Frankenrifle? Not sure, any help appreciated

[jrrich]

Hi

I picked up an M1903 rifle at auction a few weeks ago. It was an add-on to an M1917 I wanted. It has an odd combination of parts which my research seems to indicate is barely plausible. Here's the info, any comments on which parts might potentially match would be appreciated. I validated most of this at vi-shooters, and my cursory research indicates during the 30s, there was a bunch of mix and match going on at the factories. I'm trying to figure out whether to shoot it or put it aside as a possible authentic rifle.

Springfield M1903

Stock- seems to be correct for SP. Non-grip. Stamp SA on buttstock. Faint stamp something JA under receiver.

Receiver- 1378xxx which seems to date it at 1931.

Bolt- I 7 stamped on safety lug. I don't think it's original as that would place it in 1915-16 and make it SHT.

Barrel- SA 4-22 plus Ordnance stamp

Right now I'm looking at this as a shooter once I replace the bolt. Is there any chance this particular combination (minus bolt I think) could be genuine?

Information

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[m1903rifle]

Hi

I picked up an M1903 rifle at auction a few weeks ago. It was an add-on to an M1917 I wanted. It has an odd combination of parts which my research seems to indicate is barely plausible. Here's the info, any comments on which parts might potentially match would be appreciated. I validated most of this at vi-shooters, and my cursory research indicates during the 30s, there was a bunch of mix and match going on at the factories. I'm trying to figure out whether to shoot it or put it aside as a possible authentic rifle.

Springfield M1903

Stock- seems to be correct for SP. Non-grip. Stamp SA on buttstock. Faint stamp something JA under receiver.

Receiver- 1378xxx which seems to date it at 1931.

Bolt- I 7 stamped on safety lug. I don't think it's original as that would place it in 1915-16 and make it SHT.

Barrel- SA 4-22 plus Ordnance stamp

Right now I'm looking at this as a shooter once I replace the bolt. Is there any chance this particular combination (minus bolt I think) could be genuine?

Could be an arsenal product, but we need pictures to make a better guess.

[mark1]

JA would be FJA for Frank J Atwood inspector. The SA on the butt would be a rebuild stamp. I7 bolt is from 1915 1916 time frame, single heat treated. Stock with FJA and not grasping grooves is a replacement for the receiver s/n.

[jrrich]

Please let me know if there's any other picture you'd like me to take.

[jrrich]

Attachment 111978Attachment 111979Attachment 111980Attachment 111981Attachment 111982Attachment 111983Attachment 111984

[mark1]

An NS (Nickle Steel) marked bolt would be correct for your s/n. Stock is a replacement with the stock pins. Nice rifle, I would only change the bolt.

[jrrich]

Thanks all for your help with this. New bolt ordered, I'll have it headspaced then I'm off to the range to try it out.

[browningautorifle]

I'll have it headspaced

That will just be for information sake then because unless it's too tight you can't change anything...