Any one exactly what I got?

[Blackhorse]

In 2009 I inherited a SA model 1903. Ser # 744321. Not an A1ect... just a regular 1903. It is in prestine condition and looked to never been fired. Knowing my uncle, it probably never was. It has its original shipment receipt dated August 28, 1958from the railroad for $28.95.
Under the front site are the letters HS, a firery cannon ball and 11 44 under the cannon ball.It has a leaf rear site with a sliding peep site and is measured out from 3-27. I figured this stood for 100 yards or meters.
It has a Bishop civilian walnut stock, free floating. The bolt handle appears to be very slightly rearward bent, but difficult to tell if this is normal or not. I understand that there are disscusion about two different bolts and am not sure how "straight" a straight bolt would be.
I read about some accident concerning serial # below 800,000. I have fired 20 round of match grade M72 173 gr with subpurb results @100 meters.
There are no tap holes and no gunsmith I took it too will tap it. I would be interested in a tapless mount however if it wont scar up the stock.

Any info would be most appreciated.
Thanks

[Johnny P]

You have a rebuild of an early heat treatment 1903 made in 1917, and by the date on the High Standard barrel, probably in 1945. It appears that your uncle sporterized it, which was common at the time.

[Blackhorse]

Thanks. So I see no reason to fear shooting it despite the low serial number. Any advice on scoping it?

[Johnny in Texas]

many people consider any S.A. 1903 below 800,000 s/n UNsafe to fire. Do a search on low number 1903 rifles safe to fire or not you will find more info. and decide for yourself.

[Randy A]

Specially the M72's those aren't exactly mild loads. Your rifle has been sporterized and they do make a no drill mount, but not worth messing with. I'll send you a PM.

[Crashyoung]

If you are aware of the low serial number warning,
here is what some one else wrote about it.
http://m1903.com/03rcvrfail/
I have an early S/N Rock Island that I don't worry
about shooting, but, if I am asked, I will say there
are warnings about the early serial numbers, but,
there have also been failures with the higher S/N
as well. No one seems concerned about that tho.

Seven out of 100,000 receivers failed from the
Springfield Armory in 1917. But the military still
issued the low number S/N rifles.

I would recommend you form your own opinion
about the risk involved, and go from there.

[Rick the Librarian]

And, on the other hand, the military scrapped every low numbered receiver on M1903s sent in for overhaul from 1927-1941. Lyon's thesis has some flaws in it.

[chuckindenver]

low number 1903s should not be fired...
however.
if you choose to do so...
ONLY fire modern factory made ammo, not surplus, or handloads.
SHT rifles wont fail out of the blue. its how they handle a failure.
using modern factory ammo, takes that chance of failure rate down to a safer number.
in my low number rifles. i try and find Remington 150 Core loct, its loaded tame, and the lighter bullets are easier on the stock..
not a rifle i shoot but once a year..