RIA barrel

[LiamH]

I have a spare barrel which I purchased at a gun store many years ago. It is marked RIA dated 5/43 at the forend but it also is stamped about half way between ends, VIMU, I am asking if anyone knows what it means, thanks for any help.

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[Rick the Librarian]

Take a closer look - I'll bet the barrel is marked RA 5-43. Rock Island did not make any M1903 barrels after 1922. RA is "Remington Arms" who made large numbers of M1903A3s and parts during this period.

The VIMU is the barrel steel lot code. It was a "record" of what steel company provided the steel at what time.

[LiamH]

Thanks Rick, you are correct it is, RA, The barrel is like new on the inside, but it looks some one was mad at it and pounded some dents in the forend so it is a little hard to read.