Stock Question

[m1903rifle]

The stock is definitely not RIA since it does not have grasping grooves. Any markings on the muzzle end of the barrel behind the front sight?

[boomer656]

Any addition information such as barrel markings, photo of the rear sight, any stock markings ?

The stock is definitely not RIA since it does not have grasping grooves. Any markings on the muzzle end of the barrel behind the front sight?

I took a number of pictures earlier today. Some of which I know what they are, some I have guesses. I didn't get a full image of the rear sight, but I will do that if something can be learned from it. In addition to the markings behind the front sight, I have included an image of a mark on the barrel bottom (inspection?). I've also included a picture of the receiver left side showing the additional gas relief that has been drilled in. Also some of the marks on the receiver bottom.

Images of the marks on the stock are from the left side and the bottom. I could not discern any markings on the right side of the stock. I forgot to get a picture of the butt plate which is a smooth plate that has had chisel marks punched into it.

[boomer656]

Any addition information such as barrel markings, photo of the rear sight, any stock markings ?

The stock is definitely not RIA since it does not have grasping grooves. Any markings on the muzzle end of the barrel behind the front sight?

These are the pictures I've taken so far. I haven't been able to figure out how to caption with the forum attachment process, but most should be self explanatory. All but one were taken to show one or more marks. There is one photo showing the left side of the receiver which has a second gas relief port. All images of the stock are from the left side or the bottom - I could not discern any marks on the right side of the stock.

While I was taking pictures, I forgot to take one of the butt plate. It has a smooth finish that has chisel marks punched in throughout.

[pickax]

Been through a few rebuilds. Good news is, it shows 3 traits of a Marine rebuild as well.
Stippled butt plate
'Hatcher hole' drilled left side receiver
Horizontal 'plumbers table' marks on barrel near receiver.
Congrats!

[m1903rifle]

It's in good company. From the SRS tables:

287451RI 07/17/18 RIA (GAUGED

287566 07/20/31 USMC - SAN DIEGO
287587 03/16/31/USMC - HAITI

287613 11/04/30 USMC
287617 07/15/30 USMC - NICARAGUA

[boomer656]

..... I forgot to get a picture of the butt plate which is a smooth plate that has had chisel marks punched into it.

Here's a pic of the butt plate.

Attachment 91454

[pickax]

I PM'd Steve Norton with a heads up to take a look at this thread. He has made quite a study of the Marine rifles, and is the 'go to' guy.
I think the bolt and stock where replaced in the later Raritan rebuild, but I'm far from an expert.

Edit: boomer656, Sme good pics of the front and rear sights markings may be useful as well.

[BEAR]

Your stock is made for a Remington 1903. Not the 1903A3, although the 1903 will fit in the A3 stock, however an A3 will not fit into an 03 stock. The left side of your stock has overlapping stamped markings that kind of blend together. Hopefully the pictures can clear up any confusion.
Attachment 91480
The RA-P as already mentioned is a rebuild stamp for the Raritan Arsenal. Probably went through there toward the end of the war.
Attachment 91481
Underneath the RA-P is the RA(Remington) and the boxed FJA is the Ordnance inspector's initials (Frank J. Attwood).
Attachment 91488
What makes it a 1903 stock instead of a A3 stock is the lack of the handguard ring cutout just forward of the receiver on the stock.

BEAR

[boomer656]

Is the shape of the trigger guard different on RIA's? I like it, maybe it just the angle the picture was taken from.

I don't know if it is different or not, perhaps another member does. Here is another picture, about as straight on as I can get. If it is some other angle you need, let me know.

[boomer656]

I PM'd Steve Norton with a heads up to take a look at this thread. He has made quite a study of the Marine rifles, and is the 'go to' guy.
I think the bolt and stock where replaced in the later Raritan rebuild, but I'm far from an expert.

Edit: boomer656, Sme good pics of the front and rear sights markings may be useful as well.

Thanks for passing that info on.

Here are some pics of the front and rear sights. I didn't note any markings on the front sight, but I included some pics anyway. I did find marks on the rear sight. Let me know if there is something else you'd like to see.