Possible USMC Rebuild

[Tdarmo]

I originally bought this 03 because of the low serial number. After getting it home I noticed the dimple butt plate. Took it apart for cleaning and vice marks on the barrel. let me know what you think3858738588385893859038591

[Tdarmo]

3859238593385943859538596

[Tdarmo]

3859738598385993860038601

[cplnorton]

Does it have a Hatcher Hole? For a 6/42 barrel, the Marines would have installed the Hatcher Hole as well.

The vise marks are a fuzz different than I've seen before, but I don't know if I would worry about that. I've seen 6/42 SA barrels on Marine rebuilds before.

The bolt does not have the Marine modifications they would have done, when they would have screwed on that barrel, but it could have been swapped sometime later. So I do think the bolt has been swapped at one point.

I would be curious if it has the Hatcher Hole. I'm really betting it does have one. Does it?

[Tdarmo]

It has Hatcher hole

[Emri]

Looks good to me !! Any numbers on the bolt ?? Like Steve stated, Marines liked to enlarge the gas escape hole in the earlier bolts they re-used.

Thanks for sharing !!

Emri

[Tdarmo]

Hole is still standard. No numbers on bolt. Whats up with the P on the stock? I don't recognize that style or size ?

[cplnorton]

I figured it would have the Hatcher hole. I really didn't have much of a doubt. But in my opinion, I believe it is a Marine rifle.

That large P. There is some speculation it might actually be Marine. I've heard a few guys that I really respect, say they found evidence of it. So you never know.

[Tdarmo]

Does anyone have any ideas about the crown on the barrel. I don't think it was shortened

[Emri]

That large P. There is some speculation it might actually be Marine. I've heard a few guys that I really respect, say they found evidence of it.

JB stated to me that it is particular to USMC rifles. I have one with the large "P" on it.





Does anyone have any ideas about the crown on the barrel.

That is the standard flat crown used in the 40's as a time saving option.

HTH,

Emri

[Fred]

That rifle has Marine Corps written all over it.

[Tdarmo]

Does anyone have any thoughts on the 3 digit serial number ? Does it add or detract from the value ? I personally bought it for the low number. I didnt examine it until I got home. I figured if it was USMC build it would be a bonus

[Tdarmo]

While i'm in the safe I took a couple pictures of some other 03's I have. These are also some interesting variations 38609386103861138612

[cplnorton]

I always have a lot of questions when it comes to these cartouches. I know I've seen A.H.A labeled as Marine, but I just never seen anything document wise or really even on a rifle that made think it was. But maybe others have seen something on that I haven't.

The BU 169, I think that is still one of the biggest mysteries out there. There are ton of different markings like this,but exact same style. I know the leading theory is Navy, but so many don't seem to match up with anything Navy. Like for instance I have one that is a CD 6 and I have no clue what it means. But these markings on the buttstock like this one, I have actually been looking for a explanation at the archives for them. And I've never found one yet.

The Tenn Cartouche, one of us on here really studies the Tenn marked rifles. I just can't remember who it is. lol If I did, I would go send them a PM and tell them to check it out.

But looks like a real nice assortment you have there.

On your question about the low number Marine rifle. To me it would add value. I hardly ever shoot any of my rifles, so I never really care about. I'm more about interesting pieces and uniqueness. So I would consider that one unique. :)

[John Beard]

Yes, you do indeed have a USMC rifle.

Congratulations! And Merry Christmas!

J.B.

[Ed Byrns]

BU 169 and 1903 Butt stock markings
I have studied them for a very long time and come to the conclusion that they
are US Navy.Sometimes they match small craft and ship numbers before ww2,before the change to a 3 letter code.
BU= ,to me ,Boston University which had a Navy Program before WW2 which emerged into the WW2 ,V7 and V12 programs.
Respectfully submitted
Ed Byrns

[Tdarmo]

Thanks for the information. That will give something to research. I had zero luck before.
Thanks
Tony

[Tdarmo]

Okay one last question. I was thinking of thinning out some of my collection.(to make room for other guns of interest) My problem is I don't know what the value of this rifle would be. I know what it was worth to me. I have never sold anything on the net.(Researching gun Broker today) Usually trade or buy from local collector friends. My friend is trying to talk me into going to the Oaks gun show in PA for a trade or sell. Never been to one. Not sure how that works as far as walking around trying to solicit a sale. I wouldn't mind trading for something of equal value or better.Problem is I need a good starting point to bargain with.
Thanks

[cplnorton]

You would probably have more luck selling online. The problem you have when you go to a show. The guys on the other side of the table are only interested in buying if they can get it cheap, to flip it, and make money.

The other problem you have is, to 99% of the people out there, just think of that as a low number 1903. Not that many know the difference between a Marine 1903 and a regular 1903. And being a low number, many won't touch it.

I think Marine 1903's are down right now too. You used to get over a $1000 pretty easy on anything Marine, but I think it is down.

I honeslty sort of think about the $1000 mark, plus or minus depending on who wanted it, is a realistic number. If I wasn't trying to cut down on having so many Marine 1903's, I might even make a play for it. I love that 3 digit serial. That is neat.

[03collector]

As far as the stamp TENN could that be for the battleship Tennessee?

[ElWoodman]

A three digit USMC RIA?!?!? I'm jealous....Need to change my skivvies! I have seen large strange "P"s on 1)USMC rifles and 2) Greek Return rifles. No last four of sn on the rhs buttstock, so no Greco there .Magxxxxingnificent, pardonnez mon francais.