1903a1 rifle that my Dad left me in '96

[underwood760]

Hello , this wil be my first post as a member , it is regarding a 1903a1 rifle that my Dad left me in '96 , the rifle is in very good condition ! slight damage to stock at buttplate and to slight scratches on the cutoff side of the reciever , that I can repair easily . the issue is I cannot pin down exactly when it was made ! the barrel is marked sa 12-35 , the bolt is stenciled with two serial #'s . one matches reciever ser.# 1505183 , bolt ser# 1505183 and lighter one is 354697! I can only assume that it is refurbished or at least the bolt was replaced , not sure . it would appear that it was taken from an older model and refitted to this rifle . would love any help as to finding out , serial is not listed anywhere I can find , the rifle was obtained from the Philadelphia armory around 1953-54 , when my father was commanding officer there! I remember it in a bag and cosmolined as a child ! Any help appreciated !

Information

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[Fred G.]

Your receiver was made in 1937. Without photo's of the entire rifle it's impossible to tell you about the various components and when they were put on, including the stock as well as the bolt. It should have stampings on the Safety Lug and/or bolt handle base. These will tell us when the bolt was made. Since production at Springfield Armory was stopped in 1936, and didn't resume until 1937, I'd say that your barrel is probably original to that receiver.

[vintage hunter]

slight damage to stock at buttplate and to slight scratches on the cutoff side of the reciever , that I can repair easily .

There's probably more damage than meets the eye. I see your rifle has had an S&K scope mount added at some point in time. Contrary to what the manufacturer says fitting this mount did require permanent mods to the rifle and that will hurt any collector value it once had, but since it was your dad's it undoubtedly has more sentimental value than it does monetary value anyway.

[underwood760]

In any event, the S& k does require a slight mod to the stock under the receiver, but not noticeable unless action is removed, stock is not original anyway ! All of these rifles have been refurbished at some point . Apparently this rifle was one of 1047 that were refurbed at the PA armory and sold to officers for upgrade to match ! Was able to lightly sand the scratch and reparkerize the area by pouring boiling water on it to get it to temp and applied brownells mangenese phos and it turned out really great . That green color everyone talks about ? turned out to be gray after the water took off the old cosmoline and oil ! The 1903 a1 is not considered that collectable in any event , everyone wants the A4 match rifles , although this one had the action blueprinted , it does not have the cartouche on the muzzle . In any event I shoot it , not a safe queen ! The serials all match for date of mfr. and it is extremely accurate ! appreciate the help !

[Rick the Librarian]

Welcome to the forum!! Yes, please, some more pictures!!

[Chuckindenver]

i would say a genuine 1903A1 is very collectable,, many many sellers advertise a standard 03 as a rare A1...to fetch more money..
agree, more pics are needed

[Mike D]

A USMC rifle, no doubt. Looks like a USMC sight hood, too. Wonder if the front and rear sights are?

Mike