New 1903

[Sweeney]

I just picked up a S.A. 1903 and would like to present it for critiquing.
S.N. 900973 w/ barrel 11/18. Barrel is parkerized.
1941 BF bolt according to metal lot number.
Smooth butt plate.
The stock is marked as 'RI' Rock Island on the nose.
I was/am skeptical of the stock due to it's beautiful appearance (it does have light dings). I've completely disassembled the rifle except for removing the barrel from the receiver, cleaned, lubed and used T9 Boeshield on the finish. In doing so I discovered that the wood under the butt plate and action definitely has an 'old wood' air about it. My thinking is that it is original (to an obvious rebuild) and not faked but had a light sanding at some point... I'm no expert on the markings be they real or not...
I leave it up to the experts... It's a beautiful rifle that functions flawlessly and I'm happy with the purchase. I can't wait to fire it.
Thanks for looking guys! Be honest!

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[John Beard]

I just picked up a S.A. 1903 and would like to present it for critiquing.
S.N. 900973 w/ barrel 11/18. Barrel is parkerized.
1941 BF bolt according to metal lot number.
Smooth butt plate.
The stock is marked as 'RI' Rock Island on the nose.
I was/am skeptical of the stock due to it's beautiful appearance (it does have light dings). I've completely disassembled the rifle except for removing the barrel from the receiver, cleaned, lubed and used T9 Boeshield on the finish. In doing so I discovered that the wood under the butt plate and action definitely has an 'old wood' air about it. My thinking is that it is original (to an obvious rebuild) and not faked but had a light sanding at some point... I'm no expert on the markings be they real or not...
I leave it up to the experts... It's a beautiful rifle that functions flawlessly and I'm happy with the purchase. I can't wait to fire it.
Thanks for looking guys! Be honest!

(1) The serial number and barrel date are mismatched more than usual. I, therefore, expect that the barrel is a later replacement, even though it dates within five months of the serial number.

(2) From what I see and based on your description, the stock appears to be a legitimate Rock Island stock from the WWI period. The "S.A.D.A.L." overhaul inspection stamp and proof marks are legitimate. Not sure about the ordnance bomb, but probably correct.

(3) The cocking piece and magazine cutoff are from a WWII Smith-Corona '03-A3.

(4) The handguard is a replacement which dates from the WWII period.

Hope this helps. Congratulations and Happy New Year!

J.B.

[Sweeney]

John, thank you! The gun smith that frequents my local shop where I purchased the rifle gave it his 'blessing' as to being authentic for a WWII rebuild with mixed vintage parts. He is Mitch Mateiko of Brookfield Precision Tool... M1 and M14 guru. His blessing is, of course, a grumbling "Ah, it's a piece of junk...". Then after a few minutes he points out all nice bits and nuances and tells you what he really thinks... He said it was a definite keeper and shooter.
It had just been put on the rack in the shop 15 minutes before I walked in to see if my STG 58 had arrived. I still don't have the STG, BUT...
Cheers!

Oh, BTW, what would a correct barrel date be for this 1903?

[John Beard]

Oh, BTW, what would a correct barrel date be for this 1903?

An exact barrel date match for S/N 900973 would be S.A./7-18. Of course, 1-2 months either way would be within the expected range.

Hope this helps. Happy New Year!

J.B.

[Kirk]

I've encountered a similar RIA stock on a Drill Rifle from the CMP so your stock is definitely in the realm of possibility. Your stock appears to have been lightly sanded, common during overhaul.

[Sweeney]

Thanks. I'm pretty confident it is all correct... for an arsenal overhaul I'm very happy with after I completely tore it down, cleaned and greased it. I just ordered a few spares for it from Bill Ricca and I'm getting Bill Bentz' USMC sights so I don't need a hand lens to find the front blade. I was going to get a new sight base to make swapping easy but Ricca didn't have any so I may make my own. I'm use to the front sights on my Garands and M14s.