My M1903

[Brit-Tex]

Here are some photos of my M1903 pawn shop find. I know my M1s pretty well but am new to the 1903. Here is what I have found out so far: Serial number 975711= 1918. The stock might be pre-WWI, The stock has two cartouches: WJS and a later RA-P. The stock also has a rebuild marking from the San Antonio Arsenal probably from WWII when the S.A. 0 42 barrel was installed and the second proof stamp was applied to the bottom of the grip. The sight base is a later pattern. I would appreciate any additional information you fellows can tell me about this weapon. Thanks Fred

Information

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[mercman]

Congrats! Have you had a chance to shoot it yet? I've got a 03A1 and an 03A3. The 03A3 is unfired so it just sits in my safe but I shoot the A1. Fun rifles!

[Brit-Tex]

No, but I might go tomorrow. I also have a 1896 Krag I have not fired. I have plenty of 30-06 because I already own a 1942 M1. I just obtained some vintage round nose FMJ and soft point hunting ammo for the Krag so I can fire it a few times as well.

[Rick the Librarian]

Yes, the stock started out as a pre-WWI Springfield stock. The small S on the foretip identifies that. That rifle has definitely been around the block a few times!

[Brit-Tex]

I am taking it to the range for the first time tomorrow.

[Alkali]

Very interesting rifle! This one is a textbook example of a 1903 being issued, rebuilt, used again, and rebuilt again. The "LSAA" indicates a trip through San Antonio Arsenal at some point in it's history of service. The vast majority of the 1903's out there served long and well, just like this one.

[Brit-Tex]

It shoots well too I took it to the range today and had no trouble hitting silhouettes consistently at 250 yards using new 150 gr. FMJ ammo. I used the small aperture with the slide set on the lowest mark.

[Brit-Tex]

The sling is a poor fitting (too long) reproduction. The case is dated 1918, the bayonet is a very early 1906 Springfield with serial number 1079. The scabbard is dated 1911, the mills manufactured belt is c.1907 and the M1917 Bolo was made by plumb in 1918.

[Alkali]

Your accessories certainly add a lot of eye appeal to the display. The value of these (in total) approach that of the rifle. Be very glad you got them when you had the chance.

[Promo]

There is also a very faint WJS cartouche visible.