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March 31, 2015
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I have a Model 1903 serialized about 1916, serial 94480, that has TWO proof marks on its barrel just in front of the receiver. The first mark is a circled P and the 2nd mark which actually appears to slightly overlap the circled P is a circled PW. Can anyone explain what these two marks together signify? There is also a circled PW mark on the receiver.
If I recall correctly, Schwing says that a Model 90 with a circled P on its barrel indicates that it is a Winchester barrel not installed by the factory and that barrels installed at the factory bore a circled PW mark. If these two marks have the same meaning on the 1903, why both marks on the same barrel?
Sorry I don’t know how to post a photo; however, the gun is pictured in Madis at p. 547. That photo, however, does not show the proof marks on the barrel and simply describes the gun as having a bird’s eye maple stock and nickel plated receiver.
Thanks for any insight you may be able to provide re these markings being together.
Rick
June 5, 2015
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May indicate a factory replacement barrel. There have been many discussions on this. Nothing is written in stone when it comes to how things were done at Winchester.
The circle P, a mailorder barrel. The WP a Winchester proofed original barrel. Both, a Winchester installed replacement one. They are usually found on guns worked on after the time the factory stop keeping detail records on individual guns. As far as I know, which isn’t much.
Vince
Southern Oregon
NRA member
Fraternal Order of Eagles
“There is but one answer to be made to the dynamite bomb and that can best be made by the Winchester rifle.”
Teddy Roosevelt
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