Quote:
Originally Posted by twistedsquid
TR. This is exactly why I was asking. When I received the rifle in May I ran the serial number (62593) and found it to be a very early issue and within the range of the suspect heat treatment. The 1903 community is divided regarding the safe firing of weapons within the range. Many suggest the issue is overstated and others suggest not to fire the weapon. There is lots of government data that concludes the failure rate is negligible and may be the result of early ammunition. Fire it or hang it on a wall? That is the dilemma.
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That is your dilemma.
Look at where the bolt and receiver sit in regards to your face and and hands. Only you can decide what you want to do.
There may be ways to MPI or Magnaflux it to look for issues, but you are in the affected range, and will always potentially be holding a weak receiver next to your hand and face. Could hold together just fine for 10,000 rounds, or might come apart with the next one.
If I could not confirm that it was GTG, I would not shoot it. At the most, maybe a couple of relatively low-powered rounds for old times sake just to say you did it, but even that carries some risk.
They will look much better intact and will be things to be proud of and to display. You are fortunate to have them. Enjoy your heirlooms.
Be safe, best of luck.
TR
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De Oppresso Liber 01/20/2025
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