What can you tell me about my new 1903

[Dknight]

I recently picked up my first 1903 on Gunbroker that dates to 1915 with what appears to be original barrel. Inspector stamp is consistent with date. Are the other parts original? Please take a look at the description and pics and share your wisdom...Thanks!

It is a 2 bolt stock, but it has been suggested to me that maybe the second bolt was added when re-arsenaled (and maybe the rifle was parkerized then?). The "S31" steel lot code on the bolt lug indicates a date of 1907ish according to vishooter.net. Does that mean that the bolt is not original to the rifle? Also, there appears to be a "2" stamped under the bolt handle. There is a 'R" stamped in the mag cutoff recess. There is a "U" stamped on the barrel band. There is a "H" stamped on the bayo lug. There is a "R" stamped on the right sight of the front sight guard. Is the sling original? Also, I was very surprised to find a spare parts container in the buttstock (Had to look it up when I discovered it because I didnt' know what it was). Apparantly they are rare? It's in good condition and looks very old so I'm convinced it's not a repro. I'm pretty sure the seller didn't know it was in there as he did not include it in the listing description or pictures. I sent him an email about it a few days ago but he has yet to respond. I paid $1250 for the rifle. Did I pay too much? Nobody else bid so I'm thinking either it was way overpriced or something is not right about it. Thanks guys!

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[Flying10uk]

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https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=28752

[Dknight]

The following tutorial may help you upload pictures onto your posts. I think that you will find that people will prefer to see your pictures with your post rather than having to "click a link" in order to see them. The process is not as difficult as first as it may seem once you have done it a few times.

https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=28752

Perfect! Thanks for the help!

[John Beard]

Your rifle has been arsenal-overhauled, refinished (parkerized), and re-assembled from mixed parts. If the stock is original to the overhaul, then the overhaul was done at Springfield Armory in the early 1920's.

Stay safe!

J.B.

p.s.,

A very good probability exists that your rifle was once a Special Target or National Match rifle.

[Dknight]

Your rifle has been arsenal-overhauled, refinished (parkerized), and re-assembled from mixed parts. If the stock is original to the overhaul, then the overhaul was done at Springfield Armory in the early 1920's.

Stay safe!

J.B.

p.s.,

A very good probability exists that your rifle was once a Special Target or National Match rifle.

Thanks John! May I ask, how do you know the overhaul was done in the early 1920s? What part gives that away?

[John Beard]

Thanks John! May I ask, how do you know the overhaul was done in the early 1920s? What part gives that away?

If your rifle had been overhauled in the latter part of the 1920's, the receiver would have been scrapped as a low number receiver.

J.B.

[Dknight]

If your rifle had been overhauled in the latter part of the 1920's, the receiver would have been scrapped as a low number receiver.

J.B.

Okay that makes sense. Thanks!

[damienslc]

Your gun was probably conjured by the same magic wizard who made my gun. People on this site make things up.... There is very good documentation that has been published that is contrary to internet opinion. Go see a few local gunsmiths and pay a few bucks for some documentation rather than trust an internet "guru".

[Dknight]

Your gun was probably conjured by the same magic wizard who made my gun. People on this site make things up.... There is very good documentation that has been published that is contrary to internet opinion. Go see a few local gunsmiths and pay a few bucks for some documentation rather than trust an internet "guru".

Thanks, Damien. But may I ask, what are you specifically referring to? The low number receiver?

[The_Hound]

Yep, he's talking about the low number receiver and he's right, better go to the professional