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Model 1897 Military Rifle

PostPosted: Fri Dec 14, 2018 9:11 am
by Rakkasan
Merry Christmas to all!

At a small local estate auction, I bought what I believe to be a "Model 1897 Military Rifle" based on "The History of Remington Firearms" by Roy Marcot.

My question is this: Should there be a serial number on it? There aren't many markings at all. The normal stuff on the top tang, an "H" just forward of the trigger guard, and two large "3"s in the wood just forward of the "H".

Thanks for any guidance,

Doug

Re: Model 1897 Military Rifle

PostPosted: Fri Dec 14, 2018 1:29 pm
by Scorpion8
Rakkasan wrote:Should there be a serial number on it? There aren't many markings at all.


Serial numbers on firearms were not required until after the passage of the 1968 national firearms act. There are plenty that have them, like old Mausers and Springfields, but that was more a necessity of armory refurbishment data than anything else. Not surprised that yours has no serial number, neither does my Remington Rolling Block in .43 Spanish.

Re: Model 1897 Military Rifle

PostPosted: Fri Dec 14, 2018 2:15 pm
by John A.
Scorpion is correct. There was no law requiring that prior to the 1968 Gun Control Act (GCA).

I own several guns that do not have serial numbers.

Re: Model 1897 Military Rifle

PostPosted: Fri Dec 14, 2018 6:31 pm
by mauser9
Got the same book. What version do you have? Made a rifle version as well as the small bore military carbine. Rifle version had a 30 inch barrel.

Re: Model 1897 Military Rifle

PostPosted: Sun Dec 16, 2018 8:18 am
by Rakkasan
After reading the book (again) with the rifle in hand, I believe it's a Model 1901, because of the rotating extractor, not sliding. Thirty inch barrel in 7mm.

Thank you for the quick replies!

Doug