Rock Island bolt question

[Jkibler2]

Hello again, I posted last week about an SA 03 I have and here is another question. Also in my possession is an RIA serial number 6999. Has a 5/17 barrel with a 2 screw stock marked RI on the tip. I believe the bolt is an early RI because it isn't marked anywhere. There is an additional larger gas hole on the bottom and I was wondering what time frame this would have been done. Thank You.

[Rick the Librarian]

As I understand it, very early Springfield bolts were not marked, as well.

[Jkibler2]

The barrel is an RIA also. Possibly just reworked for WW1, because there is a faint what looks like an AA over RIA cartouche on it.

[fguffey]

http://www.vishooter.net/slc15_2008.html

What is the gap between the front of the rear receiver ring and rear of the third lug?

Is the handle straight or is the handle have a slightly bent back,

F. Guffey

[Rick the Librarian]

Can you post a picture of the "AA/RIA" inspection stamp - it must be something else, and in any case, it would have been for post-WWI or WWII.

[Jkibler2]

Rick, the cartouche can only be seen with an eye loupe. It is very faint. As to the bolt, it is a straight handle with only a small punch mark under the handle. I tried taking pictures of it, but they didn't come out very good.

[Rick the Librarian]

The inspection stamp may be, FK/RIA or EB/RIA, which date to WWII or after. I don't believe any other Rock Island inspection stamps had the "RIA" on the bottom of the stamp, although I'd have to check for sure.

[Jkibler2]

As to F. Guffeys question, I am not sure of what he means.

[John Beard]

The earliest RIA bolts have a small "S" stamped on the back of the handle. Other early RIA bolts are unmarked, except for having a tiny serifed subinspection letter stamped underneath the handle. The extra gas escape hole in your bolt was added during overhaul at Springfield Armory circa 1938.

Hope this helps.

J.B.

[Jkibler2]

I do have Col. Brophys book but it helps a lot to get other opinions. Thanx a lot for the help.