Early 1903 Find

[tristan]

I drove by an out-of-the-way LGS yesterday that I hadn't set foot in in years and noticed a retirement clearance banner on the outside. I decided to take a look and didn't see anything all that interesting until I mentioned to the owner that I liked US military items. Out from behind the counter came a 1903 that had come in on consignment. In 10 seconds I realized one of those rare blind pig/acorn moments and agreed to buy it for $700 OTD. Whaddya think? I haven't had a 1903 in years but could not let this one go by.[/ATTACH]34664346653466634667

[Rick the Librarian]

I'd like to see a little more, but based on what I can see so far, you made out like a bandit!!

[tristan]

More

[tristan]

More. As a bonus the bore is immaculate.

[tristan]

More. Imagine my surprise when I opened the butt trap door and found a gift inside on top of everything else.

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[Rick the Librarian]

Don't go near the local police stations - you'll be arrested for grand larceny!! Beautiful rifle!!

[rebound]

Bullseye... your score 100% ON THAT FIND...

[Fred]

The photos don't show it, by is there no sight groove on top of the hand guard?

[Promo]

There are quite some closeby NM rifles in the 373.xxx and 374.xxx range. Looking forward to better pictures. I really like it!

[tristan]

Whoops, I forgot one from the top and here are two more also. If there is anything specific that anyone wants to see then just let me know. I greatly 346853468634687appreciate the feedback.

[Promo]

Hey Tristan, please remove the main coil spring and count how many coils it has.

Overall a very nice rifle which I'd be proud to have in my collection. If you ever decide to part with it, please let me know!

[John Beard]

I concur with Rick the Librarian. Grand Larceny best describes what you committed.

J.B.

[Fred]

Whoops, I forgot one from the top and here are two more also. If there is anything specific that anyone wants to see then just let me know. I greatly http://www.jouster.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=34685&stc=1http://www.jouster.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=34686&stc=1http://www.jouster.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=34687&stc=1appreciate the feedback.

It's a Beautiful rifle. Although your hand guard has the sight groove, it was one of those made before the hand guard clips started being put on. A Wonderful rifle indeed! Just Wonderful! You did quite well to come across such a rifle at all, regardless of the price you paid for it, which was highway robbery. An absolutely obscene bit of good fortune!
Good for you! :1948:

[Liam]

Ha, ha! Those stamped initials look like "O.F.C.," as in "Old Farts' Club."

[Rick the Librarian]

Ha, ha! Those stamped initials look like "O.F.C.," as in "Old Farts' Club."

ENTIRELY appropriate, given this crew!! LOL!

[rayg]

Not only is it an early 03, but it's in super condition, Ray

[ElWoodman]

Very nice find! Is it me or is the lower band/sling swivel installed backwards? Looks original...Markings on bottom of bolt safety lug should confirm if it matches...Straight handle SA, likely period. Nice!

[Fred]

Very nice find! Is it me or is the lower band/sling swivel installed backwards? Looks original...Markings on bottom of bolt safety lug should confirm if it matches...Straight handle SA, likely period. Nice!

Yes! You are correct. The rear barrel band is on backwards!

[MikeS]

Tristan,

Did you look on the back of the handguard for an S on the rounded portion top dead center just to the left of the windage knob cut out? My rifle is about 7,000 lower in serial number than yours with a 4/10 barrel. It has the handguard clips though but other than that the handguard looks identical but has the S.

Mike

[tristan]

So far I have not been able to back out the upper barrel band screw or the stacking swivel screw as both are pretty boogered. I'm trying some chemical persuasion and if I can get them out I will check for the handguard marking and will reverse the backwards barrel band.