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

[Corpsmans Kid]

Got the order in for my missing screw. Installed it at the rear of the trigger guard. Now I need to look at an exploded view of the weapon to make sure I am not missing any other parts.

[emmagee1917]

Also be sure the metal tube that the rear screw goes through is there in the stock. You'll crack the stock when you shoot it if it's not there.
Chris

[Corpsmans Kid]

Thanks about the metal tube, did not know that. Do I just remove the rear screw and swing the trigger assembly out a bit to check?
I have been trying to clean the barrel bore. The history of the gun it was used for honor guard use for military funerals. Seems they never cleaned the bore. It looks pretty rough to me. Any ideas about the best way to clean a neglected bore?

[emmagee1917]

You'll have to remove both TG screws and the TG to check it. Might as well remove the nose cap and loosen and slide the bands clear and remove the action from the stock at that point. Make sure there are no hidden issues ( wood cracks , rust , pitting , etc. ) . With the action out , run hot ( as you can get / stand it ) soapy water down the bore. Fill a bucket and stick the muzzle in and use a tight fitting patch from the rear to suck the water up and back out. Long , steady strokes .Repeat with clean hot water. This should remove most or all the powder residue and remove / kill any corrosive residue. Wipe dry and then hit it with bore cleaner and brush or use the foaming bore cleaner in a can. Hopefully it's not too badly pitted. This will remove the copper fouling. If it's really bad , you may find it in layers and have to redo this a few times. Oil when done .
HTH , Chris

[Corpsmans Kid]

Yep, it's me again.

I have decided that I wish to part with this '03.
Can anybody advise me on how to get the best price for it.

Older and balder,

Corpsman Kid...

[browningautorifle]

You could bring it here for us to look at, maybe one here will make an offer while the rest suggest value. Then either place a WTB here if you have hope or put it on a forum like Gunbroker to sell...

[cplstevennorton]

If that receiver has the additional gas escape hole on the left hand side of the receiver, the one incorrectly called the "Hatcher hole." Pull that handguard and look for vise marks on the barrel.

The Marines received a lot of 9/42 SA barrels. That serial range for the RIA is also a really good USMC serial range.

The rifle sounds like it could be USMC with parts changed later.

But the drilling of the gas escape hole and the vise marks on the barrel forward of the rear sight will tell you it was rebuilt by the Marines.

[browningautorifle]

The rifle sounds like it could be USMC with parts changed later.

Got any thought about price Steven?

[cplstevennorton]

In my neck of the woods a nice shooter M1903 with a serviceable bore and wood is $800ish. If it was a Marine rifle it would add several hundred more pretty easily.

But I am not exactly the best guy to ask, I don't follow pricing like I used to.

[Chuckindenver]

any shootable 1903 is worth 800 today, ill be at the Tulsa show again this year, first weekend of April, bring by my tables and ill give it a look