Very late number RIA 1903 I purchased today...a few questions.

[Todd2]

With a rifle pitted on the outside that badly, I would be gravely concerned about the bore. If it's not bright and shiny, you may be fondling and triggering a loaded time bomb! The cracked stock may be the least of your worries.

J.B.

JB the worst pitted picture I put up was not of the receiver or the barrel. The one that was worst was just the rear sight sleave that fits around the barrel. That part doest bare the load it's just a sleave around the barrel. Is this the pic you're talking about? Here's mine and a good one. Hopefully this is the one youre talking about I think the receiver is t that bad .

[Calif-Steve]

If the outside is so pitted what is the inside like? I would find another stock, an '03 stick if I could. Check out your magazine spring, it may be giving you some problems. Good luck.

[John Beard]

JB the worst pitted picture I put up was not of the receiver or the barrel. The one that was worst was just the rear sight sleave that fits around the barrel. That part doest bare the load it's just a sleave around the barrel. Is this the pic you're talking about? Here's mine and a good one. Hopefully this is the one youre talking about I think the receiver is t that bad .

I concur that the pitting on the outside of your rifle is no safety issue. A rifle pitted that badly on the outside, however, likely has a similarly pitted bore. If your rifle's bore is pitted like the outside and not bright and shiny, you will soon learn an explosive lesson that you will not soon forget!

And replacing the rear sight collar won't fix it!

Hope this helps.

J.B.

[Todd2]

Thanks John. I've looked down the bore with a flashlight it still has rifleing. I can't see much though I don't see any pitting but I can't get it well lit need to get a bore light. I think what I'm going to do is buy a replacement rear sight sleeve and pay a gunsmith to put it on and have him check the rifle over for me. I do feel bad that I bought this rifle in this condition but I was just so excited to see a 1903 at the shop and most of the rust was below the barrel. I'm saving up for a 1917 Eddystone next and I'll be sure to look it over better.

I concur that the pitting on the outside of your rifle is no safety issue. A rifle pitted that badly on the outside, however, likely has a similarly pitted bore. If your rifle's bore is pitted like the outside and not bright and shiny, you will soon learn an explosive lesson that you will not soon forget!

And replacing the rear sight collar won't fix it!

Hope this helps.

J.B.

[supercub]

" I think what I'm going to do is buy a replacement rear sight sleeve and pay a gunsmith to put it on and have him check the rifle over for me."

I think if I were you, I would reverse the order of your plan. Have a gunsmith check out the entire rifle, bore etal before you spend another penny on it. John is telling you basically, that nobody puts a pitted all to hell rear sight sleeve on a pristine barrel. I can't help feeling that you might want to invest in an insurance company instead of a 1917 at this time.

[John Beard]

A rifle having a corroded bore scrapes jacketing from each passing bullet. The jacketing deposit gradually builds up, restricting the bore. And then, without warning, the last shot you'll remember was extremely loud and violent! And memorable!

J.B.

[Todd2]

There is no rust or pitting on outside of barrell. Just on the rear sight collar. I looked down the bore as best I could it looks ok but not sure. I'm going to clean it with a wire brush real good to see if it looks ok.

[Todd2]

Sorry about quality the camera doesn't pic up the light very well.

[Calif-Steve]

I hate to tell you but the bore is terrible. You need a new stock and a new barrel. Chuckindenver might be able to help you, but this will be spendy. I would not shoot that rifle. Let me add this: I would take that rifle back to the shop where it came from. They certainly knew it was a non-shooter. That is deceptive and shameful and they should take it back. I fully realize this hurts, but I would never shoot that rifle, it is an expensive wall-hanger.

[vintage hunter]

I can't see much though I don't see any pitting

I looked down the bore as best I could it looks ok but not sure.

No offense intended Todd, but you obviously have a lot to learn yet regarding bore condition. That bore is well and truly stuffed. The pics are not that good but I can see severe throat erosion in the 1st one and the others show deep pits and rust/jacket fouling build up the entire length and I'm willing to bet the muzzle is eroded to the point there's no rifling left.
You should take it back to the shop you bought it from and get for a full refund. IMO, you were sold a piece of crap that's not even shooter grade and paid way more than it's actually worth.