My First 1903

[skip_c]

Got it today. Springfield Armory Serial # 14514xx. Barrel date 5-32, "S" stock with bolts and O.G.E.K. in a box. That's all I know about it. Any help with receiver date and stock markings would help. I know I have alot to learn.
TIA Skip_C

Information

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[Mike D]

Probably the original barrel. O.G.E.K. in a box is Ogden Arsenal (Utah), Elmer Keith (famed gun writer). Post-war rebuild, I believe.

Does the stock have grasping grooves? Post some photos and we could help with further parts ID.

[Rick the Librarian]

A slight correction -- OGEK was WWII inspection by Elmer Keith. A plain OG would be post-WWII. Keep in mind that, depending on "details" of the rifle, the stamp could have denoted a simple "check for function" or a complete overhaul.

[skip_c]

Yes, the stock has grasping grooves. Not good with pictures yet. Found out the receiver was make in 1934 and the barrel 5-32. Do you still think the barrel could be original. Tanks for all your help.

[Rick the Librarian]

Most receivers in the 1930s were made as spares and assembled as needed. I think it quite likely the barrel is original.

[skip_c]

Thanks Rick and Mike for the info. As I learn more about this Springfield I'll post.

[Mike D]

A slight correction -- OGEK was WWII inspection by Elmer Keith. A plain OG would be post-WWII. Keep in mind that, depending on "details" of the rifle, the stamp could have denoted a simple "check for function" or a complete overhaul.

Thanks Rick. One of my references says O.G.E.K. could be late WWII or early post-WWII.

Were these spare receiver guns originally put together by the rebuilding arsenals? Meaning, would the O.G.E.K. be the original cartouche? Were the spare receivers sent to rebuild facilities to be used for completing rifles?

[John Beard]

Thanks Rick. One of my references says O.G.E.K. could be late WWII or early post-WWII.

Were these spare receiver guns originally put together by the rebuilding arsenals? Meaning, would the O.G.E.K. be the original cartouche? Were the spare receivers sent to rebuild facilities to be used for completing rifles?

As I recall, Elmer Keith inspected at Ogden Arsenal during the mid-WWII period and was gone by the time the war ended.

Each year, Army Ordnance established a budget for the number of rifles to be overhauled based on reported inventories of worn rifles at the various arsenals and depots. Springfield was then issued a Production Authority to manufacture the anticipated quantity of spare parts, including barrels, receivers, and barreled receivers required to overhaul that quantity of rifles. The spare parts, including barrels, receivers, and barreled receivers, were then shipped out to the various arsenals and depots. Some, of course, were retained at Springfield Armory for use in their overhaul operations.

S/N 14514xx was first assembled to a rifle long before Elmer Keith showed up at Ogden Arsenal.

J.B.