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Thread: Restoration of low serial numbered Model 1903 rifle

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  1. #1
    Legacy Member RCS's Avatar
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    Restoration of low serial numbered Model 1903 rifle

    I had posted this sometime before but lost the photos. This started out about 15 or 20 years ago as a Springfield low numbered receiver (no Hatcher hole) with a Rock Island RIA 5-18 dated barrel (exc bore) that I received in trade. I had put this project away and sort of forgot about it. Not long ago, I found some Springfield 1903 serial numbers from USMC rifles used at Belleau Wood during WW1. My serial number 606103 was among these numbers, but without Springfield Research documentation. I decided to restore this rifle to a post WW1 USMC rifle.

    The receiver and barrel had been hot blued, the RIA 5-18 barrel, was from information found only used on WW1 rebuilds. Chuck in Denver refinished the barreled action and did an excellent job. I had an original set of USMC sights and a nice DAL cartouched stock. Bolt was also period correct.
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    Legacy Member cplstevennorton's Avatar
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    *edit, I read that wrong.

    There are some definite close ones to yours that were issued to Marines at BW. 606113 is the closest.
    Last edited by cplstevennorton; 01-10-2022 at 07:26 PM.

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    Advisory Panel browningautorifle's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by cplstevennorton View Post
    606113 is the closest.
    That is close...too bad it's not perfect. That would be a neat piece to have. Are any known?
    Regards, Jim

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    Legacy Member cplstevennorton's Avatar
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    So far I've never seen a hit. But the chances aren't very good they even exist anymore.

    A good portion of the WWI Marine M1903 receivers were swapped with RIA in the 20's. Which probably means the Army Scrapped them.

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    Legacy Member RCS's Avatar
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    Thread Starter

    My stock used on 606103

    The only DAL carouched stock that was available for my restoration is a US Navy marked stock and also have a shovel cover from the same Battleship too

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    Advisory Panel Chuckindenver's Avatar
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    my secret aging process looks great, glad it turned out the way you like
    warpath metal finishing contact info.
    molinenorski@msn.com
    720-841-1399 during normal bus, hours.

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    Advisory Panel browningautorifle's Avatar
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    Maybe you can apply some of that secret aging to me next...
    Regards, Jim

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    Advisory Panel Chuckindenver's Avatar
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    it doesnt work the other way, were all doomed to be old,
    warpath metal finishing contact info.
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    720-841-1399 during normal bus, hours.

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