new to me 03A3

[kotkinjs1]

Got this recently, seems to be a nice condition a3 in a scant stock. It has non matching numbers on the butt. Both serial number and barrel date to late 1943. The stock seems to be absent most of the usual stamps. What I can find are an X and. K in places that don't match what I've seen on others. Any ideas? No cartouches, no P, no maker's mark under the mag cutoff. Otherwise it's a nice clean example I think. I assume the scant stock was an in-war or post-war replacement? It does have to well done repairs behind the tang and on the toe. It's certainly seen some use.

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[kotkinjs1]

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[lyman]

that stock saw service in another country at one time,
we (US ) did not put the serial number on anything but the receiver,


wondering if it is a Greek Return (via CMP) ?

[RCS]

I would also suspect that is a "Greek Return" too, those stock repairs are not the kind used by
US military during rebuilds but some claim the USMC used biscuit repairs on M1 rifle handguards
years ago but seldom found today.

[Tom in N.J.]

I concur with RCS, a Greek return stock, maybe the whole rifle. A serial number request (fee required) to the CMP can confirm the origin. My Greek return high number M1903 came with a 'scant' stock, numbered to the rifle, and no repairs. They were advertised then as " 'C' stocks", R030SHC, which they are not.

[JOHN COOK]

My Greek return has two dowel plugs at the heel of the stock, last four nbr. Of serial nbr. stamped in stock like yours.

John in SC

[Merc]

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The Greeks marked the last 4 digits of the S/N on the stock and the bolt and stamped a B on the floor plate.

The two sets of S/Ns on the butt stock and the location of the repair patch indicates the rifle may have been fired into an obstructed barrel that resulted in a ruptured receiver.

[Sunray]

That stock is dry as well.
Even with the biscuit repairs the stock is cracked. Sort of an easy fix with a needle style epoxy applicator but since it's not a collector grade replacing the stock might be better.
Gunparts wants $184.50 for a new, unmarked, non-finger groove scant grip stock. Shop around.

[Merc]

I would probably want to keep the Greek stock. It adds a little history to an otherwise garden variety 03A3. It also shows a level of wood working skill and craftsmanship that is not that common.