1941A1 parts question

[Randy A]

Just rounding up parts for my build. It's a 1.49 SA, what I'm wondering is the bolt characteristics. If most were NM rifles to begin with, would it be a NS marked bolt? Were they in the white, blued or parked? Also, someone mentioned handle modifications, was there a handle mod to clear the scope?
Thanks,

[jgaynor]

The NM rifles had polished bolts. When the NM (or ST) rifles were converted the bolts were to be blued. There is a single photo in one of Peter Senich's books of an M1903A1 sniper with slight relief grind on the knuckle of the bolt handle. By the same token there are numerous photos of rifles without the modification. Without more evidence the bolt mod may have been something done to one rifle, by one sniper in the field.

Regards,
Jim

[Johnny in Texas]

The bolt on mine has been re-blued it is thin color black. I don't know why that bolt was ground in the book my bolt does not get close to the scope. the bolt will have the s/n of engraved on the body.

[chuckindenver]

original bolt were dark...blued or otherwise...serialed to the rifle.
not all were {match} rifles... the few real snipers iv seen, and the one that iv held in my hands, wasnt a Match grade rifle.

[Randy A]

Ok thanks, this bolt is polished, but bluing it shouldn't be any problem. By the way, did they serial them on the top or bottom, I've seen both?

[chuckindenver]

what iv seen...
some were done under the extractor when the bolt is closed, so that when the bolt is lifted you can read the number..
as well as some USMC service rifles done on the top.
i like doing them just ahead of the safety lug, so like the USMC. the rifle must be in a safe mode to be read.

[Randy A]

The one in it is under the extractor when the handle is up, bolt has to be removed and extractor rolled over to read. It is written very neatly and smaller than usual numbers, maybe a hair over 1/8".

[chuckindenver]

sounds like a USMC marked bolt