Very late number RIA 1903 I purchased today...a few questions.

[Todd2]

I just got this today. The shop owner said it wasn't collector grade. I didn't care about that. The RIA serial # is very high I think it must have been one those sent to Springfield after 1920. It's 354572.
My questions:
1. There's a repaired crack in the wood behind receiver. Does it look sturdy?
2. There appears to be rust where the receiver meets the wood under the rear sight. Would this be a problem? I fired it 15 times today it kicks super hard almost out of my hand.
3. Can you tell me anything about it I'm new at this.
4. I could only push 4 rounds in the magazine.
5. The bolt wouldn't close on the GO headspace check but it chambered rounds and ejected fine.
Paid $675 so I think I did ok.

Information

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[Todd2]

Here's the pic that looks like rust.

Update: I took it apart guess it's not part of the receiver. It looks pretty corroded.

[Todd2]

Not sure if this should be fired. It is the later receiver with the stronger metal.

[Rick the Librarian]

It is a late Rock Island, although far from the latest one. The barrel is probably a replacement, as it doesn't fall with the group of receivers which was sent to Springfield as "spare parts" and finished with Springfield parts.

I admit, seeing the amount of corrosion, I would be a little concerned about firing it. Perhaps one of those a little more into the "mechanics" than I am could comment further. Has the crack behind the rear tang been fixed?

[Chuckindenver]

rifle looks to have been reparked by a hobby type refinisher, as well as the stock,
not sure why a go gauge would be used? , you were firing the rifle, so it accepts a live round without an issue... if the bolt closes hard on a live round , then address the chamber
the action us Nickle steel, personally i wouldnt worry about safety too much, though its not pretty, seems to function just fine...
i would stick with factory or modern surplus ammo and avoid handloads..
the crack at the wrist is an issue, and will likely grow unless addressed correctly, likely has damage at the front recoil lug as well.

[frankderrico]

Definitely a brass pin in the stock behind the receiver. I think it is to far back in the crack. JMHO

Best Regards.....Frank

[Todd2]

Chuck in denver, do you think this is parkerized, or sprayed on duracote or something else? It's so thick around the cutoff the sharp edges of the metal are gone? Do you think I should leave it as is I figure it would cost more than the rifle is worth to clean it up and do a proper repark. I guess I really didn't know what to look for when I purchased it but I think I'll be happy with it. I'm not worried about resale value but would like to clean up some pitting and have it parkerized in the original fashion.

[Rick the Librarian]

Personally, unless it something that makes the rifle "work" better (i.e. repairs) I'm not sure I'd invest any more money in it. Definitely fix the stock or replace, though.

[Todd2]

Thanks fellas I sure do appreciate the responses! My 5 years in the Marines familiarized myself with the M16a2 but don't know alot about the oldies but learning more each day.

[Randy A]

That crack is most likely from too tight a fit at the rear of the receiver and/or missing rear stock bushing. There should be about 1/16 gap around the rear of the tang. If you remove the trigger guard or action there should be a steel sleeve in the rear action screw passage.