1903 Help

[BigJack]

Yeah 1:10 groove/twist, have no idea why I typed a '6'.
I checked vishooter and here's where my serial number lands between-
SA 1341060 SA 1-30 D6
SA 13421xx SA 2-20

[BigJack]

Anyone know someone who is REALLY knowledgeable about 1903 in the upstate NY area, around Albany?

[BigJack]

The reason I asked about a knowledgeable 1903 guy in my area is because I would like someone to look at this rifle and tell me what it is/worth. I was looking for a standard issue USGI 1903, and this one is way too much rifle for me. This is for someone really into military matches, I just like to go to the range and shoot- this is meant to be a 1000yd shooter. There's possibility I am going to the gun show in Springfield, Mass this weekend, probably Sunday. Any 1903 guys going to be there?
Thanks again

[Mike D]

I would not be too quick on letting that rifle go. How about a photo of the muzzle? If you really want to know more on the rifle and its value, this is the place, period. I don't think you answered the question on the raceways being polished or not. Is there a Star gauge number under the handguard? Usually a letter and two or three numbers. Lots of folks here that are knowledgeable on NM rifles (not me!). Be patient.

If you want more of a issue type '03, there are plenty out there. The rifle you have could be worth $2000-3000.

[BigJack]

I finally took in apart. I found no serial number on the bolt or under the hand guard. Under the handguard on the barrel I did find what looked like "R 1 0" or maybe the "0" is a 2? On the flat part of the underside of the receiver it's stamped N S, with J J 100 underneath it. The first "J" looks almost like a mis-stamp/double stamp because it's alot lighter than the "J" closer to the 100. I also found what looks like a "98" stamped in the stock.

Here's some pics, what do you think?











---------- Post added at 10:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:14 PM ----------

[Calif-Steve]

This appears to be a very nice issue rifle that has been set up for match use. Nice rifle, not a National Match, that I can tell.

[RCS]

Looks like the Greek stamp under the barrel ?

[BigJack]

I thought the Greeks usually had stamped numbers on the stock, pinned the floorplate and marked it-"B". I haven't read/found anything about marking under the barrel.

Calif-Steve- yeah that's what I figured after reading stuff here, it was missing all the key parts- star barrel, numbered stock/bolt, checkered buttplate. I showed it to a guy this weekend and he said what you did- a nice match rifle but not a national match rifle. He also said it was a military match modified rifle, which I guess means it okay to use in military matches??

[RCS]

It was posted on this forum - about that U type of stamp under the barrel only found on the 1903's returned from Greece

[John Beard]

Your rifle's barreled receiver was manufactured at Springfield Armory in early 1930. "N.S./J100" is the receiver steel lot code (nickel steel) and "R 10" is the barrel steel lot code. The barrel and receiver are an original combination. The barreled receiver was manufactured as a replacement for a low number barreled receiver from a rifle turned in for overhaul. The stock appears to have been manufactured at Springfield Armory prior to 1936. The stock, however, is not likely original to the rifle. Like the receiver, the bolt was also manufactured from nickel steel and "N.S." is the bolt steel lot code. The bolt appears to be contemporary with the rifle's serial number.

The smooth buttplate is from a pre-1921 rifle. The wooden handguard was manufactured during WWII by an Army spare parts contractor is and not contemporary with the rifle. The grooved trigger is contemporary with the rifle.

Although your rifle has been fitted with a receiver sight and made up to be a target rifle, I can see no evidence that the rifle was originally manufactured as a National Match rifle. The target setup appears to be the work of a private individual or gunsmith.

Hope this helps. Thanks for sharing!

J.B.