Receiver Markings?

[lfnel]

I have an early RIA '03 that has the number 8 stamped just above the 1XXXX serial number. What does that 8 mean? I gather that it's a 1904 receiver and the current barrel is marked RA 11-18

Information

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[Mike D]

Welcome to the forum! Not sure on the "8". I believe that serial # would be 1905, maybe later, depending on more digits. Can you post a photo? It would surely help.

[lfnel]

I'm new to this forum, but unless photos are click and drag, I usually don't have much luck posting photos on discussion boards. I don't think a photo would add much in this case anyway, it's simply a small number "8" stamped into the receiver above the serial number.

[John Beard]

I have an early RIA '03 that has the number 8 stamped just above the 1XXXX serial number. What does that 8 mean? I gather that it's a 1904 receiver and the current barrel is marked RA 11-18

The "8" means that someone heated the receiver ring enough to anneal and soften it such that a number could be stamped in it. Shoot it at your peril.

J.B.

[lfnel]

Well now John, that's an interesting thought. I've certainly never shot it nor do I have any intentions to. It's a collector, and I'd think for sure, with that early of SN and with an early barrel too!

[Tom in N.J.]

I have a 1904 SA receiver that has the number '39' stamped on the left side of the receiver. This receiver now sports a .22 M2 barrel with a Sedgley composite rear sight. I always thought it was one of the ones re-heat treated by one of the commercial outfits in the 1930s....