Pics of my first M1903

[Rick the Librarian]

If the receiver does date to 1930, a 1905 barrel wouldn't be unusual. Keep in mind that many receivers in the late1920s and 1930s were made as "spare parts" and were often mated to parts from earlier rifles, which had the receivers scrapped. The stock was originally made for a Remington 1903 or 193A3 rifle from World War II.

[RCK]

Just a thought, could the 1 and the last 3 have been added. Would the serial number than be in the range of the barrel date?

[Jim Tarleton]

I'm looking at that serial and wondering if the "1" has been added to make it appear to be a high number. Someone who collects low numbers could be more certain, but the style of the script sure looks right for a 1909 rifle. My question would be should the "1" be so plain. I think not, and the spacing is wrong, too. If it is a low number there are some concerns RE the safety of the rifle with full power ammo; many who shoot low numbers, if they do so at all, use very mild loads. Others say they should not be fired at all. Hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, but you may have been sold something that was not what you thought. Hopefully someone else will jump right in and say I'm wrong; hope so...

I enhanced the photo of the receiver ring and using a caliper, I measured the distance between numerals and the height of each. The spacing and heights are correct.

What is odd is what appears to be an inletted insert into the stock mortise beneath the front receiver ring.

Jim

[Lancebear]

Hey Duke,

Nice rifle, does it have a Hatcher hole? About a three sixteenth inch diameter hole in the front left of the receiver just above the wood. What does the buttplate look like?

The combination of your rifle having the Hatcher hole? and the dink in front of the serial number could indicate USMC use at one time.

Two more things. Stick a toothpick into the slot at the rear of the front sight base. If the measurement is 0.20" then your '05 barrel is an original Rod Bayonet barrel which was modified for the thirty ought six cartridge. One of our experts here has several '05 barrels and has stated that they are exceptional. Not cheap either if a good one. Another indicator of your barrel having been altered would be a pin through the front of the front sight base.

Let us know what you see.

Best regards and thanks for sharing your rifle with us,

Lancebear

[bigduke6]

Hey Duke,

Nice rifle, does it have a Hatcher hole? About a three sixteenth inch diameter hole in the front left of the receiver just above the wood. What does the buttplate look like?

The combination of your rifle having the Hatcher hole? and the dink in front of the serial number could indicate USMC use at one time.

Two more things. Stick a toothpick into the slot at the rear of the front sight base. If the measurement is 0.20" then your '05 barrel is an original Rod Bayonet barrel which was modified for the thirty ought six cartridge. One of our experts here has several '05 barrels and has stated that they are exceptional. Not cheap either if a good one. Another indicator of your barrel having been altered would be a pin through the front of the front sight base.

Let us know what you see.

Best regards and thanks for sharing your rifle with us,

Lancebear

Some pics showing front sight but has the protector over it (Should i take this off or leave on?), pic not very good but the letter is a U and also on the berrel band same U, no hatchet hole on left of the reciever also pic of butt plate,

[Lancebear]

Hey Big,

I think you are supposed to take the sight cover off to shoot.

To take it off, insert a small diameter shaft screwdriver through it and hold the front of the barrel with one hand and put the fingers of your other hand on both sides of the shaft and pull up sharply. Don't pull towards your face, could get a nasty punch. The sight base will be scratched but it was done already when the cover was installed. You'll then be able to see if the sight base pin is in the front or rear.

Death to tyrants,

Lancebear

[bigduke6]

hope these may shed some light, also had look underneath action and only stamp in stock is W

[Lancebear]

Hey Big,

Thanks for the photos. Looks like you are now the proud owner of a rifle with an altered Rod Bayonet barrel. That's a good thing! Congrats! Don't know about the "W" on the stock, maybe someone like J.B. will tell us. Guess it is an inspection mark?

Death to tyrants and their toadies,

Lancebear

[bigduke6]

Thanks Lance,
I am at the range on friday will see how it shoots, bore looks good apart from last inch at the muzzle may have to counterbore, but think will keep it as it is.

[Griff Murphey]

So how did it shoot?