1903 Springfield Question

[Sipperley]

I've read that Springfield used a black paint over park on receivers and the last couple of inches of the barrel. Is that why the receiver of this rifle is dark?
Thanks in advance if someone will do a SRS look-up for me.

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[Rick the Librarian]

No SRS match. I believe the finish on the rifle is a Parekerized one; the finish you speak was an asphaltum, not paint IIRC.

[Chuckindenver]

agree with Rick.. they used some type of tar on the rear base down to about the stock, some are done nicer then others. to cut down glare, iv also seen it on the front sight area as well.