1903 Rod Bayonet Rifle Question

[Jim Tarleton]

I got it from a friend. They are very hard to find, as you probably already know. Every RBR rear base I have seen for sale or not really RBR bases.

Jim

[vintage hunter]

Now I'm really jealous, you have an RBR and the very rare ''kit'' coon that goes with it.

[John Beard]

John, that handguard was a real RBR handguard someone shortened about 2 inches, but left the barrel clip intact. I got it for $35. I now need a crackerjack wood worker to restore it. 100% RBR now - no repro parts whatsoever.

Jim

I've heard many people extoll the woodworking virtues of Rick borecky. You might want to contact him. I know he has lots of scrap stocks and handguards to select from.

J.B.

[Jim Tarleton]

V'ger is one of many I have had. I released V'ger when she hit adulthood as I believe no wild animal is truly happy being a pet. She was a hoot. I still pick up pictures of her in the woods, and I leave feed for her in the barn (where I released her) and she comes in and woofs down the chow occasionally. I walked in while she was there once, but she wouldn't come to me, which means she made the transition. She was particularly fond of the RBR.

For the sake of others who might wish to try the same technique, when I began to collect 03's, I decided I wanted a real bone fide RBR. When I saw the prices they brought, I decided I would "part" one together with real RBR parts. It took many years and many good friends in the collector community to put it together. The cost was way more than I ever expected. Every piece of that puppy (from buttplate to bayonet) cost a ton of money on the open market (stock> $1000 for example). It was tough to lay down that kind of money not knowing you would ever find all the parts. I could not have done it without the help of friends and kind collectors who parted with spare parts, and I thank them profusely. I actually recommend the exercise for anyone who wants one badly enough. You will meet some really fine people, which turned out to be the best part of the whole adventure. I sometimes think of selling this one and doing it all again, but I don't think I can get all my money out of this one. After all, even though every part is real RBR, it is a parts rifle.

Jim

---------- Post added at 10:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:44 PM ----------

I've heard many people extoll the woodworking virtues of Rick borecky. You might want to contact him. I know he has lots of scrap stocks and handguards to select from.

J.B.

Thanks, John. I will call him. I have seen his work, and he is very good.

Jim

[Mike Haas]

Jim Tarleton - Check your PM's..Mike

[RCS]

Jim, Back in 1983, I use to buy Winchester Hi-Wall rifle parts such as the breech block and firing pins from Ben Rice of Cherry Hill NJ 08003 (he has since died) He made the Winchester breech blocks from 4140 steel with either a small or large dia firing pin hole. On his old list of parts were Krag handguards and he even made ram rod bayonet handguards with the two rivets.

I am certain Rick B. would be a good choice Bob

[P-07ShortLee]

I got it from a friend. They are very hard to find, as you probably already know. Every RBR rear base I have seen for sale or not really RBR bases.

Jim

They certainly are, you did a good job with that one!

[Jim Tarleton]

Jim, Back in 1983, I use to buy Winchester Hi-Wall rifle parts such as the breech block and firing pins from Ben Rice of Cherry Hill NJ 08003 (he has since died) He made the Winchester breech blocks from 4140 steel with either a small or large dia firing pin hole. On his old list of parts were Krag handguards and he even made ram rod bayonet handguards with the two rivets.

I am certain Rick B. would be a good choice Bob

I once tried to reach Mr. Rice. I understand he was a unique craftsman.

Jim

[John Beard]

Here's a photo of the early RBR rear sight.

Attachment 19840

The two holes at the rear of the leaf are experimental.

J.B.

[Jim Tarleton]

One of three variations I have seen.

Jim