Just took delivery from CMP of a Remington 1903A1, it has a very strange color cast on the receiver and on the sight base. In indirect light it shows as a dark blue black parkerized like finish. However, in very bright direct light the color changes to a red purple, more red than purple. At first I thought it was a light coating of surface rust, but it is not. Any ideas on what I am observing?
This Remington 1903A1 is in very good mechanical condition, a Remington 1/42 barrel appears to be unfired. new bolt and receiver shows little if any wear. Stock is in good condition with some small dings and dents. Butt plate is new, front sight and rear sight are new, trigger guard and magazine cover are stamped and new. lower band and sling loop are stamped. The only parts with the red purple color cast are the receiver and bottom sight base. This rifle is a fine historic example of a Remington transition piece from A1 to A3, as the few stamped parts are pre A3. Me thinks the reason it is in good condition is because no GI would want a purple rifle! 'Geez Sarge, can I have another one! Give this one to the new guy!'.
Giant
This Remington 1903A1 is in very good mechanical condition, a Remington 1/42 barrel appears to be unfired. new bolt and receiver shows little if any wear. Stock is in good condition with some small dings and dents. Butt plate is new, front sight and rear sight are new, trigger guard and magazine cover are stamped and new. lower band and sling loop are stamped. The only parts with the red purple color cast are the receiver and bottom sight base. This rifle is a fine historic example of a Remington transition piece from A1 to A3, as the few stamped parts are pre A3. Me thinks the reason it is in good condition is because no GI would want a purple rifle! 'Geez Sarge, can I have another one! Give this one to the new guy!'.
Giant