RIA 1903 Serial # 6242?

[rscott]

Only here to find out about a RIA 1903 Serial # 6242. Have found out it was manufactured 1903. This has a sporterized stock, recoil pad and civilian sights. front sight is screwed to barrel and hides a 'B_ _', and under that is a '9_ _5'. This rifle was given to me in 1961( I was 15) by a retiring salmon fisherman in Juneau Alaska. Have read conflicting stories on soundness of the rifle and am seeking some knowledge. Thanks in advance for any help.

Information

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[Emri]

Hello rscott,

The general concenius is that "low numbered" M1903 rifles ,( as your's is ; by stated serial number ), are not safe to shoot.

Just do a search on the "forums" about the subject and you will find enough reading to fill a book !!!


FWIW,

Emri

[Don W]

Seems it might be a close 1st Cousin to this one.



DW

[Michael Petrov]

I have a soft spot for early 1903 rifles that were sporterized, could you post pictures?

Thanks, MP

[rscott]

pictures


1903 Springfield - rscotts Photo Gallery - Military Surplus Collectors Forums

couldn't figure out how to post in line, but the link works. The area around the serial number is a mottled metal chrome effect so pictures don't come out to well.

[Michael Petrov]

Not a bad old sporter, I'm not a military collector but looks like it could be restored. Did they cut the stock off for the recoil pad?

A lot of these around, a local moose hunter traded in his old 1903 because he could not find anyone to replace his wore out barrel, the number was 357. I shot it a few times and traded it to a collector.

[rscott]

can't tell/don't know how to tell. Just now getting ready to take it apart.and see what other marks/id there is. I have the screw soaked so i can remove front sight. Where would you find how to ID the barrel? Will post any thing new I find in next couple of days.

[rscott]

marks under side of barrel 0 4 over a "P". Stock has H.L.K or H.E.K. What are the significance of these marks or where can I find there meaning?