New Guy Adventures In Parts Buying

Gentlemen--

I've been trying to find an excellent condition bolt for a (mostly correct) Standard Products carbine. There are apparently plenty of them out there--but they all seem to be missing the Proof mark--the punch mark near the bolt head.

Is there any legitimate reason why an (alleged) USGI bolt in excellent condition (i.e. not worn away) would be missing the proof punch mark?

Have a look, please--and tell me what you think.

This is an offering on EBAY (described as NOS):





Note the punch mark on the right lug--probably a Rockwell hardness test.

A fellow from another board (in perfect innocence I believe) sent me these pictures in response to my WTB posting:





It is important to note that BOTH of these bolts had Standard Products bolt codes struck on the lugs. (edit: removed "correct")

So I began to research where these bolts might be coming from, and I found this:

https://www.sarcoinc.com/m1-carbine-bolt-stripped/

https://www.sarcoinc.com/m1-carbine-bolt-complete/

You'll note the punch mark on the right lug--and of course the lack of a punch mark on the bolt's centerline. Also--note the milling marks along the flat. That seems to be a commonality with these "NOS" bolts.

Here is a picture of a bolt from Riverbank Armory:
http://www.riverbankarmory.com/20111008_35

I think I can see a punch mark on the lug. Maybe I'm wrong.

Anyway--I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on Proofing punch marks and their absence.

Am I wrong to be skeptical of a bolt without a clear proofing punch mark?

But how much can I even trust a "NOS" bolt even WITH a proofing mark?

And if it is such an obvious tell--why don't all the humpers "proof" mark their bolts?

This has been quite an education for a new guy.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.



Edited by Eight_Ring - Apr 20 2020 at 9:54am

Ah--correct font and size I do not know. I am totally new to this.

Inre: more pics, I only have what I get sent by the seller, and many of them seem artfully out of focus when it comes to critical detail.

Here are some pics of the SP lot numbers:





They seem a little deeply struck to me--but I am an absolute novice with this stuff.

Am I totally off-base expecting to see a proof mark on a carbine bolt?

Did they NOT proof mark spares?

I've got at least one ot two lovely SP bolts, but not sure which number is acceptable for you. 

floydthecat wrote: I don’t think post-war (commercial) bolts were punched anywhere to indicate a hardness test or proof, but one can usually detect casting or mold-marks. My gut on those pictured says authentic, but refinished.

Interesting. I had always assumed proof punch was gospel.

Does anybody have any idea where the SARCO bolts originated?

https://www.sarcoinc.com/m1-carbine-bolt-complete/

For the price point would China or Taiwan or Korea be the most likely guesses?

floydthecat wrote: The SARCO flat bolts they had pictured, bore the tell-tale circular mold mark under the extractor. They are obviously cast. last time I was on that site, they were out of stock. You can also detect some sharper machining angles like Dan mentioned in his post above. The lug machining just doesn’t look right....too crisp. Just looking at the lug surfaces of the bolts you pictured, I think they are authentic....just not NOS.

Well thank you for weighing in. I absolutely appreciate your input.

Note: I have deleted my ignorant posturing from the opening remarks.

Question for New2Brass: What is it that you find interesting about the round area on the back of the lug? Would consider that a tell that the bolt had been pressure tested--or do you think it indicates something else??

We decided mine won't be the correct number for his Carbine. I don't mind keeping them. Thank you, though.