I have a 1903 barrel which I bought on the for sale/wanted part of this forum which bears a date of 9/44 and is marked SA, for Springfield. I have since seen one for sale marked 10/44 and SA. Just curious as to when the last replacement barrels for the '03 were made for the Government at Springfield and at the official contractors.
I find it interesting that they were still planning on rebuilding the '03 rifle that late in WW2 so they would be making new barrels for them in late 1944, given the existence of the 03/A3 and the widespread acceptance and use of the Garand. Brophy states that nearly 61,000 were repaired and overhauled in 1945, whereas only about 12,000 were rebuilt in 42-44.
Thoughts?