Front sight band marked "A"

[Chuck Russell]

I recently bought a RIA M1903 with a RIA 4-06 barrel date, serial number 32238, high wood, no cross bolt bolt stock with CN 1908 cartouche; handguard without sighting groove or clips; smooth trigger and butt plate, serifs on the cut-off and safety lettering, etc. I think all the parts are correct for the 1908 period when it was assembled, but, there is an A on the underside of the front sight band. What is your opinion as to whether this sight was assembled with the rifle or is a later replacement?

Information

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[Gary L. Bush]

Chuck,
Please post pictures here and refer to vi shooters web page.
Is the cross pin in the front sight fixed base, at the front or rear of base?
Gary Bush

[Chuck Russell]

Rear sight pin is to the rear. I hope the photo link works

http://s212.photobucket.com/albums/cc204/cerussell/

[Emri]

NICE Rifle !!!!!!!!!

I don't know the meaning of the "A", but wouldn't worry about it being OK or not. The sight "pin" that Gary asked about appears to be unmolested and would indicate the front sight fixed base has been there all the while.

FWIW,

Emri

[John Beard]

I recently bought a RIA M1903 with a RIA 4-06 barrel date, serial number 32238, high wood, no cross bolt bolt stock with CN 1908 cartouche; handguard without sighting groove or clips; smooth trigger and butt plate, serifs on the cut-off and safety lettering, etc. I think all the parts are correct for the 1908 period when it was assembled, but, there is an A on the underside of the front sight band. What is your opinion as to whether this sight was assembled with the rifle or is a later replacement?

The "A" is a Rock Island Arsenal subinspection mark. And, yes, it was assembled with the rifle!

And thanks for the pictures! You have a nice rifle!

J.B.

[Chuck Russell]

Thanks to all for the comments and information about the Rock Island.

[WW1 Fan]

Question for JB, I notice the "legs" of the 7s on the sight leaf are curved, like Springfields, not straight as most RIA sight leaf numbers were..........

Is this the original sight leaf, or a Springfield replacement?

[John Beard]

Question for JB, I notice the "legs" of the 7s on the sight leaf are curved, like Springfields, not straight as most RIA sight leaf numbers were..........

Is this the original sight leaf, or a Springfield replacement?

Your rifle's rear sight leaf is a replacement. That's not unusual for a rifle which has seen a lot of service.

Hope this helps. Thanks for the picture!

J.B.

[PeteDavis]

The sight slides on those rifles originally had a square edge. I gave one to Tarleton.

New parts maybe, but that is certainly the original cased finish is it not? Love that bright steel!

PD

[RCS]

This Rock Island s/n 64145 has an RIA 3 -07 dated barrel with a small letter B under the front sight band. The rear sight has the square slide