Rick the Librarian
09-21-2016, 05:54
SOLD pending arrival of funds
Reduced to $900 plus shipping cost!
I have my eyes on a “prize” that I’ve been look for some time, and as a result, some things have to go down the road. For sale is an early Rock Island M1903 “project rifle” that I’ve been trying to complete for some time.
The rifle (#126,399) IS complete, but just lacking a correct CN-marked RIA M1903 stock. I bought this a number of years ago and it was an original rifle that had been sporterized by having the front part of the stock cut off. (See "before" picture below) Not having a correct RIA M1903 at the time, I set out to restore it. It has a number of original features (all that were on the rifle when I bought it):
1) The early RIA rear sight
2) The finish is original
3) The barrel, a 8-09 RIA is original
4) The smaller type windage knob and sight binding screw
5) A “1”-marked bolt which is also original for this type of RIA rifle. All original bolt parts
6) Original trigger and “internals”.
Now the “changes” I’ve made:
1) The handguard, while original to the rifle and the very early non-sighting groove type, had been cut off; my friend Rick Borecky spliced a forepiece on the front. As you can see, the “splice” is hardly noticeable.
2) The stock. The stock IS a one-bolt Rock Island from the approximate period the rifle was made (1909). It does have a large “S” on the foretip and has the “straight wall” left side seen on early stocks. However, it has a BAWL stamp (Benecia Arsenal) on the left side. Although worn, it has no cracks or missing pieces, chunks, etc. It matches the handguard almost perfectly.
3) I did add a RIA upper band when I partially restored it several years ago.
The “Mysteries”:
1) The “wedge” on the foretip of the stock has no fewer than THREE “S” stamps – all look like RIA-type stamps seen on similar rifles. My guess: The inspector had too much coffee that morning??
2) There are some parallel vise marks on the barrel near the solid FRSB. I am NOT suggesting this is a former USMC rifle, but just mentioning it.
This rifle would be a good “introduction” to those who want a correct low numbered Rock Island M1903. Totally original ones can sell in the $3000-5000 range. This one is for sale at $1000 plus shipping and insurance extra. I feel the rare early parts are worth that much. Payment is by USPS money order or other certified means.
If you have questions or comments (or want to buy), PM me courtesy of this forum or at rrsbls[AT]msn.com
Some "sample" pictures below with a link to more below them:
http://www.fototime.com/181F03AE582F46B/standard.jpg
http://www.fototime.com/1AA7D1A15D07458/standard.jpg
http://www.fototime.com/FE5583A89DDB3B0/standard.jpg
http://www.fototime.com/416CFFF4ECD4C44/standard.jpg
http://www.fototime.com/C3B3508695168F3/standard.jpg
http://www.fototime.com/A6FCEF48C0ECD9A/standard.jpg
Link to more pictures:
RIA for sale (http://www.fototime.com/inv/B9CF5D58A66D774)
Reduced to $900 plus shipping cost!
I have my eyes on a “prize” that I’ve been look for some time, and as a result, some things have to go down the road. For sale is an early Rock Island M1903 “project rifle” that I’ve been trying to complete for some time.
The rifle (#126,399) IS complete, but just lacking a correct CN-marked RIA M1903 stock. I bought this a number of years ago and it was an original rifle that had been sporterized by having the front part of the stock cut off. (See "before" picture below) Not having a correct RIA M1903 at the time, I set out to restore it. It has a number of original features (all that were on the rifle when I bought it):
1) The early RIA rear sight
2) The finish is original
3) The barrel, a 8-09 RIA is original
4) The smaller type windage knob and sight binding screw
5) A “1”-marked bolt which is also original for this type of RIA rifle. All original bolt parts
6) Original trigger and “internals”.
Now the “changes” I’ve made:
1) The handguard, while original to the rifle and the very early non-sighting groove type, had been cut off; my friend Rick Borecky spliced a forepiece on the front. As you can see, the “splice” is hardly noticeable.
2) The stock. The stock IS a one-bolt Rock Island from the approximate period the rifle was made (1909). It does have a large “S” on the foretip and has the “straight wall” left side seen on early stocks. However, it has a BAWL stamp (Benecia Arsenal) on the left side. Although worn, it has no cracks or missing pieces, chunks, etc. It matches the handguard almost perfectly.
3) I did add a RIA upper band when I partially restored it several years ago.
The “Mysteries”:
1) The “wedge” on the foretip of the stock has no fewer than THREE “S” stamps – all look like RIA-type stamps seen on similar rifles. My guess: The inspector had too much coffee that morning??
2) There are some parallel vise marks on the barrel near the solid FRSB. I am NOT suggesting this is a former USMC rifle, but just mentioning it.
This rifle would be a good “introduction” to those who want a correct low numbered Rock Island M1903. Totally original ones can sell in the $3000-5000 range. This one is for sale at $1000 plus shipping and insurance extra. I feel the rare early parts are worth that much. Payment is by USPS money order or other certified means.
If you have questions or comments (or want to buy), PM me courtesy of this forum or at rrsbls[AT]msn.com
Some "sample" pictures below with a link to more below them:
http://www.fototime.com/181F03AE582F46B/standard.jpg
http://www.fototime.com/1AA7D1A15D07458/standard.jpg
http://www.fototime.com/FE5583A89DDB3B0/standard.jpg
http://www.fototime.com/416CFFF4ECD4C44/standard.jpg
http://www.fototime.com/C3B3508695168F3/standard.jpg
http://www.fototime.com/A6FCEF48C0ECD9A/standard.jpg
Link to more pictures:
RIA for sale (http://www.fototime.com/inv/B9CF5D58A66D774)