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 think005.jpg007.jpg009.jpg015.jpg019.jpg

[Tdarmo]

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[Tdarmo]

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[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 010.jpg011.jpg013.jpg014.jpg

[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.