RCS, Thanks for posting those photo's. That's a very impressive collection you have at your fingertips. Makes a great reference! By comparison, I only have one other 1903. It's another RIA made just after the heat treatment changes. (I did own a sporter when I was in high school that's long gone - remember the days when a high school kid could buy a rifle?). Anyway, I did pull my later 03 out to do those comparisons, but having the uninstalled parts to look at is even better.

Attachment 97019


The photo's I shared of the front and rear sights (& bases) were intentionally taken to show the specifics that were unique to the ramrod bayonet barrels that were shortened for the 30-06 cartridge. As you know, those things (that I am aware of) are the front sight base pin location, the exposed slot/keyway at the rear of the front sight base, and the no longer used transverse groove visible through bottom of the rear sight base. Since those differences are expected, I figure there must be something else visible in the photo's to have a determination made they were installed by a non-professional. Since I posted this thread so I could learn things, I'd like to know what those things are. Thus my earlier question for elaboration. When you're looking at these photos, do you see anything that raises a flag?