1903 WW2 Rifles

[Rick the Librarian]

I've also seen a number of stocks with SA/GAW inspection stamps and assumed they were rebuilds. Naturally, there is some disagreement about the number of rifles assembled from spare parts during WWII. Some sources say large numbers (in the tens of thousands) ohers say relatively few. I would lean towards the latter.

I'll be interested to see the data, however.

[RCS]

I had a nice Model 1903A3 stock with the SA GAW stamp and have seen the M1903A1 "C" stock with the SA GAW stamp too.

I do have a Winchester M1 stock with the rebuild SA GAW and the AN stamp on the butt, attempted to post

Also could find 22 cal training rifles and M1 carbines with this stamp

[Kirk]

Many happy & warm winter's nights by your fire!

[Lancebear]

Pete,

Your stonework is amazing...you know that though.

Like the Roman arch over the fireplace. That was a nice moment in engineering.

Regards,

Lancebear

[gunluvver]

My 1929 SA 03 came with a 1919 Avis barrel, and an SA GAW 03 scant stock. Hardware was SA 03 except the bolt, which was a Commercial Controls replacement bolt.

[wayne10]

We have the data on the contract between SA and Army. The rifles are well known by collectors but examples are hard to find. They were all delivered according to contract and have all SA parts including stocks and metal. As always, all SRS data is based on government documents. I will be printing any data that exists but would like more samples.

Wayne

[Rick the Librarian]

How many rifles were they contracting for, Wayne?

[John Beard]

Data wanted. Springfield Arsenal manufactured a sizeable amount of newly made 1903's during WW2. They had all milled SA parts, usually 1942 SA barrel, SA manufactured Bolt. semi pistol grip (scant) stock with GAW cartouche.
The guns are original SA made with high number receiver (not the Remington overhauls with some stamped parts and overhaul cartouches). Many have been sporterized or made "correct" by collectors using unmarked or older vintage bolts, straight stocks etc.
I will be publishing numbers, cartouches, and special bolt markings. Please let me know if you have one with the GAW cartouche and the other WW2 milled parts. Wayne

Wayne,

The rifles you describe are listed in the Springfield Armory 1944 and 1945 annual reports as overhauls. I have seen many dozens of them at the CMP and that's exactly what they are. They are assembled from mixed assorted parts. They are not newly made. And they are not necessarily fitted with scant stocks. Serial numbers run all over the spectrum.

My data show that Springfield Armory couldn't have assembled new rifles during that period even if they had wanted to. They had no receivers and most parts of the M1903 rifle were no longer in production (except by spare parts contractors).

If you wish to explore this subject further, please e-mail me at jvbeard(at)knology.net. (use the "at" symbol).

Thanks!

John Beard

[wayne10]

At least two general contracts.

Remington overhauls with mixed parts, many Remington A3 parts, all different stocks, and stamped parts (CMP sales).

Springfield Armory contract. Army went beyond general deliveries and made a contract with SA for 1903 rifles. 1942 SA barrels, scant stocks with GAW cartouche, all milled parts made by SA including bolts and sights. So far, all stocks found were scant with proof and cartouche and 1942 barrels. Stocks made without A3 ring cut (rumors that some were made with cut).

I will be printing photos of stock markings, bolt and barrel markings etc.
Samples are scarce and more needed for more information. All numbers observed were very high numbers.

It appears that original rifles are scarce. Many appear to be "fixed" to conform to pre war configurations.

(John--can not get emails to you).

Cheers,

Wayne

[John Beard]

At least two general contracts.

Remington overhauls with mixed parts, many Remington A3 parts, all different stocks, and stamped parts (CMP sales).

Springfield Armory contract. Army went beyond general deliveries and made a contract with SA for 1903 rifles. 1942 SA barrels, scant stocks with GAW cartouche, all milled parts made by SA including bolts and sights. So far, all stocks found were scant with proof and cartouche and 1942 barrels. Stocks made without A3 ring cut (rumors that some were made with cut).

I will be printing photos of stock markings, bolt and barrel markings etc.
Samples are scarce and more needed for more information. All numbers observed were very high numbers.

It appears that original rifles are scarce. Many appear to be "fixed" to conform to pre war configurations.

(John--can not get emails to you).

Cheers,

Wayne

Wayne,

Check your e-mail.

John Beard