Thought I share a very interesting Springfield 03 here.
Whats interesting is its a Rock Island low numbered receiver type with alot of Rock Island parts. You can tell that this one has the hatcher hole added which is typical of these. You can also seen punch test marks that were found under the stock on the receiver for what looks like testing receiver strength. It has the grey parkerizing finish which is seen on these weapons. There are also vise marks on the barrel, plus the barrel is a July 1941 Sedgley barrel marked USMC not the 1944 barrels typical found on fake USMC rifles. The serial number for the rifle is electric pencil on the bolt, not the bolt handle which are found on Greek returns. I believe the stock is a replacement being how there are not marks on the stock expect Post 297 and a number mark by the bolt handle. The stock is also unsanded. I honestly believe that this rifle was a VFW or American Legion used piece. Any stock marked USMC in some way are fake. The hand-guard is also neat being its mark D28179 which I have read are found on Marine Corp 03's. The smooth butt-plate has also been stippled which was another Marine Corp practice most likely helped prevent the rifle from slipping from the shoulder while shooting. And last but not least the rifle is still full of cosmoline in places and believe when I took it apart that was the first time it has been taken apart in a very long time.
The only bad thing about this rifle is I will never shoot it due too the risk's of the low number receivers. But I believe if this rifle was shot and used again this Devil dog would still have teeth.
Finding a United States Marine Corp used weapon is rare and this rifle has all the traits on that.
This rifle does fall in the serial number range of these rifles being rebuilt in San Diego by the Marines.
269486 09/21/1937 USMC - SAN DIEGO
269824 09/28/1938 USMC - SAN DIEGO
270005 02/14/1931 USMC
270119 10/08/1930 USMC - SAN DIEGO
Enjoy
Whats interesting is its a Rock Island low numbered receiver type with alot of Rock Island parts. You can tell that this one has the hatcher hole added which is typical of these. You can also seen punch test marks that were found under the stock on the receiver for what looks like testing receiver strength. It has the grey parkerizing finish which is seen on these weapons. There are also vise marks on the barrel, plus the barrel is a July 1941 Sedgley barrel marked USMC not the 1944 barrels typical found on fake USMC rifles. The serial number for the rifle is electric pencil on the bolt, not the bolt handle which are found on Greek returns. I believe the stock is a replacement being how there are not marks on the stock expect Post 297 and a number mark by the bolt handle. The stock is also unsanded. I honestly believe that this rifle was a VFW or American Legion used piece. Any stock marked USMC in some way are fake. The hand-guard is also neat being its mark D28179 which I have read are found on Marine Corp 03's. The smooth butt-plate has also been stippled which was another Marine Corp practice most likely helped prevent the rifle from slipping from the shoulder while shooting. And last but not least the rifle is still full of cosmoline in places and believe when I took it apart that was the first time it has been taken apart in a very long time.
The only bad thing about this rifle is I will never shoot it due too the risk's of the low number receivers. But I believe if this rifle was shot and used again this Devil dog would still have teeth.
Finding a United States Marine Corp used weapon is rare and this rifle has all the traits on that.
This rifle does fall in the serial number range of these rifles being rebuilt in San Diego by the Marines.
269486 09/21/1937 USMC - SAN DIEGO
269824 09/28/1938 USMC - SAN DIEGO
270005 02/14/1931 USMC
270119 10/08/1930 USMC - SAN DIEGO
Enjoy
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