New guy seeking answers

Hello Gentleman,

I've had this 1903 US Springfield for as long as I can remember. I received it from my father I'd say thirty years ago and it sat in the safe. I would've put more time into her, but the barrel is truly shot out. I'm either thinking about having her re-barreled or sell it so it is doing something productive.

Last night I started my search and came across you gentleman and was impressed with your knowledge. Please examine my pictures and help me understand what I have.

Thank-you in advance,

Wade

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...sidefull-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...oltproof-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...elPstamp-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...relproof-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...uttplate-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...artouche-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...oorplate-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...erbottom-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...RIAstamp-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...4/SFbolt-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...kmagwell-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../SNproof-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...opaction-1.jpg

Gonna need John Beard for this one. Very interesting rifle.

Thank-you Badger for editing my pictures.

I would like to add a few comments. The only cartouche I can locate on the stock is the one pictured, no other markings and I believe it to be AOD or AOB. I can't locate the letter P behind the trigger guard.

I have found the letter R (Remington?) stamped on many of the individual parts. I removed the barrel shroud and located the letter P stamped into the barrel along with the stamp C126.

Last fall while shooting at a local range a group of guys showed up with their Springfield's. Watching them shoot reminded me what I had in the safe and thought she should put to use.

Any information would be greatly appreciated,

Wade

---------- Post added at 03:46 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:41 PM ----------

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Calif-Steve

Gonna need John Beard for this one. Very interesting rifle.

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I truly don't know what I have. I know my father acquired the rifle from an Uncle in the mid 1960's. Unfortunately, my Uncle has since passed and that is where the information stops. I do understand I have the "safe" action and perhaps the RIA 2-19 stamp adjacent to the front sight indicates year of installation? I do know RIA stands for Rock Island

One thing I can add is the action is very tight.

Thank-you,

Wade

Your rifle is a mix of parts. The receiver dates from about 1933; the barrel is a late Rock Island. The buttplate is from a M1903A3 and the trap is missing. The Scant stock also dates from WWII. I believe AO denotes Anniston Arsenal. Any R-marked parts were made by Remington during WWII.

See ViShooters excellent website on 1903s, http://www.vishooter.net/m1903.html

Your receiver dates from 1932 and all the other parts are mixed vintage. 1919 Rock Island barrel; Remington parts & butt plate (missing trap); rear sight slide binding screw is a wood screw, not a USGI part. Stock is a WWII replacement. The bolt may be an early bolt with a straight handle. What markings are on the root of the bolt handle (top or bottom) or on the safety lug?

How bad is the barrel? Please post a close up of the muzzle. I'd have a competent gunsmith check it out before firing it.

RIA 2-19 barrel marked "C126". I don't understand that particular marking. I think you have Remington bolt and not an early pre-WWI bolt. Gunsmith will most likely offer you $50.00 for the gun, "just to take it off your hands". The nickel steel receiver is desirable. A knowledgable friend will be a help. Good luck, looks OK to me.

You have a rifle that has been arsenal-overhauled, re-barreled, and re-assembled from mixed parts. Some of the parts were manufactured during WWII by Remington and are marked "R". The stock was manufactured by a contractor as a spare replacement for use in arsenal overhaul.

If you seek a shooter, you would be wise to sell or trade the rifle you have for a rifle with a better barrel. Re-barreling the rifle you have would be expensive, troublesome, and an unwise investment.

Hope this helps.
J.B.

What You have there is a nice Family heirloom. I would replace the Butt Plate with a new one, and Hang that Piece in a a place of Honor. If anyone offers You $50 for it, Kick them in the cubes and walk away. Even a beater/mixmaster 1903 brings $450-$500 in Western Washington. I would maybe have the barrel changed with a WW2 dated one and hold onto the 1919 dated one. Have the action checked for stress, but it should be solid. The 1903's are getting harder to find, and are def. Not being built anymore..Nice rifle with a great story....

John, New barrels, WW2 dated are available at most local gunshows in WA, for around 60-75$, even 4 groove. It would cost $100 to have installed. Would make a great shooter grade 1903....