Model 1903 Serial No. 215787

[Mark Daiute]

Sometime in the next couple of months I expect to be picking up this rifle. It has a 1918 Avis barrel, the stock is fairly nice. The receiver has lost all bluing/finish, this does not bother me.

This rifle would have been born as a 30-03 rifle. I'm Happy with the 1918 Avis barrel.

I believe it was made in June of 1905. Should I be checking the stock for evidence of the Ramrod Bayonet? Wasn't production halted in June of 1905?

Where was the 1903 rifle in it's evolution in 1905?

Best,

Mark

[Fred]

Is the stock an early one with the early edges along the top sides of the receiver? How many stock bolts does it have?

[Mark Daiute]

will let you know when I have it in hand IIRC, one bolt but like I say will respond in detail when I have it in hand.

[Rick the Librarian]

If it has a 1918 barrel, it was overhauled either after WWI or later. Chances are it has a later stock and parts, as well. When you get the rifle or have another chance to look at it in detail, take some good pictures and post them.

[Mark Daiute]

If it has a 1918 barrel, it was overhauled either after WWI or later. Chances are it has a later stock and parts, as well. When you get the rifle or have another chance to look at it in detail, take some good pictures and post them.

Thanks for responding. When I get it will definitely post pictures. I will say that the finish and appearance of the stock reminds me of my Krags. It looks like its from the same era. subjective I know, but the fit and finish, the texture, is similar to my Krags. The bore is perfect. I know that the early serial numbers may not be safe but after proofing it in a tire I will likely shoot cast bullets with it using light loads.

[Rick the Librarian]

I'm assuming it is a grasping groove stock, correct? Look also for any inspection stamps.

[Mark Daiute]

Thee was a cartouche/remains of a cartouche on the left side of the wrist, hard to make out. Now I'm eager to get my hands on it. gotta pay some bills then I can finish making payments on it.

[Mark Daiute]

Assessment and critique welcomed. I watched this rifle for 3 years and no one bought it. I liked it from day one. Finally I was able to buy it. With taxes it came to 700.00. Actual purchase price was 675.00. Probably high, I know, especially for a low serial numbered 03, but I'm ok with that. Seller was not coming down and allowed me to make payments over a long time.

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e268/Mayne1713/IMG_1278_zps1decd162.jpg (http://s41.photobucket.com/user/Mayne1713/media/IMG_1278_zps1decd162.jpg.html)

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http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e268/Mayne1713/IMG_1284_zps4600483f.jpg (http://s41.photobucket.com/user/Mayne1713/media/IMG_1284_zps4600483f.jpg.html)

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http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e268/Mayne1713/IMG_1274_zpsf126e593.jpg (http://s41.photobucket.com/user/Mayne1713/media/IMG_1274_zpsf126e593.jpg.html)

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e268/Mayne1713/IMG_1273_zpse6160360.jpg (http://s41.photobucket.com/user/Mayne1713/media/IMG_1273_zpse6160360.jpg.html)

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e268/Mayne1713/IMG_1286_zps23524e59.jpg (http://s41.photobucket.com/user/Mayne1713/media/IMG_1286_zps23524e59.jpg.html)

[Mark Daiute]

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e268/Mayne1713/IMG_1279_zpsdb2ab0c4.jpg (http://s41.photobucket.com/user/Mayne1713/media/IMG_1279_zpsdb2ab0c4.jpg.html)

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e268/Mayne1713/IMG_1271_zps5f9ebc25.jpg (http://s41.photobucket.com/user/Mayne1713/media/IMG_1271_zps5f9ebc25.jpg.html)
more of same


http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e268/Mayne1713/IMG_1269_zpsee48c59f.jpg (http://s41.photobucket.com/user/Mayne1713/media/IMG_1269_zpsee48c59f.jpg.html)

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e268/Mayne1713/IMG_1276_zpsf67df999.jpg (http://s41.photobucket.com/user/Mayne1713/media/IMG_1276_zpsf67df999.jpg.html)

[Mark Daiute]

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e268/Mayne1713/IMG_1279_zpsdb2ab0c4.jpg (http://s41.photobucket.com/user/Mayne1713/media/IMG_1279_zpsdb2ab0c4.jpg.html)

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e268/Mayne1713/IMG_1271_zps5f9ebc25.jpg (http://s41.photobucket.com/user/Mayne1713/media/IMG_1271_zps5f9ebc25.jpg.html)

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e268/Mayne1713/IMG_1269_zpsee48c59f.jpg (http://s41.photobucket.com/user/Mayne1713/media/IMG_1269_zpsee48c59f.jpg.html)

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e268/Mayne1713/IMG_1276_zpsf67df999.jpg (http://s41.photobucket.com/user/Mayne1713/media/IMG_1276_zpsf67df999.jpg.html)

[madsenshooter]

Low numbered, but I'd shoot it, just like you're planning to do. I'd start with new brass and keep track of the number of loadings. Once fire formed to the chamber I'd only neck size the cases.

[Mark Daiute]

I shot it within 6 hours of getting it but from here on out it will most likely be a cast boolit shooter.

[Rick the Librarian]

The stock looks like a possible pre-1913 RIA - looks like a "ghost" of a CN stamp on the left side. Does it have a large S on the foretip of the stock.

[Mark Daiute]

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e268/Mayne1713/IMG_1289_zpsa9bd7b05.jpg (http://s41.photobucket.com/user/Mayne1713/media/IMG_1289_zpsa9bd7b05.jpg.html)

[Rick the Librarian]

Yep, the stock dates to 1913 or earlier and was originally mounted on a RIA M1903.

[Mark Daiute]

probly not a chance in hell that the parts were assmebled like that while the rifle was in service? And thanks for the info! SRS?

[Rick the Librarian]

probly not a chance in hell that the parts were assmebled like that while the rifle was in service? And thanks for the info! SRS?

Maybe, but maybe not. It has been 65+ years since the M1903 was still in active service.

[Mike D]

Glad the old gal has found a good home!

Nothing' in the SRS books on that number.

Mike

[Highpower]

I have an '03 that is a few numbers earlier than yours. Funny thing is that it too, has an Avis barrel, only dated 1-19. Mine has a early high wood stock that has had both stock bolts added to it. I can't make out the original cartouche very well, as it is covered by a POD D (Philippine Ordnance Depot) stamp, but if I squint just right I fancy I can see the remains of a script "E" (ELH?). I paid about what you did and I don't regret it at all.

http://highpower.smugmug.com/Firearms/Springfield-1903/i-JJpJVvz/0/XL/IMG_1907-XL.jpg
http://highpower.smugmug.com/Firearms/Springfield-1903/i-XRRBfq8/0/XL/IMG_0988-XL.jpg
http://highpower.smugmug.com/Firearms/Springfield-1903/i-7n2XqQ8/0/XL/IMG_2682-XL.jpg

[Rick the Librarian]

I've seen a number of POD-D stocks (Philippine Ordnance Depot) and virtually all of them had BAWL (or other derivative) markings from Benecia Arsenal - they must have all gone through there on their way overseas.

Like the pre-WWI M1903s, as well. I have 230,477 with a 1908 barrel and BHM stock.

[Mark Daiute]

Highpower: our barrels were installed 2 months apart. Have you shot yours?

Rick:

Can you post photos of what the knobs on my rear sight SHOULD look like?

[Rick the Librarian]

When the rifle was first produced (early 1900s) it would have a dished sight binding screw and a .45" windage knob:

http://www.fototime.com/E0298778853A7EB/standard.jpg

Later, the windage knob was increased in diameter to .575". A year or two later, the groove on the outside diameter of both was removed.

http://www.fototime.com/957D079665599AA/standard.jpg

IIRC, the "flat faced" windage knob came into use about 1919.

http://www.fototime.com/0E5938B9AF036D5/standard.jpg

[Highpower]

Highpower: our barrels were installed 2 months apart. Have you shot yours?



Not yet. I have a high number Springfield '03 that I shoot from time to time and also a Remington '03. Quite frankly, my eyes have gotten so bad that I have a dickens of a time seeing the sights well enough to shoot them very well. Fortunately, I still can shoot the peep sights on my 03-A3's, Garand's and M1A's well enough not to embarrass myself.