Noob with 1903 - pic heavy

[Atarian]

Hi all:

First post. Picked up this '03 as a shooter. Seems to be a mixmaster of blued and parkerized parts. Mirror 4/42 barrel. Can anyone shed some light on exactly what I have here? Don't see a whole lot or markings on the small parts. Thanks for any replies.

Information

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[Mike D]

Welcome, nice rifle! An interesting mix of parts. Looks like you need a pin for your front sight base.

The receiver dates to around 1931, the bolt, I think earlier. Early drift slide (horizontal lines touching peep).

The SA 4-42 barrel is also interesting. Your serial # falls into a range of left over receivers that were not finished into complete rifle until the early 40's. There are some serial #'s listed on vishooter's site http://www.vishooter.net/m1903.html that are close to yours with late SA barrels. Particularly 1340xxx with SA 7-42.

Are there any inspector stamps on the left side of the stock? I'm sure some others will have more to say on this.

[Atarian]

Thanks Mike. It appears as if the 'front sight screw' is pretty trashed as well (but is present). Both band screws have seen better days. Can you recommend a source for replacements? The only place I know of is Numrich.

Thanks

[Mike D]

Contact Bill Ricca - Bill Ricca's Home Page He has some screws. Don't know of the finish (new, blue might not match). He's also a member.

[Kirk]

It looks like your rifle has a early bolt shroud & safety. Is the bolt handle straight or slight swept back to the rear? I can't tell from the oblique angles in the pictures.

The Trigger guard & floor plate look refinished. The bolt may have its original finish.

It's a nice looking rifle. Have you been able to shoot it yet?

[Calif-Steve]

You do need a piece or two. Bill Ricca is the ONLY way to go. I have 1-2 1942's barreled '03's. BIG project right after Pearl Harbor to get the Army armed. Looks like you have an early pre-WWI bolt. Any marking under the bolt handle? Nice looking rifle. Good find.

[Mike D]

Looking at John Beards' bolt chart on vishooter's site, the J on the bottom of the safety lug dates it to 1910. Should be straight handle. That bolt looks great and is a nice find! Again, nice rifle.

So, if this gun is one of the ones built from left-over receivers, what stock cartouche would be original?

[Lancebear]

Welcome Atarian,

Nice rifle. Looks like a WWI flat butt plate and an RIA or early Remington sight leaf. Look under for marks. RIA Sight leaves have straight legged sevens, and Remington started off with RIA machinery. Remington usually stamped parts with an "R". Didn't see any in the photos.

Lancebear

[Atarian]

Thanks for all the replies folks. Unfortunately the stock was sanded at some point - the only marking still visible is the 'circle p'. The bolt handle is bent straight down - I understand this is not 'correct' for this early of a bolt? I didn't see any 'R's anywhere. I have not shot it yet, but I plan to this weekend.

I've ordered some screws and the front sight pin. Hope to have her looking a little better.

Thanks again for all the great information!

[Calif-Steve]

You might be on the look out for bolt with N.S. stamped on the top of the bolt handle. The very early bolts are not held in high regard.