Rock Island with a problem

Not a Springfield collector- have this 03 and a Remington 03a3. The latter is in excellent condition whereas this 1919 Rock Island rifle, while cosmetically nice, has a small barrel bulge about 10 inches from the muzzle. Bought it from a non-shooting collector of militaria about 25 years ago and noticed immediately a tight patch suddenly loosens at a particular spot. Very, very faintly detectable on the outside of the barrel. Looking through the bore can see a very faint "anomaly" at the spot. The bore is poor with uniform light pitting and visible but well worn rifling. By comparison with other old rifles I shoot I would suspect it would still shoot reasonably accurately but......is it unsafe to shoot with the small bulge? What, for example, would armourers instructions call for with such a problem? Would it immediately have been deemed unfit for service? While I will likely never wish to shoot it (too many other mechanically sound rifles) somewhere down the road my notes about its condition may be lost. What do you guys think? Thanks, in advance.

Ridolpho

Shooting with a bulge is no problem unless it's just at the muzzle or within and inch. The barrel can be bent because of the bulge but it will shoot OK. You can straighten bent barrels but the fear is if it happens again, this is a weak spot and can rupture. I've seen an 86 Winchester with several rings and it shot and operated fine. I've owned several ringed barrels and no problems unless the ring is at the crown. The weapon techs would change the barrel.

Thanks Jim- Maybe I will give her a try. I have no idea whether the rifle is reasonably original or how collectable it is but very nice, smooth action- more so than my 03A3. From my limited "Springfield references I believe this might be from the final year of rock Island production?

Ridolpho

The last RIA receiver was completed in mid-1919 (s/n 430,742) so you are probably right.

Stock has the recess for a Mark I rifle. Rifle looks really nice.

Mike

military would have replaced the barrel, however, it should be safe to fire , likely not very accuarate..