+ Reply to Thread
Results 1 to 3 of 3

Thread: My First Springfield 1903 - Seeking Info

Click here to increase the font size Click here to reduce the font size
  1. #1
    FREE MEMBER
    NO Posting or PM's Allowed
    JeffreyJ5's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2022
    Last On
    05-10-2023 @ 01:42 PM
    Posts
    15
    Real Name
    Jeff
    Local Date
    03-28-2024
    Local Time
    09:56 AM

    Question My First Springfield 1903 - Seeking Info

    Greetings, All!

    I've recently fallen down (aggressively) the military surplus rabbit hole picking up an M1icon Garand, Springfield 1903, Enfield SMLE No. 1 MK III*, Enfield No. 4 MK I, Colt M1911 (1918) and S&W Victory Revolver... And that's just in the last two months! I'm glad to be apart of the forum here and am looking to expand my knowledge on these historical firearms. Hopefully I don't wear out my welcome on the various sub-forums here with all my questions, but here goes nothing!

    I recently acquired a Springfield 1903 and I wanted to share it with the community here in hopes of getting some expert insight into its particularities. I've done some research over the past couple weeks, but it seems like several folks floating around the various forums out there know more than I could hope to learn about these rifles. I'll post what I know below along with any questions I have. Please correct me where incorrect. Any information would be greatly appreciated!

    The serial number (1302831) appears to have been produced in 1929 by Springfield. The barrel is dated 12/28. Interestingly, the gun is equipped with a “c” stock which, if I'm reading correctly, was adopted for use in May of 1928. The “S” in the cut-off recess leads me to believe it was manufactured by Springfield. It's also double marked “RA-P” (one standard, one with a square stamp around it) which I believe means the gun was possibly overhauled by Raritan Arsenal in NJ. The bolt handle is marked “R4” which I believe correlates to a WWII-era replacement component.

    Questions:

    1) What are the chances of this being the original stock (thus making it a 1903A1)? If not original to the gun, is it likely to have been added during the arsenal process (presumably along with the new bolt handle)? Is there any way to tell when this arsenal process took place? I only learned how to identify an 03 “c” stock vs. 03A3 “c” stock after I reassembled the gun, but one of the photos may show the area where it would have been notched to allow for the 03A3 handguard ring. I haven't been able to find any comparison photos, so I'm not sure if it is or isn't notched.

    Alternatively, what are the chances it was simply added commercially?

    2) Is there any significance to the other markings shown or are they simply inspector marks?

    3) I've read that Springfield ceased production of military 1903s in 1928. Given that this serial number appears to have been made in 1929, what does this tell me about the construction of the gun?

    Thanks in advance for the expert input! I'm very excited to have picked this gun up and am looking to know everything that I can about it. She's cleaned up and ready for a range trip!

    Google Photo Album
    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.

  2. # ADS
    Friends and Sponsors
    Join Date
    October 2006
    Posts
    All Threads
    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
    Rick the Librarian's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Last On
    04-09-2023 @ 08:59 PM
    Location
    NW Washington State
    Age
    74
    Posts
    2,301
    Real Name
    Rick Slater
    Local Date
    03-28-2024
    Local Time
    06:56 AM
    I would say, based on the markings, the stock is a replacement. Type C stocks on service rifles were pretty rare until at least the mid-1930s, and often later. The two RA-P stamps are inspection/overhaul stamps from Raritan Arsenal in New Jersey. I believe the small one was an inspection stamp from when the rifle was being discarded by the military.

    Springfield continued to make "spare parts" after 1927, which were also assembled into complete rifles, which, I believe was done with yours. They produced receivers until early 1939 and spare parts through the end of 1944.
    People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.

    --George Orwell

  4. Thank You to Rick the Librarian For This Useful Post:


  5. Avoid Ads - Become a Contributing Member - Click HERE
  6. #3
    FREE MEMBER
    NO Posting or PM's Allowed
    JeffreyJ5's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2022
    Last On
    05-10-2023 @ 01:42 PM
    Posts
    15
    Real Name
    Jeff
    Local Date
    03-28-2024
    Local Time
    09:56 AM
    Thread Starter
    Thanks for the input!

+ Reply to Thread

Similar Threads

  1. Springfield 1903 Info needed
    By bsvilich in forum M1903/1903A3/A4 Springfield Rifle
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 02-17-2016, 11:41 AM
  2. Springfield 1903 info needed
    By waynes1861 in forum M1903/1903A3/A4 Springfield Rifle
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 03-12-2012, 08:43 AM
  3. Need Bolt info for 1903 Mark I Springfield
    By clement_1 in forum M1903/1903A3/A4 Springfield Rifle
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 07-17-2009, 09:30 AM
  4. Need 1903 Springfield Rear Sight Info
    By lonewolf in forum M1903/1903A3/A4 Springfield Rifle
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 04-12-2009, 06:45 PM
  5. Need 1903 Springfield info
    By Guy JR in forum M1903/1903A3/A4 Springfield Rifle
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 07-15-2008, 07:25 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
Raven Rocks