Low number 1903 questions

[Calif-Steve]

"Duffle Bag Cut". Likely taken home by the Vet! How do you like that?

[Jake Holman]

I'm seeing an early 03, mostly all corect with the exception of the barrel. Single bolt stock , no grove handguard, straight bolt, and dished knobs on the sight. It's more that likely it was a WWII rebuild. Someone duffle-bag cut it in the wrong place!
I think I'm going to be sick.

[The John]

I think I'm going to be sick.

So question, does this cut affect the operation/operationability of the gun? (or really why does it make you sick?)

I am not so familiar with vintage military arms.

[Rick the Librarian]

No it doesn't interfere with operation of the rifle. It just reduces what would be a nice rifle's value by about 2/3! Kind of like seeing a classic 57 Chevy spraypainted bright orange!

[The John]

ah, would it be worth that much without the cut? I am never going to sell the rifle, but i think its nice to know sometimes.

[browningautorifle]

I don't mean to p*ss on the parade but it's not really got collectors value. More like sentimental value. The stock was probably pinned from the center or just carpenter glue. It's probably solid as the rock. It's just that it's mostly a conglomeration of parts that are serviceable and mostly clean. Keep it and make your own call on shooting a low number. There's lots of info here to steer your decision.

[Tahunua001]

could be worth something if you give it a new stock, as is though it just looks mangled.

[CptEnglehorn]

Looks like a real nice early rifle, unfortunate about the stock though, maybe that would be a rick borecky job for repairs, thats more of a collector rifle than a shooter in my eyes.

[Calif-Steve]

Looks like a GI bringback. Very uncommon for US rifle. I wouldn't touch it. Family value is high. BUT, I've seen lots of family stuff sold-off when a nephew gets his hands on it. Understand there is always a hard-up family member. Good luck.

[Jake Holman]

If it were mine I'd wait until I found a correct, or close to correct stock and shoot low pressure loads in it. If you do you will have to reload them. Those single bolt stocks are hard to come by.