Boy-Oh-Boy Someone did a number on this 1903

[usabaker]

One of my automatic searches alerted me to this 1903 and BOY someone really did a number on it. But knowing me I might end up bidding on it anyhow.






https://www.gunbroker.com/Item/924538423

Information

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[Low & Slow]

Ouch. Well, not stuck closed any more, is it?

[browningautorifle]

That must have been an old drill rifle, all welded together.

[enbloc8]

That poor rifle....

I've never seen a drill 1903 welded up that much though. My first thought was that an overloaded case had failed, and spread molten brass through the action.

[usabaker]

Ouch. Well, not stuck closed any more, is it?

I have not bid on this item, still decding.

---------- Post added at 07:16 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:12 AM ----------

That must have been an old drill rifle, all welded together.

The listing doesn't mention it... https://www.gunbroker.com/Item/924538423

Used, poor condition Rock Island Arsenal Model 1903 in 30-06. This rifle has the serial number 427022, indicating production in 1910. This rifle is in poor condition and is being sold only as a "gunsmith special" or parts gun. The bolt handle appears to have sheared off and the bolt is stuck in the rifle. It appears to have been installed incorrectly and became stuck when manipulated. The receiver has been damaged from the bolt, as seen in the pictures. The stock has significant wear and damage including what appears to be a name engraved on the right side of the stock. The rifle is missing the front sight blade. The rifle appears to retain all other original parts, and the bore condition is impossible to verify with the stuck bolt. The rifle would make an excellent project gun or wall piece. Sold as-is.

[browningautorifle]

I read it and know he didn't mention it. No one would buy something that messed up...maybe... I bet the bolt handle was beaten off while trying to break the weld. "Just give it a good whack"... I'd leave him holding that mess. Can't imagine what you want it for, the wood?

[usabaker]

Can't imagine what you want it for, the wood?

I don't either Jim, just the curiosity of it all. But it's already gone beyond what I'd bid for a train wreck.

[ssgross]

oddly, there isn't a weld on the magazine cutoff, or evidence of one, to prevent one from removing the bolt. Send him a not and ask for pictures out of the stock to see if there is a weld between barrel and receiver. Could be an easy save to just replace the bolt and clean it up.

[enbloc8]

That's not a 1910 serial number for a Rock Island...more like a very late production rifle, 1918-19. That it has a 1928 barrel is curious as well...possibly the receiver was sent along as parts to Springfield and later completed there?

I also noticed the lack of a weld or grind-marks on the cutoff...and notice the claw is missing from the extractor?

Again, it sounds to me like an overloaded round vented and sent molten brass everywhere. Even if the bolt can be removed (intact or in pieces), I'd say check the receiver and barrel for any signs of stress or cracks.

PS - Something I noticed just now. Look at both sides of the receiver ring...there's no gas vent holes at all, neither a Hatcher hole on the left nor the inadequate original hole on the right that was supposed to vent through the extractor. How did that receiver get out of the factory??

[Patrick Chadwick]

"How did that receiver get out of the factory??"

Illegitimately, perhaps? A "lunchtime special" made from failed parts that should have been scrapped but somehow missed the bin?

If so, then this is a long version of a "suicide special". All pressure-bearing parts must be regarded as scrap.