My new 03

[3ky]

I bought this 03 over the weekend. I have owned a 03 and 03a3 in the past but had to sell them long ago. The 03 I use to own was a WW2 rebuild. This one looks like its not rebuilt for WW2. It has its correct stock and the bolt is correct. Only thing is I cant make out the cartouch and its bolt isnt marked. It has the script P and its original barrel which is bright and shiney bore. What are unmolested 03s goin for these days? I seen the post about the highpriced 03a3. I saw a nice 03a3 at a fleamarket and now wondering if I should have bought it instead. LOL I dont plan on getting rid of my 03. I been looking for one in this shape for a long time. Heres some pictures:

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Rick the Librarian]

The rifle has seen better days, but sometimes that is what makes them interesting! The stock may be correct, as is probably the barrel. The inspection stamp MAY be an Augusta Arsenal overhaul stamp. Rock Island ones were somewhat smaller and usually had a date below.

On the bolt, take a look on all sides of the safety lug (in the right of your picture of the bolt) and see if any markings show up.

[John Beard]

The inspection stamp in the stock is indeed an Augusta Arsenal "A.A.J." enclosed in a rectangle. The rifle is interesting.

Thanks for sharing!

J.B.

[3ky]

Yes its interesting 03. Should be a good shooter. Wasn't shot much. MOA 1.5. Bore is bright and shiny.

The cartoche has everyone stumped. Others are saying if it was a rebuild there should be two cartouches. I need to take a few more pictures of that area. Least me and others figured out its AAJ. There was an unknown inspector who marked AAJ. They have him listed in the 30s. Thing is they stopped production of 03s except target rifles in 1927 so what did he inspect? Its not stamped over another stamp. Its just odd.
Bolt id odd too. Only mark on the bolt is the one I show in the picture. Its a correct WW1 bolt. Its not wore out. Its in good shape. I took it apart and no markings on it. It has the gas escape hole in the extractor like it should. Its also odd.
Ya'll want anymore pictures just let me know. Also if anyone has the SRS list please see if it has any hits on it.
Thanks,
Michael

[Rick the Librarian]

Often the "original" stamp got sanded off. Sometimes it is still present, but often, not. Inspectors at Springfield, Augusta and other arsenals were still quite busy in the 1920s and 1930s inspecting rifles and other equipment that was overhauled. There is a AAJ listed for Springfield, I think in Brophy. I'm not sure if it is legimate, but the one on your rifle is definitely a rebuild stamp, not original.

[Lancebear]

Michael,

Are there any numbers stamped behind the tang, behind and in front of the trigger guard assembly? And also in front of the top of the butt plate? It seems that a lot of Augusta Arsenal stamped stocks have numbers in the locations I have asked about. Your rear sight leaf might me a Springfield, curved legs on the sevens, Ria's have straight legs. Very nice and interesting rifle. I have an original RIA barreled receiver in a Springfield GG stock just six hundred or so numbers lower than yours. Your rifle has a lot of character and the receiver was probably struck in early 1919.

Lancebear

Lancebear

[3ky]

Your right about the number. It has a 4 stamped behind the trigger guard which is in front of the script P. Also right about the curved 7s on the sight leaf. Is the H stamped on the bayonet lug correct for a RI? I wonder if i should try to make it correct? I had fun doing a late war Inland M1 carbine. I don't know I'll probably leave it be. Least its not a WW2 rebuild. It has most of its WW1 parts. Any guesses on the bolt?
Thanks for letting me know and teaching me something.
Michael

[Lancebear]

Your right about the number. It has a 4 stamped behind the trigger guard which is in front of the script P. Also right about the curved 7s on the sight leaf. Is the H stamped on the bayonet lug correct for a RI? I wonder if i should try to make it correct? I had fun doing a late war Inland M1 carbine. I don't know I'll probably leave it be. Least its not a WW2 rebuild. It has most of its WW1 parts. Any guesses on the bolt?
Thanks for letting me know and teaching me something.
Michael

Hey Michael,

Don't dare do a thing to your fine rifle, except clean the metal with Hoppe's and a nylon brush, then add oil. I wouldn't touch the stock. Strip the bolt, clean it and grease the mainspring. Bolt info is on Vishooter.com. It would be nice if you would post a full right, left side photo of the rifle if that is not too much trouble. Think the "H" on the lug is right, don' change anything, you got a fine rifle. Shoot!

LB

[Rick the Librarian]

As I recall, the H on the upper band was only used on Springfields, not Rock Island M1903s. It stood for "hardened" and was used on all SA upper bands after @ 1910 IIRC.

I also agree I wouldn't change anything. The scarcity and expense of finding correct parts make it nearly impossible.

Not sure what to say on the bolt. A "3" and a "7"? Any other markings on any other side (like the "top" or front) of the safety lug?

[3ky]

No other markings on the bolt. I plan on leaving it alone. Its parts are WW1 era not WW2 which I was wanting. It being rebuilt after WW1 isn't bad. It should make a good shooter.

Here's some side pictures: