1903, made 1918, Raritan refurb and 1943 barrel...was this a USMC WWII rifle?

[dogngun]

I bought this 1903 Springfield last year when making a visit to a local gun shop. The owner's son called it to my attention and took enough off the tag price for me to get very interested in it and I bought it. He told me it was all original, and that an "old guy" had brought it in a few days previous...SN dated it to 1918, with a re barrel and some modifications at Raritan NJ. It looks to have the standard USMC features- the "Hatcher Hole", different bolt and wrench marks on the barrel under the wood. Has a flat black butt plate with punched holes for a grip on the shooter's shoulder. NO import stamp. I called the CMP and they had no record of it...it was NOT a Greek Return rifle.









I have several other pics, but no more on photobucket...Any thoughts on this rifle are appreciated. Thanks.

Information

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[browningautorifle]

Good looking rifle. Now for a 1907 sling and bayonet and it's all there...how's the barrel? This should shoot just fine for you.

[CptEnglehorn]

Could be a marine rifle, The large Serif lettered RA-P cartouche looks like one I had on a rock island marine rifle. Never had seen one stamped like that before, could be a very early one. Your rifle isnt in the SRS database but is in a good range. Better pictures may help.


813333 111137 USMC - QUANTICO (SURVEY)
813497 012431 USMC - NICARAGUA (SURVEY)

[jarrodeu]

What month is the USMC barrel?
Jarrod

[dogngun]

My error - Barrel is dated 7/42, RA with the flaming bomb stamp...

Taking more pics now, and here they are..

Barrel date...



Butt plate...



Left receiver...



I hope these are of help.

This is the first COMPLETE '03 I have ever had, and I just stumbled into it...I just walked in the door and the owner's son said, look at this Springfield...Looks original...I'll take $50 off for ya...
So I jumped on it, and I think I got a good one.

Thanks very much!

[browningautorifle]

A Kerr sling, that's good too. Still a nice rifle...

[dogngun]

Jarrodeu Barrel is dated 7/42, is RA,...I have added a few better pics above.

Seems like the SN is in the USMC range, too.

Thank you!

[Chuckindenver]

barrel was installed by someone other then the military..

[Bill Hollinger]

barrel was installed by someone other then the military..

Chuck, could you please share why or how you came to this conclusion? TIA.

[RBruce]

What is the SN range for USMC rifles of that period?