1903 NM Rifle Redfield Sight

[Rick the Librarian]

The information about NM rifles being drilled and tapped for a Lyman was not correct. As I recall, Lymen rear sights could be gotten as an "option". They were not "standard equipment" on NM M1903s.

[saint]

Mike D, As I try to mesh your input (great reference!) with the input from Cosine26, I arrive at the following conclusion: The NM configuration 1903 that I have was possibly drilled for a receiver sight by some organization (unknown or Springfield Armory) who did this for the DCM or it could have been what you refer to as "kinda bubba'd" by a previous owner. Since my gun has the drawing numbers on the butt stock (C-style) and the hand guard as well as a star gauged barrel, I am assuming my gun came from the DCM, but I understand that it could also have been a gun that someone put together from parts and even drilled the receiver for a sight. If the latter happened, I find it strange that the person would have 'settled for' a Redfield sight instead of a Lyman, but I guess that is also a possibility.
Thanks for the great information. It has been very enlightening.

[Chuckindenver]

couple things..
Williams, Redfield, Lyman, Kings, all share the same dems for mounting holes. they were pushed at the market of the Winchester, Remingtons that were already drilled for a receiver sight.{left side} and all were that dem, the drilling fixtures made, were of that same dem as well, holes that are to wide or not wide enough, were likely done without a fixture.
the best way to tell if the holes were done by SA or military match armouror , is to look at the holes.
are they straight? crisp? threads nice, no damage or burrs left on the inside bolt rail? is there a slight grinding mark on each hole, even a large one? does the bolt have a spot ground out to clear the binding knob? is the stock cut crisp , sharp and fit the sight nice and tight?
a SA or Military done sight will have nice, crisp holes, no aneal or grinding marks, they will be straight, and the bolt will clear the binding knob easy.
the stock cut will be nice, straight, crisp,, and not done with a jack knife.
SOME, NM rifles were modified for the Lyman rear target sight, and most of those done that way, also came with the headless cocking rod and reverse safety, so that the shooter could get up close to the sight, iv seen them both with a C stock, and a crasping groove stock.
iv have not seen a 1903A1 that was drilled for the rear target sight by the military or SA...not that it didnt happen,..iv just not seen one.
most of the NM rifles iv seen were not drill for the rear target sight.

[Rick the Librarian]

Keep in mind that M1903s were very common and relatively cheap in the 1950s and 1960s. They were often seen as "work guns", not as collector's items.

Also, the stock and drawing number was seen on ALL late 1930s stocks and handguards - it is not just seen on NM and DCM rifles.

[saint]

All,
I am very pleased that I joined this website. The information that I have gotten from all has been outstanding. I sure know a lot more today than I did a few days ago. Unfortunately, one sometimes finds an interesting gun for sale and he can either go home and start researching it and risk someone else buying it, or he can make an executive decision and buy and learn later. I have previously owned several 1903's, 1903A3's and even a 1903A4. This 'supposedly' NM 1903 was one that was sold to a local gun shop by the daughter of an elderly gentleman who had recently passed away (like the "Little old Lady from Pasadena"). It certainly has all of the appearances of being 'proper' for the time-frame in which the gentleman lived.
From what I have learned on this website, I am happy that I purchased it.

[Rick the Librarian]

Even if it has a few "warts", there's nothing wrong with owning it.

[Mike D]

Saint - Whether a receiver sight is "correct" or not for your gun, a Lyman 48 would certainly "look" correct. Meaning, if it were me, I'd put a Lyman on there. JMO

Regardless of what receiver sight is on the rifle, I think I can speak for everyone here and say, "We would love to see some pics!"

Sounds like you have a fine rifle.

[sniper188]

added on.
Lyman was the choice for NM rifles if rear target sight was installed, likely it was added or the Lyman was sold or lost, Redfield cost 30.00 to 50.00 , and a Lyman will fetch 75.00 to 150.00

ChuckinD is right. I have a original 1934 Price List from Dir. of Civilian Marksmanship to members of the NRA. The standard NM at 8 1/2# was $40.90. The Style T NM at 14# with a heavy barrel, Winchester hooded front and Lyman 48 rear sights was $85. Thats lots of bucks in
1934. Thats the only non mil. option they show, at least in 1934.

[saint]

Uploaded pictures of the 1903 Springfield with Redfield receiver sight.

[saint]

Sorry,
I had 10 neat pictures, but I could not get them to upload. I am having trouble determining how to do this.