Inherited an M1903 from my father

[Rick the Librarian]

If the serial number is correct, it is a mid-range Remington M1903 - obviously sporterized. The barrel date would be (if the original barrel is still fitted) would be about mid-1942; manufacture date is about July-Aug. 1942.

Maybe post a picture of the overall rifle?

[highpower3006]

I believe that you have a Remington '03 (modified) by the serial number. The barrel date is located near the front sight, but it is likely that the aftermarket front sight that is on it has either partially or totally blocked the date. If you can see the date it will look something like this: RA over 5-42 (not that is is necessarily going to be that exact date).

While I don't normally like the idea of modifying Springfields, it should be noted that those Redfield sights that you dad had installed on that rifle are much superior than the stock sights that came on it. A Remington built rifle is as good as any '03 made and you can certainly shoot it as much as you want to. That is a truly great bit of family heritage that you have there.

Oops, I see Rick has beat me to it.

[res2fr]

Here are some pics of the full rifle, again sorry about the quality:
Attachment 33384Attachment 33385Attachment 33386

[Chuckindenver]

stock is a 1922, .22LR stock. not ment for high power cal,s.

[res2fr]

Try those pics again:
Attachment 33387Attachment 33388Attachment 33389

[res2fr]

Your saying this Model 1903 should not be on this stock? Dont know much about any of this but that surprises me. I know my dad was a Marksman or Sharpshooter through the years in the National Guards and assumed that this might have been the rifle he used during those years, I even have several rounds of 30 cal. Match ammo. with this.
Thanks I'm learning a lot already.

[Calif-Steve]

The stock is indeed for a .22 Springfield. Very commonly used for high power '03 rifles. Looks like a nice 1950's style hunting rifle. Its a keeper, nice for you.

[res2fr]

Thanks everyone for all the help so far. Doesn't sound like any of the mods would have been done prior to my dad having work done. Now I have a couple of questions that I hope fit here. Does this model take or use any sort of clip for holding multi rounds of ammo? I dont see how this would work out from clips that I've seen. Also is it safe to use off the shelf modern 30-06 ammo in this? I've read about this not being good for some of the older rifles.
Again I thank everyone for more info on this already than I've had for the few years that I've had this rifle.

[Calif-Steve]

Very safe indeed. Any standard '03 5 round clip will work. However, as a hunting rifle you really don't need a clip.

[res2fr]

I took a look and can see the front edge of a 5 to the left of the front site and the tail end of a 2 on the right so maybe the 5-42 was not to far off on the date of the barrel. Maybe it is orginal to this rifle.

Thanks