1903a4 stock

[Dusty]

Is this original or a replacement? Any help would be appreciated, thanks.Attachment 24722Attachment 24721Attachment 24720Attachment 24719

Information

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[Harlan (Deceased)]

I'd say real. The replacement C stocks have a 'K' in the cut off recess. That one also has all the acceptance markings on it of a gun from as assembled too.

[Calif-Steve]

The "S" in the cut-off is a Springfield stock. The very early 03-A4's had Springfield wood. I honestly can not tell from the photos. Really need JB or Rick to take a look.

[JGaynor]

The rifle has been thru a rebuild. But the stock is most likely an early Springfield original that was recycled. If you post the rifles serial number and barrel date we can be of more help.

Regards,
Jim

[Chuckindenver]

though likely a real A4 and an early A4 stock, the cut has been messed with by somebody other then the military..
all the early stocks iv looked at had much nicer cuts..iv seen nice original A4 stocks that someone did the same thing to, thinking they were helping the bolt clear.

[Dusty]

Thanks, everyone. The bolt cut out was what had me wondering. It is on sn. 3425877 and has a 9-43 barrel.

Thanks again.

[Rick the Librarian]

When it comes to M1903A4s, wood or otherwise, I whistle quietly, increase my pace and walk on by!!

[m1903rifle]

I agree that it is an original and real A4 stock, and appropriate for the serial number. The later serial number range had mostly scant grip stocks. The stock could very well be original to the rifle, although the stock shows two P proof marks and some sanding both of which would indicate some level of re-build.

[peteinca]

I would think that serial number 3425xxx would have had the RA stamp on the stock if was original to that rifle.

[JGaynor]

Thanks, everyone. The bolt cut out was what had me wondering. It is on sn. 3425877 and has a 9-43 barrel.

Thanks again.

Dusty thanks for the additional detail. A 9/43 Barrel is correct for s/n 3425877. That rifle was probably assembled in January 1944 and would more than likely have had a contractor provided scant stock. When rifles went in for rebuild they were initially taken to pieces and the parts or at least the major subassemblies went in different directions to be inspected, refinished and possibly reused . This would account for the "faded" (sanded) original marks and the sharp block "P" mark when the rifle was reproofed. Also I note there are six sub-inspector's marks. A4's usually had five but I believe Remington had a contract to rework some of these rifles either late in the war or right after it.
As to the bolt cut out I am not ready to condemn it. It certainly looks old enough (e.g. no sign of fresh cuts sanding) Also according to reliable sources the earliest A4's had the notches cut individually by hand. Whether this was done entirely with hand tools (rasps, chisels etc) or with a manually guided power tool I don't know. But by the time rifle 3425877 was assemnbled the production engineers had arranged for automation of the process either at Remington or the stock subcontractor's. The later cuts are much more regular.
I hope this information is of assistance to you.
If it would not be too much to ask could you let me know if your rifles has a 2 groove or 4 groove barrel and if there are marks of any kind on the under side of the barrel about an inch or inch and a half back from the muzzle. Thanks.

Regards,

Jim