Interesting Rock Island 1903

[hsr]

I was at a small local gun show this afternoon and I saw what I thought was an interseting Rock Island M1903. It had a serial number of 388,xxx (not trying to hide the number, I was just interested in the first 3 digits to see it it was low number or high and didn't really notice the last three) with a SA 2/26 barrel. What was interesteding is that it had a very nice stock with only a single rear sock bolt. It had a circle P behind the trigger guard, and you could see where the original inspection mark was but between my eyes and the show lighting I could not make it out. No other markings. The handguard had a straight slope, neither convex or concave. Most of the other parts looked pre WW 2 except for the bold which was Smith Corona and the butt plate which was Remington.

I know Springfield built rifles in the late twenties using Rock Island receivers (I have a 417,xxx Reck Island reciever with a 2/29 SA barrel), but where did this single bolt stock came from? I know Springfield started using a front stock bolt around 1917. Is this possibly a stock they got from Rock Island and therefore is original, or did it just get it during the rebuild that gave it the Smith Corona and Remingtom butt plate?

They were asking $695 and I was tempted to buy it just for the stock, but I resisited.

Information

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[Rick the Librarian]

After over 60 years since the M1903 was used as a service rifle, it would be hard to tell where it came from. Possibly, a former civilian owner changed the stock. During overhaul, most no- or one-bolt stocks were discarded or modified to two-bolt configuration. An early stock usually has a small or lage "S" stamped on the foretip, which would tell the likely source of the stock - small, SA; large, RIA.

I agree it is likely the barrel is original.

[Calif-Steve]

Barrel is very likely original to the receiver. Sounds like a decent deal. Price is Ok, offer $50.00 less and go for it.

[M.A. Fox]

I have a one bolt stock on a Greek return Rock Island. Some rack numbers on the butt and a repair, looks like a L at the tip. No other markings but in excellent shape

[C Dexter]

Is the stock a highwood? That would also add significantly to the value.

[hsr]

Didn't notice