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Thread: Newby needs help with my RIA 1903.

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  1. #1
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    Newby needs help with my RIA 1903.

    Hello everyone, my first post. I just recently got a Rock Island Arsenal Model 1903 (serial # 218xxx) that I was told many years ago by my grandmother that it belonged to my great uncle, who fought during WWI. The SN dates to early 1913 manufacture. The barrel date is RIA 9-12 with the bomb. The underside of the barrel is K-5 over P. The bore is pretty good considering the age. on the top of the bolt arm looks like an "R" inside a circle. On the underside of the bolt arm/handle is an "R". I think the stock is an "S" type,but no marks of any kind on the outside, and the only marks present on the inside look like two triangles. I also noted a pencil mark inside that looks like a small case cursive "w". I tried to post pics, but haven't mastered that yet, but any info would be appreciated. I also know about the low number serial number. The rifle seems to be in great condition, but I probably won't shoot it. I'm almost 70 , and am a lifelong hunter and gun owner. This is my first military rifle, and I love it. I do have a Colt 1911 45 cal. made in 1917 and carried by my uncle in WWII. I know it's difficult to tell very much without pics. I will continue to try. Maybe my grandson can help when he gets home from school.
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    A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered.  Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping.  In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail.  I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!).  CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping. Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles. Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components. Your source for the finest in High Power Competition Gear. Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.
     

  3. #2
    Advisory Panel browningautorifle's Avatar
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    I could also help post pics, just check your PM for an email address...
    Regards, Jim

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    Legacy Member pickax's Avatar
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    Just what every one searches for, an early rifle without multiple rebuilds. And yours sound interesting.
    RIA did use R marked bolts in the same time frame as yours. It was a time of upgrading and perfecting the '03 up until '13. So your rifle can be quite a time capsule if original.
    By all means take up Jims offer with detailed pics of all.
    In the meantime here is a site to help with dating and bolt codes.
    http://www.vishooter.net/m1903.html

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    Thread Starter
    Thanks. I'll try to send pictures to Jim.

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    Not very good at sending pics.

    Jim, I'm still trying to send the pics.

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    Some more pics....I'm getting better

    These are some of the pictures of the 1903 I recently inherited. I apologize for the quality. Any help or info about my rifle is appreciated. John

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    And a few more pictures.

    Any information about my rifle will be appreciated. John

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    RIA 1903---A few more pictures.

    Just trying to find out what I've got. All help appreciated. John

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    Complete rifle-- RIA Model 1903

    My complete, put-together rifle. See the other posts for more detailed pictures.

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    Regards, Jim

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