Newby needs help with my RIA 1903.

Hello everyone, my first post. I just recently got a Rock Island Arsenal Model 1903 (serial # 218xxx) that I was told many years ago by my grandmother that it belonged to my great uncle, who fought during WWI. The SN dates to early 1913 manufacture. The barrel date is RIA 9-12 with the bomb. The underside of the barrel is K-5 over P. The bore is pretty good considering the age. on the top of the bolt arm looks like an "R" inside a circle. On the underside of the bolt arm/handle is an "R". I think the stock is an "S" type,but no marks of any kind on the outside, and the only marks present on the inside look like two triangles. I also noted a pencil mark inside that looks like a small case cursive "w". I tried to post pics, but haven't mastered that yet, but any info would be appreciated. I also know about the low number serial number. The rifle seems to be in great condition, but I probably won't shoot it. I'm almost 70 , and am a lifelong hunter and gun owner. This is my first military rifle, and I love it. I do have a Colt 1911 45 cal. made in 1917 and carried by my uncle in WWII. I know it's difficult to tell very much without pics. I will continue to try. Maybe my grandson can help when he gets home from school.

I could also help post pics, just check your PM for an email address...

Just what every one searches for, an early rifle without multiple rebuilds. And yours sound interesting.
RIA did use R marked bolts in the same time frame as yours. It was a time of upgrading and perfecting the '03 up until '13. So your rifle can be quite a time capsule if original.
By all means take up Jims offer with detailed pics of all.
In the meantime here is a site to help with dating and bolt codes.
http://www.vishooter.net/m1903.html

Thanks. I'll try to send pictures to Jim.

Jim, I'm still trying to send the pics.

These are some of the pictures of the 1903 I recently inherited. I apologize for the quality. Any help or info about my rifle is appreciated. John

Any information about my rifle will be appreciated. John

Just trying to find out what I've got. All help appreciated. John

My complete, put-together rifle. See the other posts for more detailed pictures.

Let's just link these... Maybe a mod will move all the pics to one thread...? https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=65674 https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=65673 https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=65672 https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=65671 https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=65670

You have a mixmaster - the bolt is a Remington, the stock is a late Remington or early 1903A3; the trigger guard is stamped. The barrel and receiver MAY be the only original parts. The handguard may date from the WWI era.

Thanks Rick. So, being a mixmaster, does it still have value? Is it collectible? Would it be worth it to look for original parts? I certainly don't plan on selling it, but do you have any idea the value for insurance purposes? As you can see, I have lots of questions. Thanks for your help.

Pre-WWI M1903s are almost impossible to restore, unless you have a LOT of money, infinite patience and a garageful of parts. I could see restoring to a "generic" M1903 - find a grasping groove stock, a milled trigger guard, etc.

I'd say, as is, maybe $400 parts value.

Thanks Rick. Guess I'll just put it in the gun safe.