What do you guys think: USMC?

[shavetail]

Thank you for the opinion Chuck, but I don't believe you are correct. The only reference to staked triggerguards that I have ever come across is for the 1941 Marine sniper rifles, not issue rifles. Staking the trigger guard screws on issue rifles wouldn't make a whole lot of sense. And this stock has the hallmarks of a USMC stock--unsanded but also unmarked grasping groove. I find it hard to believe that any one would go to the trouble of hunting down this type of replacement stock and then ballocks it up with an Enfield band.

If you have some sources for that information I'd be interested in seeing them. I've hunted down every scrap of information I can find on id'ing USMC rifles and that's the first I've ever heard of those. I don't dispute that it might be a restoration, or that there isn't a good explanation for the star mark, but that's a pretty bold assertion of fact.

[chuckindenver]

they stopped using the star gauge in 1939.
every USMC rifle iv owned has had staked guard screws.
no way that a SMLE part would be installed by the U.S. Military...
the only tell tail marking of any stock from the USMC would be a slight mill cut or sweep cut to clear the replacement bolts, the 3 USMC rifles i own all have grasping groove stocks with this mod. and all have been boned as well.
all have stippled buttplates. as well as staked guard screws.

[John Beard]

the only tell tail marking of any stock from the USMC would be a slight mill cut or sweep cut to clear the replacement bolts, the 3 USMC rifles i own all have grasping groove stocks with this mod.

The stock modification you describe was done by Rock Island Arsenal, circa 1943-44.

J.B.

[CptEnglehorn]

I have a USMC rifle with staked guard screws as well, my other one however does not, both are interesting birds.

[Handsome Devil]

Won't try and pretend I know the answer to some questions here. But the star mark looks old, but is totally not US arsenal star gauge, in my not so humble opinion. There was a small gun show company that used to frequent many shows around the Midwest who had bought truckload of surplus 03 parts, all new in the wrap. They had just about everything you could of needed at one time. Anyway as the internet unfolded they learned quite a bit about 03's and the parts they sold. As a joke they made up a "fake" star gauge stamp and marked a 1903a3 barrel. They had a pretty good laugh as the 03 collectors present went nuts trying to see or figure it out. Well anyway I serious doubt that aspect.

When the CMP brought back all the Greek 1903s if I remember correctly there were a number of rifles that came back with odd barrel bands and sling swivels that were probably of Mauser heritage on the side of the stock. Similar to some Mausers and Finn rifles. Greece had an abundance of German and English surplus ordinance laying around. So the band may be original in a historical sense of it's former life in Greece. If it was in Greece. It this came from a known source and was known to never of been out of country in service with other countries, then no doubt a aftermarket improvement. Am I making this up about barrel bands and sling swivels on side of butt stocks? Seem like yesterday these rifles came back from Greece, but time is a flying. Not to mention I do not remember much about 24 hrs ago much less when the Greeks 1903s came back in. Just food for thought. Must admit don't see the normal "Greek return" signs and symptoms.

Not trying to rain on OP very nice rifle, but I think chuckinDenver has nailed it pretty closely. I had a number of USMC drill rifles that were indeed USMC rebuilds, but the barreled action was all that remained of the original rebuild. Like everything else in the world, it is what it is. Regardless a very nice rifle. That odd mark at 12 O'clock still a mystery to me. It is close enough to catch the eye, looks like it has been there for a long time, but obviously not "right". The fact that to me it looks like it has been there for along time is what bothers me. Most fakers are lousy at the game. Regardless do not think it a true star gauge as already stated.

Cheers, John.