Serial number range for introduction of 03a3 reinforcement bolts vs pins?

[usmartial1950]

Could someone shed some light on the point at which the stock reinforcing bolts were begun and the pins discontinued? Also, at about what point were the "winter" trigger guards and blued upper bands introduced. I am thinking specifically of Remington production only. Thanks in advance for any info anyone can provide.

[Merc]

Stock recoil bolts were introduced in mid-1943 because field reports indicated the recoil pins were not strong enough. Maybe JB can tell you the specific date or the beginning serial number of the changeover. Some older 03-A3s may have had their pinned stocks replaced with bolted stocks if they became damaged.

[Rick the Librarian]

Something to keep in mind is the term "introduced". Rifles were not finished in serial number order and often, earlier parts are found on later rifles or vice-versa. I would agree with Merc - late summer, 1943.

[Merc]

A good example of old and new parts mixed - my 03-A3 has a 5/43 serial number and has a bolted stock which is probably not the factory stock.

[rebound]

A good example of old and new parts mixed - my 03-A3 has a 5/43 serial number and has a bolted stock which is probably not the factory stock.

5/43 is about the time frame they where swicthing back to bolts from pins. Stock probubly is correct..

[John Beard]

Could someone shed some light on the point at which the stock reinforcing bolts were begun and the pins discontinued? Also, at about what point were the "winter" trigger guards and blued upper bands introduced. I am thinking specifically of Remington production only. Thanks in advance for any info anyone can provide.

If you provide the serial number or approximate serial number of your rifle, I should be able to tell you which parts it should have.

J.B.

[Merc]

5/43 is about the time frame they where swicthing back to bolts from pins. Stock probubly is correct..

Thanks for the info. Thought the switch occurred later in 43.

[Merc]

Thanks for the info. Thought the switch occurred later in 43.

JB,

Barrel is dated 4/43. Serial Number is 3726871 (5/43). Pins or bolts?

[Rick the Librarian]

Thanks for the info. Thought the switch occurred later in 43.

I would agree - I always heard late summer (7-8/43).

[John Beard]

JB,

Barrel is dated 4/43. Serial Number is 3726871 (5/43). Pins or bolts?

Pins.

J.B.

[Merc]

Pins.

J.B.

JB,

Thanks.

Merc

[IditarodJoe]

John, if you would please ...

Wife shoots s/n 3761937, 9/43 barrel, crossbolt stock. Does that sound right? CMP rifle bought in Nov '05.

Thanks.

[John Beard]

John, if you would please ...

Wife shoots s/n 3761937, 9/43 barrel, crossbolt stock. Does that sound right? CMP rifle bought in Nov '05.

Thanks.

Yes, crossbolts can be correct for S/N 3761937. The rifle falls in the transition range.

J.B.

[IditarodJoe]

Thank you, John. You're an invaluable resource and we're fortunate to have you as a member of the Jouster forums.

[Merc]

JB or Rick,

Were pinned stocks always switched to bolted stocks during arsenal rebuilds or was it performed only when stock damage occurred? How common is it to find pinned stocks on early 03-A3s today?

Merc

[John Beard]

JB or Rick,

Were pinned stocks always switched to bolted stocks during arsenal rebuilds or was it performed only when stock damage occurred? How common is it to find pinned stocks on early 03-A3s today?

Merc

Pinned stocks were not replaced with bolted stocks during arsenal rebuilds. Stocks were replaced only when damaged. If you encounter an early M'03-A3, the statistical probability is high that it will be fitted with a pinned stock.

J.B.

[Merc]

Pinned stocks were not replaced with bolted stocks during arsenal rebuilds. Stocks were replaced only when damaged. If you encounter an early M'03-A3, the statistical probability is high that it will be fitted with a pinned stock.

J.B.

JB,

Great info as usual. Thanks.

Merc