RIA Features

I recently acquired a new-to-me RIA M1903 at an auction. SN 275,660, the barrel is also RIA dated 12-17. I've picked up a copy of Ferris's book on the RIA M1903, and have read a lot of threads on this forum but still have some questions, hopefully some of you can help.

1. I believe the bolt to be a SA replacement based on the steel lot code, "J1" on the bottom of the locking lug. I also noticed a gap in the chart on the Vi shooter's page for my specific serial number range. What is the correct bolt for this rifle?

2. The magazine cut-off switch is in block letters. Is this correct? Is there anyway to to tell whether this piece is a replacement?

3. The stock has a single-bolt & the finger grooves. No cartouches remain, even on the fore end. Are there any other characteristics I can look for to determine whether this is an RIA stock?

4. The handguard has a high slightly convex hump, but there is no fixturing slot. Ferris states that RIA eliminated this at some point during WWI. Does anyone know when?

Thanks in advance. Any other insight others can offer me into RIA M1903's produced during WWI would be greatly appreciated?

Thanks,
Matt Wright

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Originally Posted by Matt_E_Wright

I recently acquired a new-to-me RIA M1903 at an auction. SN 275,660, the barrel is also RIA dated 12-17. I've picked up a copy of Ferris's book on the RIA M1903, and have read a lot of threads on this forum but still have some questions, hopefully some of you can help.

1. I believe the bolt to be a SA replacement based on the steel lot code, "J1" on the bottom of the locking lug. I also noticed a gap in the chart on the Vi shooter's page for my specific serial number range. What is the correct bolt for this rifle?

2. The magazine cut-off switch is in block letters. Is this correct? Is there anyway to to tell whether this piece is a replacement?

3. The stock has a single-bolt & the finger grooves. No cartouches remain, even on the fore end. Are there any other characteristics I can look for to determine whether this is an RIA stock?

4. The handguard has a high slightly convex hump, but there is no fixturing slot. Ferris states that RIA eliminated this at some point during WWI. Does anyone know when?

Thanks in advance. Any other insight others can offer me into RIA M1903's produced during WWI would be greatly appreciated?

Thanks,
Matt Wright

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(1) The correct bolt for your rifle would have a straight handle and be marked "R 4" beneath the handle.

(2) The correct cutoff for your rifle should have serifed letters and have NO "R" marking on the side.

(3) If your stock has no marking on the fore end tip, then it is NOT an RIA stock. All RIA stocks are marked on the fore end tip.

(4) The fixturing slot was actually eliminated before WWI. Absence of the fixturing slot is no conclusive identification of an RIA handguard. Your description indicates that you have a WWII contractor-made replacement handguard.

Ferris' book is the best reference available on the RIA rifles. If you have specific questions, I recommend that you post them here.

J.B.