A "worthy" stock for my LN Remigtnon M1903 ...

[Rick the Librarian]

A few years ago, I found this Remington M1903, 3,003,256, which had been crudely sporterized. It still had the original parts and original finish. (Those who think the very early Remingtons were like the rest of the M1903s and M1903A3s should really look at this one or one similar!). When the historians say the early Remingtons were just like the early post-war M1903s, they weren't kidding. I got it for a low price - in the $450-range, as I recall. What was heart-breaking was the stock still retained the crisp RLB inspection stamp.

http://www.fototime.com/55E97289E4840BB/standard.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/3E89DE7608DD24A/standard.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/B0A49E899BEEC4A/standard.jpg

Although I have avoided "restorations" in recent years, due to the lack of reasonably priced parts, I just couldn't let this just sit. My first thought was to have someone graft a fore-end on the front of the stock. However, Bubba had sanded down the top edge of the stock and this wasn't possible.

While rounding up most of the parts wasn't too hard, using some time and patience, the main stumbling block was the stock. Correct RLB-marked grasping groove stocks run into the $600 range - IF you can find them. I did run into a guy who had a well-sanded one that he was willing to let go, and I bought it. It had a faint, but distinct RLB stamp.

http://www.fototime.com/E1D9B8391934FD0/standard.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/CDD6807C2C7AF8C/standard.jpg

I still wasn't satisfied, as the metal was almost pristine and I hated using a less-than pristine stock. But, again, with the price of a correct stock in stratosphere, I decided to just get used to it.

(See below for rest of "story")

[Rick the Librarian]

About a week ago, I went to a gunshow and not too long before I left, I ran into a guy who had a high-number Rock Island M1903. While in most cases, the rifle was unremarkable, it did have a nice-looking grasping groove stock. The stock had three letters on the left side - RLB!! What was also remarkable was that the stock was off a New Zealand Lend/Lease Remington, as was the original Bubba-ized stock on my Remington!

Needless to say, the rifle followed me home and within (literally) minutes, the stock was installed on #3,003,256!! This beautiful rifle now has an equally beautiful correct stock!! As you can see, the grooves are crisp and, except for one minor gouge, has hardly a mark on it!

http://www.fototime.com/61B6C0942323DC8/standard.jpg
http://www.fototime.com/2F4ADBB008A0B1F/standard.jpg
http://www.fototime.com/C079C3BD5C8CDFF/standard.jpg
http://www.fototime.com/290388736D2779A/standard.jpg
http://www.fototime.com/1BF22758F930472/standard.jpg
http://www.fototime.com/0FF79DF03D7435B/standard.jpg
http://www.fototime.com/F16849DF5E078C2/standard.jpg

Yes, I suppose you could say it is a "parts gun", but it is beautiful to me!!

[the_1st_sgt]

I've always wanted one of the early Rem 03's. The closest I've come so far is one in the 3,026,000 range

[Emri]

Very Nice !!! What a lucky dog you are to have found such a nice stock. I would hazard to guess you paid what the stock was worth and got a free rifle with it.

I felt lucky when I found a complete firing pin/bolt sleeve assembly for my 8000 range Remington. It was in a rifle but the seller was a nice guy and I traded him a complete SA assembly and a Franklin for it, so I didn't have to buy the rifle to get it. Wish my stock was as nice as the one you found.


Emri

[Rick the Librarian]

I had just about given up - nice RLB GG stocks are so pricy, these days. I guess (sometimes) patience pays off! :)

[Fred]

Neat!

[Jeff L]

Nice!

[rebound]

I had just about given up - nice RLB GG stocks are so pricy, these days. I guess (sometimes) patience pays off! :)

In your case patience really did pay-off. Big time hit....
Send some of that luck my way would ya please...

[BEAR]

So now you have a "naked" high number RIA.

[Fred]

That stock really appears to be perfect for your rifle Rick. Dang, for you, the price you paid for the rifle it came on was absolutely worth it just for that stock. That's pretty cool!

[CPC]

Good things happen to good people. Great find.

[bruce]

Thank you for this post. Since my student days in seminary (79-82), I have adored 03 and 03-A3 rifles. Your post was a pleasure to read. You are most fortunate to have such a nice rifle. Sincerely. bruce.

[Rick the Librarian]

I have to say this rifle "makes up" for a similar rifle I turned down about 1972. It was a correct Remington in the 3,005,000 range for $50.00. I turned it down because 1) "it was too expensive" and 3) "it wasn't a REAL Springfield"! :)

[jerrbear]

We have all been down that road. It's called a learning curve. If we could only relive that again!

[Kragrifle]

Great story. I also have taken on far too many such challenges in the past in trying to get guns back to their former glory. It is always very satisfying when you save one.

[Rick the Librarian]

I think is is especially gratifying when it is a "hard to find" part like the Remington stock.

I have one more - a Rock Island 1908 rifle which came in much the same shape (sporterized stock and original metal). I've been looking for a 1908 or 1909 CN-marked stock for some time - I think you can guess how hard THAT has been!! :(

[Fred]

Heck, a very few years ago, I was offered a CN 1908 stock for $400.00 that was in pristine condition. I didn't need it of course. Shoulda coulda woulda I guess. I'm always keeping an eye peeled for things that friends have been looking for. I'll keep this in mind now Rick.

[Rick the Librarian]

Thanks, Fred... I thought my troubles were over when I found a 1906 (!!) RIA stock about a year ago, but it had the "strapped" FRSB cut and wouldn't fit my RIA (which had the solid one). So that one went down the road.

[Roadkingtrax]

Is it easier to start with a stock set or a barreled rifle?

Sounds like the Chicken and the Egg debate to me. :)

[Rick the Librarian]

That it is. It is getting increasingly hard to find a non-03A3 rifle with all matching parts in the original finish. But it is getting harder also to find certain type stocks, also in original condition. That was why I decided to try to restore both rifles.

[DWL in TN]

Congratulations Rick, I figured you'd eventually find the right stock. Would love to see a picture of the sub-inspector markings.

Did it have the notch cut for the spare parts container?

Also, do you remember what letter is stamped in the barrel channel? Just wanted to compare it with mine.

[Rick the Librarian]

Here's a closeup of the subinspection stamps. Unfortunately, I didn't think to look in the barrel chamber.

http://www.fototime.com/C61BCBC1809D62C/standard.jpg

[Smokeeaterpilot]

absolutely gorgeous stock. The metal compliments it very well. Excellent job Rick!

[PeteDavis]

Nice job.