1913 ria

[Jan'42]

I have bought what appears to be a mostly original 1913 RIA - 1913 barrel, original blue, correct CN cartouched 1913 stock, correct bolt, matching year sling, 1907 RIA bayonet.

A few issues,or maybe NOT issues:
1. trigger is the "needle" type - post-1910 should have thicker/serrated type, correct?
2. Cocking piece is unlike anything I have seen - looks thinner than usual, more pronounce tulip shape etc. Cannot find a similar one ANYWHERE in references,pictures etc.
3. Circle P proof has a P that is much smaller than the circle - this appears bogus to me,or did RIA use a smaller P?
4. M1905 grips are those shocking Indian made hardwood repros. Does ANYONE make good repros in walnut, or so I need to buy a chromed parade bayonet and swap?

Who has a correct cocking piece? I do have a spare trigger I can swap out at least.

[John Beard]

I have bought what appears to be a mostly original 1913 RIA - 1913 barrel, original blue, correct CN cartouched 1913 stock, correct bolt, matching year sling, 1912 RIA bayonet.

A few issues,or maybe NOT issues:
1. trigger is the "needle" type - post-1910 should have thicker/serrated type, correct?
2. Cocking piece is unlike anything I have seen - looks thinner than usual, more pronounce tulip shape etc. Cannot find a similar one ANYWHERE in references,pictures etc.
3. Circle P proof has a P that is much smaller than the circle - this appears bogus to me,or did RIA use a smaller P?
4. M1905 grips are those shocking Indian made hardwood repros. Does ANYONE make good repros in walnut, or so I need to buy a chromed parade bayonet and swap?

Who has a correct cocking piece? I do have a spare trigger I can swap out at least.

Answers are as follows:

(1) Correct.
(2) Sounds like a non-standard replacement, or perhaps Bubba has been busy.
(3) RIA did not use a much smaller "P". Your observation, therefore, appears accurate.
(4) Don't know. I'll defer to others.
(5) I'll defer to others.

Hope this helps.

J.B.

[Fred]

Pictures?

[Jan'42]

Yes, I will post pictures later tonight - sorry for delay in response, been a bit offlately.

Thanks John for the response.

[Jan'42]

Pictures of the 1913 RIA:

[Jan'42]

More 1913

[Jan'42]

More still

[Jan'42]

Seller freely admits to carefully "highlighting" the cartouches. I can live with it considering it's likely all original, and the price was good.

[Jan'42]

Can't find the picture with the CN 1913 cartouche - it's here SOMEWHERE! Grrrrr.

Anyway, opinions appreciated.

No need to tellme the LowNumber spiel - I know all about it. I collect, and VERY VERY rarely shoot ANYTHING, so no need for concern.

[Jan'42]

No one?

[John Beard]

Your rifle appears mostly original. But the safety lock is definitely a replacement, as is the cocking piece. The cocking piece appears to be an M'03-A3 cocking piece that someone tried to lighten, perhaps to improve the lock time. The thin pointed trigger and rear sight slide binding screw appear to be from earlier rifles and may or may not be original. The bayonet scabbard is for an M1917 bayonet. As you noted, the proof mark is definitely dubious. And the bolt looks like it has been repaired.

Hope this helps.

J.B.

[Jan'42]

Bolt repaired - in what way John?

I have already replaced the cocking piece with a correct one off eBay, but have still to take delivery of the rifle.

[Jan'42]

Oh cripes a mighty! Now that bolt - it looks like a straightened Remington bolt!!! Is that what you meant John? The shape at the rear of the handle looks wrong with the "dimple" like Rem bolts have.

[John Beard]

I see no evidence that the bolt is a straightened Remington bolt. I suppose it could be, but not likely. But I do see what appears to be a replacement extractor collar on the bolt.

J.B.

[Jan'42]

Here is where I mean John.

I concur with the collar replacement.

[John Beard]

I am not aware that the notch in your photo is peculiar to Remington. I can't imagine why someone would bother straightening the handle on a Remington bolt, especially without leaving other telltale signs, such as heat discoloration.

When you receive the rifle, more photos would be appreciated.

J.B.

[Jan'42]

Now the question I almost feel embarrased asking - does the serial 230268 show an SRS hit?

I find it a little peculiar an essentially original 1913 ended up Down Under without perhaps some provenance of some description in military records - either a WW1 "trade" (which would tie in exquisitely with my family history of my Great Grandfather being seconded to lead a bunch of green Yanks in France in 1918 :) ) or a WW2 leave behind/trade/theft :)

The replaced bolt could be an indicator of souvenired... quite common for souvenirs here to have had bolts removed and / or lost.

[Rick the Librarian]

No SRS "hit", unfortunately. :(