wear on metal surfaces. wood was a little rough, of course the numbers didn't match, but otherwise, a great rifle. If I had a complaint, it was only the preservation grease was so thick, and long term, think it preserved it well. I guess it would come down to what you paid for it and what you are looking to get out of it. ( shooter or collector ) When I got mine from the CMP it was $400 to my door. I think I got my monies worth.
Chris