1907 Springfield Model 1903

[Rick the Librarian]

RCS, to be honest, I was not aware of the specific difference in the "square" P stamps, although it wouldn't surprise me. I am reasonably certain that the "square P" was used during WWII - whether the other variation dates to post-WWII, I'm not aware. Unless the rifle was being prepared to be sold through DCM, I doubt the Army would have wasted time inspecting or overhauling a low-numbered M1903 post-WWII. Of course, the stock could have been replaced by a previous civilian owner.

[RCS]

Rick, When I first received a load of the Wisconsin "Barn wood" stocks back in the late 1980's. I did find some stocks with a square P stamp (M1, M1903 & carbine) at this time, I asked Billy Pyle about the P proof in the square stamp. Billy Pyle stated to me that the P in the square was a post WW2 stamp even used up to 1960(M1) and also found on M14 stocks. Later when Charles Redfield wrote an article for "The Garand Stand Report" with detailed line drawings concerning all rebuild WW2 and post WW2 rebuild stamps, the P in the square was also listed as a post WW2 rebuild stamp. It was with the "barn wood" stocks that I was able to determine the different P in the square rebuild depots and arsenals markings.

If there is any kind of documentation or evidence that the P in the square was used during WW2, I would really like to know, if I had the wrong information Robert

[Harlan (Deceased)]

That makes perfect sense to me RCS and Rick (who have both forgotten more about 1903's and 1903-A3's than I'll ever know)

The stock is clearly from a much later WWII era, 1903-A3. All of the markings on the stock are correct for a WWII 1903-A3, and NONE of the stamps are from the WWI era. NONE of the markings have any connection with the earlier 1903 that is in the newer stock now. The original WWII faded "FJA"[/B] inspection stamp is from when it was newly made in WWII, the other newer arsenal stamps on the left side are from later. As said, the pins in the stock are from a WWII 1903-A3. They only used pressed-in pins on the early WWII 1903-A3's. The original faded and circled 'P' is the original 'Proof' stamp from when the original 1943 1903-A3 was proof fired with a heavy load before it was passed on and accepted.

I know y'all all know this, but this I am trying to respond to 68GT390 so that he understands clearly that one of the stock's markings have anything to do with his rifle.…
ALL of the markings on this stock are from the history of the original WWII 1903-A3 that was in the original WWII 1903-A3 rifle, and have nothing at all to do with the early 1903 barrel/action that has been placed into this later WWII era 1903-A3 stock. The early 1903's will fit into 1903-A3 stocks, but the 1903-A3 stocks came out much, much later and have different characteristics. I feel the armories directed the later stocks to fit earlier 1903's just for logistical reasons. I have seen the 'box' Proof stamp on a few rebuilt M1 carbines in the past, and I would tend to agree it is a rebuild 'proof' from at least later in WWII or most likely after WWII. (JMO)

[68GT390]

Thank you Harlan.
I am in the process of giving the stock some Tung Oil and detailing the disassembled components. There are many "R" stamped parts that I will try to photograph as well as the barrel rifling.

[Harlan (Deceased)]

Hi 68GT390

Just trying to help. The 1903 and 1903-A3 were a mystery to me a while back too.

[68GT390]

Here's a few close up pictures of various stampings. Note the bottom of the receiver with the numerous stamps.

[Hercules Powder]

1908 '03 stock markings

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[rayg]

Super nice rifle! Not sure if the rear sight is that early though. My early RI's have the small knobs and the Platinum sight line on the rear sight leaf slider. I thought the early Springfield's had those also. I could be wrong, Ray

[RCS]

Ray, Here are some photos of my Rock Island s/n 64145 with RIA 3-07 bbl (nice bore too)

Note the square end on the slide, the leaf is without the top rib.


Attn: Rick the Librarian, Bruce Canfield's new book "The M1 Garand Rifle" on page 452 shows the square P proof rebuild stamp and states it is a post WW2 stampAttachment 57843Attachment 57844Attachment 57845