M1903 with Message in a Box, USE IN S.A. ONLY

[Doco overboard]

I have recently come into a M1903 rifle that has in a rectangular box behind the recoil lug,
USE IN S.A. Only Has anyone seen that before that can shed some light on what it means. Another poster told me to check the drawing number on the rear sight collar which unfortunately has been lost. The only other mark is a P for proof. Serial # 1455294 barrel date 7-34 and there is a B-1 and C-R with a L drawn through the R . The only other things I know have previously been posted on barn sale rescue, the magazine box says made in Finland the brass moved front .002 and it kicks like a mule from prone.
Thanks, Brian

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Calif-Steve]

I have one of those '03's. Not common. Best idea is they are some sort of minor factory second and they were to be assembled at SA, only. I guess if there was some sort of assembly problem SA was best equipped to fix the issue. It makes for a neat find, for sure.

[Doco overboard]

Thanks Calif-Steve, I would never have guessed, because I never heard a mention of that after viewing a lot of stamp/Id markings etc. Kind of makes me wonder if someone didn't drop it before lunch time or something, that would be my luck! I'll have to measure it against some other examples and try to determine what I find to be different.
Thanks again, Brian

[browningautorifle]

it kicks like a mule from prone.

Yes, you'll always find these are more palatable from the standing.

[Calif-Steve]

A "C" stock helps as does a handload. I do not push my '03's very hard. Easy on the rifle and on my shoulder.