Les marquages d'épreuve

Proof Testing and Proof Marking

Before leaving the manufacturer, M1903's and M1903A3's were proof tested for safety.  Proof testing was done by firing several cartridges loaded to produce a pressure substantially greater than that produced by the standard issue military cartridges that would be used in the rifle.  If the rifle survived this test of its strength the letter P enclosed in a circle was stamped on the stock just behind the triggerguard, and the rifle was ready for acceptance by the military.

The earliest proof marks used on Model 1903's were a script letter P which was later changed to a block letter P.

U.S. Model 1903's and 1903A3's will sometimes be found with two letter P's stamped behind the triggerguard.  The second letter P is believed to have been used when a rifle when through a complete rebuild.  Because of the extent of the work it was likely proofed a second time.  If a stock is stamped with two letter P's there is a good possibility that it will also have other marks indicating an arsenal rebuild.  (See the section on arsenal markings)