Low number Rock Island 1903

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  • Jiminvirginia
    Senior Member
    • Nov 2013
    • 972

    #1

    Low number Rock Island 1903

    Am I right that "low numbered" Rock Island made 1903's do not have the same safety issues as low number Springfields? Saw a nice looking RI in a local gun store. Tag said "low number not to shoot". Serial #about 890,000ish. I think the price was 450.00. I don't want the rifle, just curious.
  • PeteDavis
    Senior Member
    • Nov 2009
    • 364

    #2
    That would be a Springfield number and well safe to shoot.

    The cutoff for RI actions is under 285,507. Some below that may have been held back for the transition to double heat treatment.

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    • Jiminvirginia
      Senior Member
      • Nov 2013
      • 972

      #3
      Originally posted by PeteDavis
      That would be a Springfield number and well safe to shoot.

      The cutoff for RI actions is under 285,507. Some below that may have been held back for the transition to double heat treatment.
      I may be wrong on the serial # then. I guarantee the receiver said Rock Island. Perhaps I missed a 2 in front of an 8?

      Comment

      • PhillipM
        Very Senior Member - OFC
        • Aug 2009
        • 5937

        #4
        Hatcher said there were some SHT receivers found after the change to DHT and they were put in production. Hmmm?
        Phillip McGregor (OFC)
        "I am neither a fire arms nor a ballistics expert, but I was a combat infantry officer in the Great War, and I absolutely know that the bullet from an infantry rifle has to be able to shoot through things." General Douglas MacArthur

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        • Rick the Librarian
          Super Moderator
          • Aug 2009
          • 6700

          #5
          Rock Island low numbered receivers were 285,506 and below. The highest verified Rock Island receiver was 430,742.
          "We make men without chests and expect from them virtue and enterprise. We laugh at honor and are shocked to find traitors in our midst."
          --C.S. Lewis

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          • Jiminvirginia
            Senior Member
            • Nov 2013
            • 972

            #6
            There must have been a 2 before the 8 that i did not notice. The receiver externally was well worn and I did not look at it that closely. Likely the rifle is in the low number range.

            Comment

            • Fred
              Senior Member
              • Sep 2009
              • 4977

              #7
              Originally posted by Jiminvirginia
              Am I right that "low numbered" Rock Island made 1903's do not have the same safety issues as low number Springfields? Saw a nice looking RI in a local gun store. Tag said "low number not to shoot". Serial #about 890,000ish. I think the price was 450.00. I don't want the rifle, just curious.
              A higher percentage of Rock Island 1903's in service were recorded as failing than did the percentage of Springfield Armory rifles.
              Not more rifles, just a higher ratio of those in service.
              Last edited by Fred; 09-18-2016, 07:14.

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