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One of my automatic searches alerted me to this 1903 and BOY someone really did a number on it. But knowing me I might end up bidding on it anyhow.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...89918147-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...50645066-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...77645506-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...36253904-1.jpg
https://www.gunbroker.com/Item/924538423
Ouch. Well, not stuck closed any more, is it?
That must have been an old drill rifle, all welded together.
That poor rifle....
I've never seen a drill 1903 welded up that much though. My first thought was that an overloaded case had failed, and spread molten brass through the action.
I have not bid on this item, still decding.Quote:
Originally Posted by Low & Slow
---------- Post added at 07:16 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:12 AM ----------
The listing doesn't mention it... https://www.gunbroker.com/Item/924538423Quote:
Originally Posted by browningautorifle
Used, poor condition Rock Island Arsenal Model 1903 in 30-06. This rifle has the serial number 427022, indicating production in 1910. This rifle is in poor condition and is being sold only as a "gunsmith special" or parts gun. The bolt handle appears to have sheared off and the bolt is stuck in the rifle. It appears to have been installed incorrectly and became stuck when manipulated. The receiver has been damaged from the bolt, as seen in the pictures. The stock has significant wear and damage including what appears to be a name engraved on the right side of the stock. The rifle is missing the front sight blade. The rifle appears to retain all other original parts, and the bore condition is impossible to verify with the stuck bolt. The rifle would make an excellent project gun or wall piece. Sold as-is.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...31409429-1.jpg
I read it and know he didn't mention it. No one would buy something that messed up...maybe... I bet the bolt handle was beaten off while trying to break the weld. "Just give it a good whack"... I'd leave him holding that mess. Can't imagine what you want it for, the wood?
I don't either Jim, just the curiosity of it all. But it's already gone beyond what I'd bid for a train wreck.Quote:
Originally Posted by browningautorifle
oddly, there isn't a weld on the magazine cutoff, or evidence of one, to prevent one from removing the bolt. Send him a not and ask for pictures out of the stock to see if there is a weld between barrel and receiver. Could be an easy save to just replace the bolt and clean it up.
That's not a 1910 serial number for a Rock Island...more like a very late production rifle, 1918-19. That it has a 1928 barrel is curious as well...possibly the receiver was sent along as parts to Springfield and later completed there?
I also noticed the lack of a weld or grind-marks on the cutoff...and notice the claw is missing from the extractor?
Again, it sounds to me like an overloaded round vented and sent molten brass everywhere. Even if the bolt can be removed (intact or in pieces), I'd say check the receiver and barrel for any signs of stress or cracks.
PS - Something I noticed just now. Look at both sides of the receiver ring...there's no gas vent holes at all, neither a Hatcher hole on the left nor the inadequate original hole on the right that was supposed to vent through the extractor. How did that receiver get out of the factory?? :eek: :move eek: :confused:
"How did that receiver get out of the factory??"
Illegitimately, perhaps? A "lunchtime special" made from failed parts that should have been scrapped but somehow missed the bin? :confused:
If so, then this is a long version of a "suicide special". All pressure-bearing parts must be regarded as scrap.
I take back my prior statement about "no gas relief holes"...in the full side view, the original (inadequate) gas vent hole is visible on the right side of the receiver ring. Not visible in the posted close-up pic. Derp.
That said, not all 1903 extractors have the corresponding vent hole...I wonder if that was a contributing factor here.
I'd still consider this receiver done, or at least due for some serious inspection.
it's priced as a nice paperweight right now!
200$ plus - A bit expensive as a paperweight!
Possible sequence: Bubba takes rifle of dubious origin and makes a really “hot” load. Cartridge case disintegrates in chamber, thus jamming extractor. Bubba whacks bolt handle with blunt object to free it. Bolt handle snaps off (which it surely should not do: bend - yes, snap - no).
Bolt is driven back, thus snapping off the hook of the extractor. The chamber will have been seriously overloaded, with the remains of the case and extractor hook jamming it.
All pressure-bearing parts have been damaged. A proof house here would condemn it as soon as they saw it, and not even accept it for proof. Scrap is scrap. And hazardous 1903 scrap is also scrap.
I like the welded option. Looks like serious effort to get the welds off.
Looking at the discoloration, which is obviously too bright to be rust. Along the bolt it looks like bubba took a brass punch in an attempt to get beat the bolt back. The chunk missing from the extractor collar look like he kept wedging it in, with it slipping along the back side, until the collar bent upward enough to grab, and then snap off.
Bolt handle areal looks like a combination of pressure, and beating on it. If it were a burst load, hot gas would that didn't make it out the side would have got back into the bolt, cracking the metal around the bolt sleeve threads where the handle is, making it easy to break the handle off. The picture shows what looks like a bulge in front of where the bolt handle should be.
Just cleaning it up for parts makes it a free paper weight? Milled bottom metal goes for over 100 these days, butt plate 20-50, milled upper band $75, lower band 50...just comparing against what is selling on eBay right now.
You should expand the picture in a new screen then. The discoloration is only where it's bee ground down.Quote:
Originally Posted by ssgross
Now we all know that some one out there thinks it can be saved an re-built so that they can pass it off an grandpa's rifle an sell it for big money
Hmm, I don't know... In its current condition, even IF the receiver is able to be used; the amount of part and work this would take would cost more than the return on investment. I buy some junk, well a lot of junk, to fix just to fix - sometimes for fun and just sometimes out of curiosity and for something that challenges me. But even I can see it's not worth it at the current selling price. Looks like there are bidders that have a higher tolerance than me its at $355.00 right now.Quote:
Originally Posted by mmppres
If a guy has a shop and the equipment there anyway, a strip and touch up, bead blast and parkerize would hide most of the old damage. It'll probably resurface as a scarce something or other at a gunshow...?
I see some of them selling for 1200.00 plus at guns shows every weekend. Even as high as 1600.00 for ones that look like new. So some bubba will try to make it look right. Thinking that putting out 500 or so he can make some big money. I dont understand these dealers that carry the same rifles an pistols around from show to show. Sometimes for years never selling. My opinion is if not sold in a few shows i have to drop the price. Or i dont eat lolol