Restore 1903 Springfield (Rock Island Arsenal)?

[Not4resale]

My current effort involves a 1903 Springfield (Rock Island Arsenal)
Serial Number is a low 75,XXX (Manufacture Date of 1907)
Re-barreled in 1918 with an Avis Barrel. (Some pitting in bore, but fully functional)

I am considering restoration if I can locate a Rock Island Barrel dated between 1906 and 1909.

Anyone have any suggestions???

Information

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[Mike D]

You see them every now and then on GB and what not. Keep an eye out on the old sporters, some still have original barrels. A sporter with a low #, drilled and tapped receiver can be had for cheap. Along with that comes a crappy bore.

To find one with both sight bases intact, in good original condition and finish, GOOD LUCK! Hope that I don't see it first.

I'm still on the hunt for a nice RIA barreled action for a no-bolt stock I have. Hard to find that stuff!

[LeagleEagle]

That's gonna be a hard one to find, just the barrel, good luck!

[DaveN]

If it was easy it might not be as fun and certainly not as rewarding. As I look for my first 1903 I'll keep a look out for you. Just my 2 cents.

[RCS]

Maybe these photos will help you in your restoration, this Rock Island is s/n 64145 with a RIA 3-07 barrel (exc bore). Note the open bottom on the rear sight base and the early Rock Island rear sight. You never know about barrels - sometimes you find one right away, other times it takes years !Attachment 21719Attachment 21720Attachment 21721Attachment 21722

[Mike D]

Oh, Robert, I'm still waiting!!!

[RCS]

Mike, That is an excellent Rock Island no-bolt stock, you could not find one that is better !
Nice photos too. Any idea what happened to the barreled action and other parts ?

[Mike D]

Not a clue. There is a small crack at the tang and no bushing? Maybe it developed the crack and was replaced. It has obviously sat in a safe for a looong time.

[rscott]

Only here to find out about a RIA 1903 Serial # 6242. Have found out it was manufactured 1903. This has a sporterized stock, recoil pad and civilian sights. front sight is screwed to barrel and hides a 'B_ _', and under that is a '9_ _5'. This rifle was given to me in 1961( I was 15) by a retiring salmon fisherman in Juneau Alaska. Have read conflicting stories on soundness of the rifle and am seeking some knowledge.
The stock looks exactly like the one in the pictures submitted by Mike D

[Rick the Librarian]

If Mike D ever gets tired of holding onto that stock, I sure have a rifle it would look nice on!!

RtL