1918 M1903 Found and Pictures

[bulldog_mack13]

Joe, I cant remember if you told me what date you thought it was. Could the stock have been put on a 1918 rifle at one point and what date would the stock bolts been added?

I also cant wait for the matching hand guard, Jay

[Mike D]

I think the rear bolt was first added in 1908. The front not until 1918. Given the condition of the stock, the original rifle might not have gone through arsenal inspection until well after WWI, who knows. In that case, both bolts could have been added. Just me guessin'.

The RA-P is Raritan Arsenal. I wonder when they first started doing overhauls?

[woody314a]

According to info gleaned from this and other forums, I believe this stock dates around 1907. The comb indicates it was a Type 1 sock, modified with 2 stock bolts, but the high wood was not removed.This stock could very well have benn installed on a 1918 rifle as some early stocks were modified in the rush of WWI. The 2nd stock bolts were added starting in 1917. All this is surmised by me, according to what I have learned from forums and Canfields book. I would welcome any corrections or additions from more knowledgeable members.

Handguard will go out tomorrow. It's packed, postage is paid, I hope I catch the Mail Lady in time!

Joe, I cant remember if you told me what date you thought it was. Could the stock have been put on a 1918 rifle at one point and what date would the stock bolts been added?

I also cant wait for the matching hand guard, Jay

[bulldog_mack13]

Great , if you didnt get the stock yet you should have it no later than tomorrow.

Im very happy with the stock and set up. Its nice to have a correct 1903 that looks like it was never issued , Jay

[bulldog_mack13]

Latest update on the rifle.

I got the hand guard for it today from Joe / Woody314a to make the rifle complete. Im VERY happy to have it finished and looking so nice. Thanks Joe, Jay

[woody314a]

I'm glad you like it. I am working on your stock now, it needs a lot of work. Looks like a Bubba got a hold of it, but I think I can make it servicable. It should make my rifle easier to shoot (If I ever get around to it). I shoot my 03A3 more, but it has a straight stock too. Kicks like a mule, but shoots very well.
Joe

[bulldog_mack13]

Im trying to upload pictures but I only got one to work. I tried doing reserch on Raritan Arsenal and I didnt find much info on it.

Edit-I cant upload the normal size pictures that I have been doing for some reason.

[bulldog_mack13]

Ok , got it

[rollins74]

Nice rifle. You do have a bit of work to do to get it "correct," but that's the fun of it. My '03 is also a 1918 vintage, which I've made correct. It is from the same time period that my grandfather was in the U.S. Cavalry (5th). A great piece of American history.

[bulldog_mack13]

How much more work does it need to be correct? Im interested to learn to make it right, Jay