USMC Action Screw Index Marks

[jakhamr81]

Does anyone have a time period that the Marine Corps first began adding indexing punch marks to the bottom metal to index their action screws?

I was overlooking my M1917 today and noticed the bottom metal has a punch mark at each action screw hole similar to what's found on USMC NM 1903s.

The punch marks were made before the rifle was refinished. The barrel was still covered in cosmoline under the hand guard when I acquired it so I believe the punch marks to have been made at least 50 years ago.

[Jakeroub]

I think all m1917s had this when first built. What makes you think they came from the Marines?

[jakhamr81]

I read an article last week that mentioned the Marines added index marks to their match 1903s. I didn’t realize that was factory standard on the 1917s.

[chuckindenver]

wasn't done on 17s when new, only after rebuild or service

[cplnorton]

I have docs from WW1 saying it was done to the majority of the M1917s.

As for the USMC. They turned in their M1917s by 1920 and didnt start to stake them it seems till after that date. I see it mentioned in the later 20s and 30s on the Marine m1903s.

It was not exclusive to the Marine team rifles though. You see it mentioned on service rifles too.

[chuckindenver]

the only reason for this, was to keep the screws from backing out. iv seen some so deep that the screw head had to be drilled out to remove the screw. only this deep on 17s , not seen it really deep on 1903s.

[John Beard]

Originally Posted by chuckindenver

wasn't done on 17s when new, only after rebuild or service

Not correct. The trigger guard screws on all M1917 rifles were factory-staked.

J.B.

[chuckindenver]

have seen plenty original 1917s with blued finish, without screws staked in place. more without then with

[SmokeEaterPilot]

I don't believe the staking of M1903 action screws are exclusive to USMC NM rifles. I have a 1903 from the 1911 National Matches which has staked action screws. And it's a Ohio NG team rifle. When these stakings were made, not sure.

In the AEF files in France, the Ordnance Department notes a serious problem with breakages of M1903 stocks. Notes the problem to two issues. 1) The VB grenade launcher (recommended a second stock screw to correct this, which was already approved in January 1917), the second problem the action screws becoming loose over time. This could be where staking could more widespread. But there wasn't a follow up directive to it. Just noting a problem.