three of my favorite 1903 rifles

[RCS]

These are three of my favorite 1903 rifles, all rebuilds, early pre or WW1 barrels and wood
and just a mixture and really not worth much but still my favorites. The receivers all came as in the photo, nothing refinished.

Anyone notice something unusual that you do not see very often ?

[Rick the Librarian]

Can't get the thumbnail to load - the "busy" symbol just keeps going round and round!

[Scott Wilson]

The lightening cut on the sight base of #3670 looks to be a little shorter than on the other two rifles. Very nice grouping.

[John Beard]

I note the small diameter windage knobs.

J.B.

p.s.,

Thanks for sharing!

[Promo]

Why is it that the follower of the rifle on the rear is such of a light grey?

[Rick the Librarian]

Looks like it was either a WWII or commercially refinished part to me. Not original to the time.

[13Echo]

Not certain what we are looking for but I'm rather taken by the graceful appearance of the serial numbers.

Jerry Liles

[RCS]

The interesting part is on the center rifle s/n 3576. The follower on the top rifle (3670) is without any finish, I had ordered another follower but received a brand new Enfield 1917 follower with the eagle stamp instead with my parts. I will find someone to trade it for a 1903 follower as it is just not worth the trouble to return just one follower.

Fred knows the answer - he has an excellent eye for details

[13Echo]

Is it the platinum line on the slider?

Jerry Liles

[RCS]

no, it is not the platinum line

[13Echo]

Obviously I'm no expert or even that familiar with '03s and I'm fishing but the only differences I see in the metal work is the middle rifle is stamped Springfield Armory and the later Springfield Arsenal, the platinum line on the sight slider , and the rather beautiful serial numbers of the slightly older rifles. Anything else is just too subtle for my inexpert eyes. Handsome rifles by the way and such early production. I bet they could tell some tales.

Jerry Liles

Jerry Liles

[Gary L. Bush]

3576 has the correct rear sight elevator.
Gary L. Bush

[RCS]

the rear sight leaf and slide on s/n 3576 are very early, the slide has the left square end and the leaf (not showing) is without the top rib. The numbers on the leaf scale are Rock Island

[oakfarm]

Repair of the high wood. Lee W.

[Fred]

I'd be interested in seeing the rest of each of those rifles!

[PeteDavis]

The square end on the slide. Early.

[RCS]

The back of the sight leaf (is that the proper name ?) is without the top rib in back too.

My Rock Island 64145 (barrel dated RIA 3-07) also has the same rear sight

[tmark]

Thanks for sharing pics of those early rifles.

[RCS]

Photos show two early rear sight leafs - both without the top bar on the backside but with the square corner on the slide. Rock Island s/n 64145 had this rear sight when I bought it

Also noticed that some of my followers in the early rifles are either polished ? or just plain wear ?

[m1903rifle]

Is that the 2400 yard sight? If so, I need it for my restoration of an early M1903 Hoffer-Thompson Gallery Practice 22cal. rifle.

[RCS]

they are not 2400 yard sights, the rifles are chambered for the 30-06 cartridge. You might find a 2400 yard sight from Joe De Christopher