Restoration of low serial numbered Model 1903 rifle

[RCS]

I had posted this sometime before but lost the photos. This started out about 15 or 20 years ago as a Springfield low numbered receiver (no Hatcher hole) with a Rock Island RIA 5-18 dated barrel (exc bore) that I received in trade. I had put this project away and sort of forgot about it. Not long ago, I found some Springfield 1903 serial numbers from USMC rifles used at Belleau Wood during WW1. My serial number 606103 was among these numbers, but without Springfield Research documentation. I decided to restore this rifle to a post WW1 USMC rifle.

The receiver and barrel had been hot blued, the RIA 5-18 barrel, was from information found only used on WW1 rebuilds. Chuck in Denver refinished the barreled action and did an excellent job. I had an original set of USMC sights and a nice DAL cartouched stock. Bolt was also period correct.

Information

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[cplstevennorton]

*edit, I read that wrong.

There are some definite close ones to yours that were issued to Marines at BW. 606113 is the closest.

[browningautorifle]

606113 is the closest.

That is close...too bad it's not perfect. That would be a neat piece to have. Are any known?

[cplstevennorton]

So far I've never seen a hit. But the chances aren't very good they even exist anymore.

A good portion of the WWI Marine M1903 receivers were swapped with RIA in the 20's. Which probably means the Army Scrapped them.

[RCS]

The only DAL carouched stock that was available for my restoration is a US Navy marked stock and also have a shovel cover from the same Battleship too

[Chuckindenver]

my secret aging process looks great, glad it turned out the way you like

[browningautorifle]

Maybe you can apply some of that secret aging to me next...

[Chuckindenver]

it doesnt work the other way, were all doomed to be old,