Should i get this RIA

[grimm]

I'm thinking about trading for this RIA but am new to the 1903 platform. All ive seen are these pics of it. It is supposed to have come from a guy whos grandfather used it during WW1. Can anyone tell me anything from the photos? I'm considering trading a S&W 629 for it. Thanks

Information

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[Rick the Librarian]

It has a replacement barrel and started out as a M1903 in 30-03. Chances are excellent that the story of the grandfather using it in WWI is just that - a story. The rifle is very nice looking. The barrel is a replacement, as I said - the receiver dates to about 1905 or so. Are there any markings on the left side of the stock? The stock is either a no-stock bolt or one stock bolt, which dates to 1913 or before. Also look for any other markings on the bolt (especially the safety lug - look on all sides - located about halfway up the bolt body. Also, look for either a 1/8" or 1/4" "S" on the foretip of the stock (the "wedge" you see when looking down the muzzle).

I have no idea what the going value of a S&W 629 is. I would need to see more detailed pictures and information on the rifle before giving you an idea as to value. It could run anywhere from $800-2000 depending on the details.t he rifle may be an "old rebuild from pre-WWI.

[grimm]

Thanks for the reply. The pistol alone is worth about 800. I'm setting up a meeting to inspect the rifle for this weekend. The guy who has it said he got it from a professor at his collage who told him his grandfather had carried it while he was in the military and had passed it down. Any thing else i should look for when i see it? again, thanks for your time. Leo

[Rick the Librarian]

Again, look on the left side - if there is a CN stamp with a date in a "box" the stock may be original and the rifle is probably worth at least $800, maybe considerably more. If there is a combination letter/numbers stamped on the safety lug, it would depend on what it was if it was original to the rifle. The rifle appears to have been blued, rather than Parkerized, which would also date the parts to WWI or before.

Obviously, look at the bore, although it may need a good cleaning.

Keep us posted what you find. A gain, take the "veteran" story with a grain of salt. As we say here, "Buy the gun, not the story".

[browningautorifle]

The 629 is not worth nearly what this 1903 is but if both parties are happy then it's a fair trade. It's easy to gauge your 629 value if you look at gunbroker. The important part is you can get a 629 any day of the week. Not so much with this fine 1903.

[Rick the Librarian]

I would agree (although, again, it would be nice to have more info). I think you're pretty safe in getting a trade. Would like to see more pictures/information if and when you get the rifle.

[grimm]

Well guys, the deal fell thru. Thanks to all for the info. Leo

[Fred G.]

How much cash did the guy want for it straight across, or how much cash did he want on top of the trade if he wanted the trade at all?

[grimm]

He wanted a total of $1500.00

[Fred G.]

That'd be just OK of a price to my way of thinking except for one thing. It looks like there is a metal strip on the right side and passing under the rear barrel band that is meant to re-attach the forearm that had been cut off. How it was done was the worst possible way to have done it. I'd sell a bunch of stuff to come up with the money if it weren't for that. As it is, only the very best repair done by an experienced antique furniture or stock repairman could pretty much hide it. There's probably another such repair on the other side of the stock. Bummer! Heck, it's a great looking rifle other than that!.