M1903 roll call - if you got one, show it!

[TDH]

Hey TDH,

Does your stock seem to have been scraped? I have one that looks similar to yours, maybe it's just the lighting. Is there a Hatcher hole, a 3/16 or so hole drilled into the left front side of the receiver?

LB

Sorry Lancebear no Hatcher hole. It's a 1906 receiver rebarreled in 1919 and it has a R stamped bolt. Pure mixmaster. There is a real faint cartouche on the left side and the proof P.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[TDH]

Hey TDH,

Does your stock seem to have been scraped? I have one that looks similar to yours, maybe it's just the lighting. Is there a Hatcher hole, a 3/16 or so hole drilled into the left front side of the receiver?

LB

No hatcher hole and it doesn't look to be touched otherwise

[JaxTom]

I have a Rock Island '03 in the 18k range, that i "sporterized" in the 60's. That was all the rage then, it was later I found out about the case-hardened receivers. If i could wave my magic wand I would put it back as-is, because it was in excellent shape.

[CTMC(ret)]

I've both an '03 and an '03A3 - both Remingtons. Both are "nice", shoot well, and are solid mixmasters. My favorite (and, yes, I have shot it...privately) is this Springfield '03 LN sporter.




BSA scope has since been replaced with a very nice Weaver K4 and, as seen in top photo, a solid M1907 sling installed...

[Emri]

From a 1913 service rifle. Shows what a nice job SA did in finishing parts!

[Lancebear]

Hey Emri,

Was case hardening the issue finish on that part in 1913? Have never seen that. Looks like good S&W or Colt antique work. Thanks for the photo.

LB

[Emri]

Hey Emri,

Was case hardening the issue finish on that part in 1913? Have never seen that. Looks like good S&W or Colt antique work. Thanks for the photo.

LB

Hey LB,

Yes, it was. And many years of production before and after. That's why I included it. A lot of folks really don't know what "original finish" parts look like. Here's the cut-off switch from the same rifle.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...toffswitch.jpg

Just like old Colts, etc., the colors are not durable and get faded and worn in no time. Look back at the cocking piece, notice that the colors aren't visible on the back end and top where they weren't protected.

Thanks to JB and others on helping to educate me on what to pay attention to!!

One day when (if?) I get some time I will take some pics of some USMC rifles for you.

Thanks for your input,

Emri

[Lancebear]

Hey Emri,

Thanks for the info. Yea I know about the quick wearing off of the case hardened colors. Do have a couple of Smiths and one Colt that do have nearly all of the finish on the triggers and hammers. Beautiful stuff.

I don't want to do anymore hijacking on this thread, but what other '03 parts were CH'ed? Is that info in Brophy's?

How did you know I like USMC '03's?

First '03 was a very, very Marine rifle. Sure you have seen photos of it. Got two others after, but they don't have as much Marine as the first one. Didn't know a thing about any M1903 at the time and trusted my dealer friends. They would love to have it back. Fat chance. It will remain in the family forever.

Guess I have seen a handful of original rifles but have never seen a trace of case on a single one. That would be a rare bird indeed.

Yea...If you could post some photos of your USMC rifles it would be great. That first one ruined me.

LB

[Faulkner]

Here's a picture of my Remington model 1903(M) as it came out of the wrap from the CMP, followed up with some pictures after it had a full makeover from Dean at DGR.

[Brian Alpert]

This 1903A1 NM came from Springfield Armory in 1947 via a DCM order. Image - TinyPic - Free Image Hosting, Photo Sharing & Video Hosting Image - TinyPic - Free Image Hosting, Photo Sharing & Video Hosting
Image - TinyPic - Free Image Hosting, Photo Sharing & Video Hosting
Image - TinyPic - Free Image Hosting, Photo Sharing & Video Hosting
Image - TinyPic - Free Image Hosting, Photo Sharing & Video Hosting
Image - TinyPic - Free Image Hosting, Photo Sharing & Video Hosting