1903 (A-what?)

[RDG]

I traded a Chicom Tokarev I got while evacuating Saigon back in the early 1980s. I am not exactly sure how it is classified today (A-whatever), but it is clearly a 1942 rebuild with a scant stock. Shots well. No corrosion, no evidence of refinishing, overall really good condition. I am finding it difficult to figure a worth.

Information

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[browningautorifle]

Is that a Rock Island Frank Krack stamp? Nice...

[RDG]

Yes, it is RIA over FK. I have often thought it interesting that they bothered to rebuild a "low serial number" 1903, but maybe this one was heat treated or wartime demands dictated using everything available. The barrel has a mirror-like finish, and the rifling looks good to my untrained eye - I think it did not end up with very many rounds through it.

[browningautorifle]

interesting that they bothered to rebuild a "low serial number" 1903

There's a lot about that here in forum, if you search it out you'll be very interested. Not heretics shouting each other down but old experienced collectors with actual information. Well worth a read. You still have to take away what you will though...

[ed skeels]

General Hatcher issued a bulletin (No. 23-10-1) stating all servicable U.S. Rifles, Cal.30, M1903 will continue in service regardless of the serial number stamped on receiver.
(30 September 1943)
Prior to that all low number rifles were to be stripped for usable parts.
I'm sure Corporal Norton has all the note's/letter copy's of the whole episode.
Major Smith (USMC) thought Hatcher was some what daft for condemning them. I believe the Marine's kept them in Service(Conjecture?)
Ed

[RDG]

So, despite its elderly s/n, would this be considered an A3?

[browningautorifle]

would this be considered an A3

1903/A3 had a receiver sight so this isn't one.

[RDG]

1903/A3 had a receiver sight so this isn't one.

Ah, yes, my mistake. You see why this particular gun seems to defy classification. I guess it is just a rebuilt 1903.

[browningautorifle]

just a rebuilt 1903.

That's right. I didn't see it as too confusing though. Many, many old rifles underwent this very thing. Many of them were lost when the Philippines fell.

[ssgross]

You see why this particular gun seems to defy classification.

First time I've seen an RIA mark on a scant stock. I had always thought they were only used by Remington or Smith Corona in A3 production, or as field replacements. I've seen/used several field replacements, and they only have the final manufacturer's first letter marked, if anything. (Keystone has a "K" on the forend tip, with a bomb. Springfield S in the mag cutoff recess, etc.)
So, re-stocked with a field replacement during tear down and rebuild at Rock Island between 1941-1946 (Frank Krack stamp range), and re-proofed too. Does this increase the chance that it was a USMC hold-on-to? Is that an extra vent hole on the right side of the receiver in the last pic? can't see it in the first pic close up.