Questions on an older 1903

[jarrodeu]

I recently purchased this rusty 1903 and was reading through John Beard's book but things don't match. It is a Springfield Armory 194,002 with a 12-10 RIA barrel. As far as I can tell the barrel looks to be the newest part on the gun. The single bolt stock was plugged and then shortened (screw moved back) and stamped with a large S (also RIA?). The sight base is the older style with the bands but the stock has the inlet for the later solid type. Sight knobs are the old small, grooved style.
Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Was this made by SA but then shortened by RIA or is it just a mixmaster?
Is there an SRS or other hit?
Thanks for your help,
Jarrod

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[Chuckindenver]

rebuild.
stock is a rod bayonet stock that was updated, the rest is a mix of parts used to service a rifle.
oil is your friend.

[Rick the Librarian]

They're virtually all pre-WWI, so maybe a 1910 rebuild, based on the SRS "hit" you got. Definitely a cut above the usual mixmaster. Good thing you saw it first!!

[jarrodeu]

They're virtually all pre-WWI, so maybe a 1910 rebuild, based on the SRS "hit" you got. Definitely a cut above the usual mixmaster. Good thing you saw it first!!

It was pretty rusty and I was not in the gun buying mood (yes that's possible). I actually left the gun show empty handed and came back later when I came to my senses. I'm sure glad I did!
Jarrod

[Rick the Librarian]

You paid a good price and with a little "sweat equity" will have a nice example of a rifle with a "history". Congratulations!

[browningautorifle]

I'd have bought it too I think. I'd also attempt to remove what rust I could. Just a thing I prefer...it'll look great even with no finish, rather than red finish.

[Rick the Librarian]

There is often "discussion" on how much to restore a rifle. I see nothing wrong with removing rust and cosmolene, although some of my friends disagree, when it comes to the Red Star M1903s.

[Fred G.]

Active corrosion should not be acceptable on any firearm.

[SemperFi, 0321]

"Active corrosion should not be acceptable on any firearm."
As a former USMC 2111 I agree totally, HOWEVER, I attended a short 2 day curating seminar at the Winchester Museum in Cody WY 3 years ago (I work for a small local museum in WY) and they disagree. I noticed several rifles with orange rust growing on them, especially the SMLE's and chrome plated M-14 rifles from Dwight Eisenhower's inauguration. They explained that all they do is rub on Bowling Alley wax, and call it good. From their point of view, you remove nothing, damage nothing, and let nature do what it does.
Drives me up a wall to see rust allowed to eat up a good usable weapon. We have a nice well used .45-90 1886 Win. in our museum with tiger striped rust streaks all over, results of a wet gun case years ago.

[Rick the Librarian]

"Nature" will eventually destroy the firearm. Too bad. There IS a happy medium.