P14 marking 1903 on barrel

[Ravenhill]

I have an early Winchester P14 but it appears to have an Eddystone stock, no finger groove and the volley sight dial is stamped E.Possibly replacement at Weedon repair
Is there a way to trace the manufacturing or acceptance date from the serial number? W59xxx
The barrel just behind the foresight is stamped 1903. Were barrel blanks for Springfields used in the early runs of the .303.
It appears that this was accepted by the British army and Weedon repair carried out by W W Greener.
Any help greatfuly accepted

Information

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[Promo]

Below the rear handguard you'll find the barrel manufacturing date, if it's still the original barrel. If it also has the rifles serial on the barrel, it is the original barrel.

Usually the P.14 stocks also had a circled IE, IR or IW on the butt of the stock. It it doesn't have the finger groove, it's most possibly an Eddystone stock.

[Ravenhill]

Thanks for that. I am sure it is an Eddystone stock, my main query in with the 1903 stamped on the barrel, any ideas?

[Surpmil]

Anything is possible at this distance of time: for example, an owner making use of what he had or parts he found to get the rifle he wanted in the cheapest way possible.

[Ravenhill]

Many thanks, The rifle appears untouched from Weedon repair in 1939 and shoots well with last 5 round group having a 2 inch group at 100 metres with 150gr Sierra SP. Will hopefully get chance in next few weeks to try same load at 2 and 300.

[RC20]

A 1903 barrel does not have 1903 stamped on it. Depending on era, its XX/M-yr in.

Ie. SA 9-19 would be Springfield Armory. RI, RA, JA, HS, SC would be other mfgs of 1903 and 1903A3 (no rear sight sleeve).

How long is the barrel? SA did not make any blanks for the Pattern 14. The whole barrel profile is different.

Count the groves, it will be 5 (left hand twist).

I do not think a 1903 barrel could be made to fit, even a blank would be wrong fit to the receiver

I wonder if the stamp is marred and possibly a European month and date format?

[Ravenhill]

Thanks for that will try and get pics of markings posted shortly

[emmagee1917]

A 1903 bbl would be about 24 inches long , an Enfield about 26.
Chris