The hole on the left side near the front of the receiver is to vent gases in the event of a case head separation, or similar failures. (visible in Oxford's photo in post #3 )
The hole on the left side near the front of the receiver is to vent gases in the event of a case head separation, or similar failures. (visible in Oxford's photo in post #3 )
Yes, that's right. It is normal on all late M1903's and all A'3s.
Called a "Hatcher hole". Late made 03's had them, and some refurbished 03's that did not have them had them added when refurbished.
That's a Hatcher hole. As m14man has pointed out. Gen. Julian Hatcher came up with the idea. In the event of a cartridge failing in the gun the gas would blow out that hole and relieve pressure. This was found on low number rifles and high number rifles. Some think they work, some think they kind of work, and some think they don't do anything at all in a major failure. I think that in the event of a major failure I would rather have the hole than not have it.
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