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  1. #1
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    Questions on an older 1903

    I recently purchased this rusty 1903 and was reading through John Beardicon's book but things don't match. It is a Springfield Armory 194,002 with a 12-10 RIA barrel. As far as I can tell the barrel looks to be the newest part on the gun. The single bolt stock was plugged and then shortened (screw moved back) and stamped with a large S (also RIA?). The sight base is the older style with the bands but the stock has the inlet for the later solid type. Sight knobs are the old small, grooved style.
    Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Was this made by SA but then shortened by RIA or is it just a mixmaster?
    Is there an SRS or other hit?
    Thanks for your help,
    Jarrod
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    A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered.  Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping.  In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail.  I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!).  CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping. Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles. Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components. Your source for the finest in High Power Competition Gear. Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.
     

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    rebuild.
    stock is a rod bayonet stock that was updated, the rest is a mix of parts used to service a rifle.
    oil is your friend.
    warpath metal finishing contact info.
    molinenorski@msn.com
    720-841-1399 during normal bus, hours.

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    They're virtually all pre-WWI, so maybe a 1910 rebuild, based on the SRS "hit" you got. Definitely a cut above the usual mixmaster. Good thing you saw it first!!
    People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Rick the Librarianicon View Post
    They're virtually all pre-WWI, so maybe a 1910 rebuild, based on the SRS "hit" you got. Definitely a cut above the usual mixmaster. Good thing you saw it first!!
    It was pretty rusty and I was not in the gun buying mood (yes that's possible). I actually left the gun show empty handed and came back later when I came to my senses. I'm sure glad I did!
    Jarrod

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    You paid a good price and with a little "sweat equity" will have a nice example of a rifle with a "history". Congratulations!
    People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.

    --George Orwell

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    I'd have bought it too I think. I'd also attempt to remove what rust I could. Just a thing I prefer...it'll look great even with no finish, rather than red finish.
    Regards, Jim

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    There is often "discussion" on how much to restore a rifle. I see nothing wrong with removing rust and cosmolene, although some of my friends disagree, when it comes to the Red Star M1903s.
    People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.

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    Active corrosion should not be acceptable on any firearm.
    Last edited by Fred G.; 06-27-2014 at 01:51 PM.

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    "Active corrosion should not be acceptable on any firearm."
    As a former USMC 2111 I agree totally, HOWEVER, I attended a short 2 day curating seminar at the Winchester Museum in Cody WY 3 years ago (I work for a small local museum in WY) and they disagree. I noticed several rifles with orange rust growing on them, especially the SMLE's and chrome plated M-14 rifles from Dwight Eisenhower's inauguration. They explained that all they do is rub on Bowling Alley wax, and call it good. From their point of view, you remove nothing, damage nothing, and let nature do what it does.
    Drives me up a wall to see rust allowed to eat up a good usable weapon. We have a nice well used .45-90 1886 Win. in our museum with tiger striped rust streaks all over, results of a wet gun case years ago.

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    "Nature" will eventually destroy the firearm. Too bad. There IS a happy medium.
    People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.

    --George Orwell

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