Looking a gift horse in the mouth, please help me research this '03

[Corpsmans Kid]

First timer here so lets have some fun.

I have been given a 1903 Springfield rifle by a gracious relative.

The receiver is stamped:
Rock Island Arsenal
Model 1903
329XXX

Barrel is stamped:
SA
9-42

Stamps on stock include:
On left side, just above trigger AAE
Just to the right of the above is a very faint A


On bottom just ahead of floor plate:
M Q
They are not together, they are offset from each other.

Just behind the trigger, on the bottom:

A faint P in a circle, sans serif
A clear P in a square, with serif
Looks like the top part of a P, or maybe a D, with no circle or square around it.

The front sling band had a stamped groove running down the middle of the band, stopping just short of the swivel.

It has the bolt blocking device on the left side.

Ladder type rear sight.

Is missing the screw at the rear of the trigger assembly, so the trigger housing is a bit loose. Where would be a good source for this screw? (Ignore that, there are sponsors that have what I need and more, will be placing an order soon)

The stock has no pistol grip to it at all, it is not even a "scant".
The wood is extremely dark, almost black.
I will probably clean it and apply BLO or Tung oil. I will not sand it, would just like to get it to "Factory" finish.

Can anyone share with me the story of this weapon?

Information

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[CptEnglehorn]

High Number Rock Island Receiver, AAE is an Augusta Arsenal Rebuild Stamp, Springfield Armory Replacement Barrel, is there any markings on the bolt, on top of the handle, under it, or on the safety lug. It is in a straight stock, does the stock have finger(grasping) grooves ?. If you can get some decent pictures that would help alot.

[Corpsmans Kid]

The bolt handle is an angled one and has a small "r" stamped where the dog leg meets the bolt. Will try to get some photos posted. Straight stock, no pistol grip at all and no grooves on the stock.

[Rick the Librarian]

A definite mixmaster. Remington bolt and probable Remington stock. WWII replacement Springfield barrel. You may well have all four major manufacturers represented!!

[Corpsmans Kid]

Cool, like the United Nations went to war!!! What was the Smith-Corona mark and I'll look for it?

[Rick the Librarian]

I may have been mistaken on the SC part. Maybe the stock, depending on characteristics.

[Corpsmans Kid]

I've ordered a screw the was missing and a cleaning kit for it from one of the sponsors/advertisers of the forum. Not a big order but hey, Karma...

By the way, my screen name ins in recognition of my father, who was a Navy Corpsman in Korea and served with the Marines. N. Korea was not a signatory on the Geneva Convention and had a habit of picking off the Corpsmen if they could ID them.

Dad was issued an M1 carbine but tossed it after it slid down his arm a couple of times while working on a wounded Marine, hitting the injured man. He was finally issued a .45 Colt which solved the problem. Before going into combat Dad would tape ampules of Morphine to his rib cage, under his arms. This kept the morphine warm enough to inject into the wounded when needed.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

By the way, my screen name ins in recognition of my father, who was a Navy Corpsman in Korea and served with the Marines. N. Korea was not a signatory on the Geneva Convention and had a habit of picking off the Corpsmen if they could ID them.

Dad was issued an M1 carbine but tossed it after it slid down his arm a couple of times while working on a wounded Marine, hitting the injured man. He was finally issued a .45 Colt which solved the problem. Before going into combat Dad would tape ampules of Morphine to his rib cage, under his arms. This kept the morphine warm enough to inject into the wounded when needed.

God bless the Corpsman.

[Jason60chev]

How does Obama pronounce that? God Bless your Dad!

[Corpsmans Kid]

In my father's unit the men knew the name of their Corpsman. They were not to yell Corpsman or Medic. Seems the N. Koreans would shout that out to lure them out. Dad was told not to respond unless he was called by name. And can we leave the politics out of it? Thanks.